7. Answer the questions:

1. When was Washington D.C. founded?

2. Where is Washington situated?

3. What state does District of Columbia belong to?

4. What are the most important places of interest in Washington?

5. What is the shape of the Washington memorial?

6. What is the design of Lincoln memorial?

7. What is the population of Washington?

8. Are there any specific laws about the height of the buildings in Washington D.C?

8. Read and translate the dialogue. Washington d.C.

– Well, Donald, could you do me a favour?

– Yes, what is it, Ronald?

– I know you have been living in Washington for about five years. You must know it very well. Could you tell me something about the capital of the USA?

– With great pleasure, Ronald. George Washington, the first President of the USA, after whom the city was named, selected the area for the capital. A hundred square miles were taken from the states of Maryland and Virginia. It was called the District of Columbia (D.C.).

– Is the city well planned?

– Yes, it is. The city is divided into four sections: NW (north-west), NE (north-cast), SW (south-west) and SE (south-east). Numbered streets run north and south: First Street, Second Street... Lettered streets such as A-street, B-street run east and west.

– I'll try to remember it.

– Bear it in mind that every section has an independent street division. If you are looking for Third Street, you should know in what section of the city it is.

– What's the heart of Washington?

– The Capitol is. All the tourists begin sightseeing from the Capitol and see the Senate Chamber, the Representative Hall, and the Statuary Hall and so on.

– Are there any monuments in the city?

– Of course. The Washington Monument which is 555 feet tail is called "Pencil" because of its shape. It is three blocks south of the White House. There is an elevator which will carry you to 500 foot level observation windows. You should also see the Lincoln memorial which is west of the Washington-monument and the Jefferson memorial which is south of the Washington monument near the Potomac River.

– I'll follow your advice. I hear the Library of Congress is worth seeing.

– That's right. It contains millions of books and manuscripts. Are you interested in churches and cathedrals?

– Yes, I am.

– You should see the Washington Cathedral in Massachusetts Avenue, the Arlington National Cemetery which is outside the city limits. John F. Kennedy was buried there. The famous Tomb of the Unknowns is worth seeing too.

9. Read the text. New york

New York, one of the largest cities in the world, was founded three hundred years ago in the mouth of the Hudson River.

The centre of New York is Manhattan Island. In 1626 it was bought from the Indians for a sum of twenty-four dollars. Today Manhattan is the centre of business and commercial life of the country. There are many skyscrapers, banks and offices of American businessmen in Manhattan. Broadway begins here; the Stock Exchange is located here. Very few people live in Manhattan, although the majorities work here. Numerous bridges link Manhattan Island with the other parts of New York.

New York is inhabited by people of almost all nationalities. It is even called «Modern Babylon». At the turn of the 20-th century a lot of people came to the USA from different countries of the world. They entered the USA through New York – the Gateway of America.

New York is one of the leading manufacturing cities in the world. The most important branches of industry are those, producing paper products, vehicles, glass, chemicals, and machinery. The city traffic is very busy.