Unit 4 washington, d.C.

1. Read and memorize:

dominate - возвышаться

wing - крыло

contain - содержать в себе

inauguration - инаугурация

dedicate - посвящать

law - закон

sign - подписывать

accomplishment - достижение

temple - храм

brood - размышлять

surround - окружать

inscribe - писать

colossal - громадный

vast - обширный

wind - обвивать

hollow - пустотелый

shaft - столб

tomb - могила

seize - захватить

site - участок

2. Read and translate the text:

Washington is the capital of the United States of America.

When George Washington became the first president he chose the place for the new capital, which was named after him.

Washington is situated in an independent area on the east coast of the Potomac River, named District of Columbia after Christopher Columbus and it was planned by a French artist and architect who had fought in the Revolutionary War, Pierre L'Enfant.

Washington has been described as the most beautiful capital city in the world and the most beautiful American city. As the matter of fact it has nothing characteristically American in it, as its conception is purely French. It has long wide avenues, gardens, beautiful parts and no skyscrapers at all. Many tourists come to Washington every summer to see the nation's capital and get .acquainted with some of its sights.

The Capitol.

The Capitol is the seat of the US Congress. Building of the Capitol was begun in 1793. In 1800 the building was partly finished, and Congress removed from Philadelphia.

The Capitol Building dominates all Washington. The Capitol consists of a central building and two wings. The north wing contains the Senate Chamber, and the south wing - the House of Representatives.

Both chambers of the Congress are open to public. They have visitors galleries, there is a special gallery for foreign diplomats. Special places are set aside for press, radio and TV representatives.

Inauguration of presidents and vice-presidents are held in front of the Capitol.

Jefferson Memorial.

Jefferson Memorial is dedicated to Thomas Jefferson, third president, author of the nation's Declaration of Independence. On the walls of the memorial are passages of his writings: "... laws and institutions must go hand in hand with the progress of the human mind..."

Jefferson died on July 4, 1826, the fiftieth anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Among his many accomplishments, he wished to be remembered most of all as the author of this document and as a founding father of the University of Virginia.

Lincoln Memorial.

Lincoln Memorial, designed by Henry Bacon, is of white marble, built like a Greek temple. It was set high on the edge of the Potomac River. Lincoln often came to its banks to brood upon the outcome of the union. The 36 columns surrounding the walls represent the 36 States in the Union at the time of Lincoln's death. The words of two of Lincoln's major speeches are inscribed on the inside walls of the memorial.

The memorial chamber contains a colossal statue of Lincoln. It is seated in the center, facing the Capitol. The figure, 19 feet tall, was designed by David French.

Washington Monument.

The 555-foot Washington Monument is the tallest stone structure in the world. An elevator carries the visitor to the top where he can enjoy the vast panorama of the city. Or he can walk the 898 steps which wind round in the hollow shaft.

Arlington National Cemetery.

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the Arlington National Cemetery is dedicated to all American soldiers and sailors who lost their lives in World War I.

Before the Civil War, Arlington was the home of Robt E. Lee. After he took command of the Virginia forces, the Union seized it. Arlington House was turned into a hospital, the dead were buried close by. In 1864, the site became a national cemetery.