The aims of the lesson

The aims of the lesson: • • • to form skills in speaking on the topic about Washington; to form skills in using accurate grammar structures and a good range of vocabulary appropriate to the context and function; to help students to make a mini-project «My guide tour around Washington D. С. » ;

Look at the map and explain, where Washington D. C. is located:

Let’s check now: Washington D C, the capital of the USA is situated not far from the east coast of the country, on the banks of the Potomac River. Does Washington belong to any state ? No, it belongs to the District of Columbia that is a special area.

Let’s read the following information about Washington DC: The location of the city on the Potomac river was the result of a political compromise between the wishes of the northern and the southern states. Washington was founded in 1791. The city was built according to a plan with wide avenues which radiate from two main centres. One of them is the Capitol and the other is the White House. Pennsylvania Avenue

You should remember these facts (It will help you to do your tests at the end of the lesson!) Washington is not the largest city in the country, for it cannot be compared in size with the cities like New York, Chicago, Detroit and Los. Angeles. But in the political sense it is the center of the country. It is the home of government. Washington industry is not well developed, although some "clean" industries, high-technology and light industry, research establishments have recently been set up in the surrounding areas. Tourism is one of major importance, bringing in millions of visitors to swell the resident population.

The imposing Capitol, crowned with its huge dome, stands at the end of the wide grassy Mall. Capitol is the нighest building here. It’s not allowed to build houses taller then the Capitol. The Capitol got his name in the analogy with ancient Roman cathedral – Capitol. Behind the Capitol, in the separate buildings, stand the Supreme Court and the Library of Congress.

Look at this photo: What’s the name of this building? The US Supreme Court is the place where laws are interpreted.

Washington is fundamentally a monumental city. The central point of it is Jenkins Hills, commonly called the Hill, or the Capitol Hill. The focus point for sightseeing in Washington is the cluster of impressive buildings and monuments around the broad sweep of grassy parkland in the form of a cross that lies between the Potomac River and the Capitol.

Look at the dome this impressive building once again: • It looks fantastically beautiful at night ! • Its height is is 288 feet. • From the basement floor to the top of the dome there are 365 steps. • The building has 540 rooms, 658 windows (108 in the dome alone) and 850 doorways. The Capitol is the heart of Washington.

The Library of Congress serves as the research arm of Congress. It is also the largest library in the world, with more than 130 million items on approximately 530 miles of bookshelves. Tell us please what hobby may be the most popular in Washington? (_ _ _ _)

This Library of Congress picture shows the Reading Room in the Thomas Jefferson Building. You can order a book and do research here or just look at the Reading Room from a balcony.

On the Northern arm of the cross there's the White House, the residence of the US President. The White house is the earliest of all public buildings in Washington. It’s very interesting to learn that first it was called the President House. It was completed in 1800 after a contest to find a suitable design and in 1814 it was burnt down by the British troops (during the War for Independence), and then restored and painted in white to hide the smoke marks. So people started calling it the White House.

Look at the white House from the other side:

It’s interesting to know: There are 132 rooms, 35 bathrooms and 6 levels in the Residence. There also 28 fireplaces and 3 elevators. The famous Oval Office opened in 1909 has become the symbol of the Presidency.

There a lot of monuments and memorials in the city and many of them are connected with the names of famous people who are very honoured by all Americans.

Do you know the name of this person? What is he famous for? George Washington was not only the first president of the United States of America and a famous commander in-chief of American Army. He also chose the place where the permanent capital, called in his honour as built. Among the Founders of the United States, George Washington earned the title "Father of his Country" in recognition of his leadership in the cause of American independence.

The most famous monument in Washington is…. the elegant Washington monument, a marble monument obelisk with an elevator and an observation deck at the top.

Can you remember how tall the monument is? • It is 555 feet or about 170 m tall; • The Washington Monument, Monument the tallest stone structure in Washington, is on the Potomac River. • It was opened to the public in 1888. • It is called the "Pencil" because of its shape. • There is an elevator, which will carry you to 500 -foot level observation windows.

This is the Jefferson Memorial What is Thomas Jefferson famous for?

Thomas Jefferson, the author of the Declaration of Independence. Thomas Jefferson was known for his high intelligence. He was a political philosopher, architect, musician, book collector, scientist, diplomat, inventor and the third President of the United States.

Look at these photos: • Who is this memorial devoted to? What does it look like? • Remember the name of this man. What is he famous for?

Abraham Lincoln, (1861 – 1865) 16 th President of the USA As President he wrote the Emancipation Proclamation that declared forever free slaves within the USA.

The National Mall's origins are as old as the capital city itself. The open space and parklands created an ideal stage for national expressions of remembrance, observance and protest. About 2, 000 American elms line the Mall and 3, 000 Japanese cherry the Tidal Basin.

The overhead view of the National Mall in Washington Capitol Washington Monument Tidal Basin Lincoln Memorial Jefferson Memorial

The Reflecting Pool as it is seen from the top of the Washington Monument. the Reflecting Pool Fact about the Reflecting Pool: Width: 167 feet Length: 2029 feet Depth: 18 inches on sides - 30 inches in center Amount of Water: 6, 750, 000 gallons

THE SMITHSONIAN was established in 1846 by an act of Congress as an institution for the "increase and diffusion of knowledge. " Congress intended to set up a museum, a library, and a program of "active operations" for research and publications.

By the 1850 s the organization was called the U. S. National Museum and housed in the first Smithsonian building, then and now known as «the Castle» . The Smithsonian Castle has the Smithsonian Information Center and administrative offices.

The Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum is the most popular museum on the Mall.

This picture shows the Wright brothers plane that hangs inside the National Air and Space Museum. It is the original Wright brothers plane that made the first flight in the history of mankind.

The National Arboretum in Washington DC has 446 acres filled with trees, plants and flowers. It is a hidden treasure that few residents and tourists visit. You can walk, ride a bicycle or drive on the many winding roads in the National Arboretum. There is an area with picnic tables.

You can discover the world of espionage and spies at the international Spy Museum in Washington DC. This amazing espionage museum opened in July 2002 and is extremely popular.

National Portrait Gallery

Before we say good bye to Washington let us enjoy the most attractive pictures and remember their names: