Year 2: A2 reading Statue of Liberty

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• mavo, havo
• Leerjaar 2

Today's English Class

Learning about The Statue of Liberty

by using your reading skills

Reading practice in pairs.

Two people, one laptop a notebook and a pen.

Today's English Class

Learning about The Statue of Liberty

by using your reading skills

Overview:

- Waking up your brain

- Reading practice 

- Evaluation 

The Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty

The Statue of Liberty, arguably one of New York City’s most iconic symbols, is a popular tourist attraction for first-time visitors to the city. This 150-foot monument was gifted to the United States from France in order to celebrate 100 years of America’s independence. The statue is located on Liberty Island, and it is accessible by taking a ferry from either Battery Park in New York City or Liberty State Park in Jersey City.

Who gifted the Statue of Liberty to the United States?

1. The Dutch
2. The French
3. The British
4. The Spanish

What was the Statue of Liberty intended to celebrate?

1. Open immigration to the United States
2. The end of the Civil War
3. A century of American independence
4. Economic recovery from the Great Depression

Some fun facts 

• Her official name is "Liberty Enlightening the World"
• Nicknames are "Statue of Liberty" and "Lady Liberty"
• The statue itself is approximately 150 feet = 46 meters
  
• Dedicated in 1886, it took a decade to build it
  
• She was built by Gustave Eiffel

The Statue of Liberty

When Jill visited the Statue of Liberty for the first time, she instantly admired it as a symbol of freedom. Jill made sure to make reservations before her visit, because only 240 people are permitted to climb the staircase to the top of the statue every day. After climbing almost 400 stairs, Jill received spectacular views of the city from the statue’s crown.

How many people are permitted to climb the statue’s stairs per day?

1. 100
2. 400
3. 240
4. 150

From which part of the statue did Jill receive spectacular views of the city?

1. The nose
2. The torch
3. The eyes
4. The crown

Some more fun facts

• She wears a robe, a crown, a tablet, a torch and broken chains
  
• From the ground to the torch: 305 feet = 93 meters
• Since 1916, visitors aren't allowed to climb up to the torch anymore
• She has been struck by lightning over 600 times

The Statue of Liberty

During her visit, Jill learned that the Statue of Liberty was not always the color that it is now. She found out that because the statue’s exterior is made of copper, the statue oxidized over time, giving it the greenish appearance it has in present day. When it was first constructed, the statue was the same color as a shiny penny!

Why has the Statue of Liberty changed color over time?

1. New York's poor air quality has eroded the statue
2. The statue is poorly maintained by the city
3. It was painted green during restorations
4. Its copper exterior oxidised

Facts...

• She was assembled without scaffolding.
  
• The statue sometimes moves around.
• She wears size 879 (US) sandals.

Proof of Lady Liberty moving...

Click here

Evaluation: Which fact did you find most interesting?

Classwork

• Student's book page 15
• Reading an article: Red Nose Day
• Do exercise 1 through 5
• Write down your answers in your notebook.
• Done?
• Page 14 and 15 of your workbook, review unit 1.
• All finished? That's amazing, let me know!

learnenglishteens.britishcouncil.org