Introduction (реферат)

Introduction

I have been learning English for a long time. Learning foreign languages
is simply impossible without knowing the history, the places of
interest the country the language of which you learn. The big City with
its skyscrapers seems to be exciting and fascinating for me. I want to
know more about The New York City, about its famous places. That is the
main reason for my choosing this topic.

Contents

1. Introduction
1p.

2. New York. Places of interest
2p.

3. Manhattan Geography 2p.

4. The Financial District 3p.

5. Greenwich Village and the East Village. 3p.

6. Statue of Liberty History 4p.

7. City Hall 5p.

8. Brooklyn Bridge 5p.

9. Liberty State Park 6p.

10. The American Museum of the Moving Image 6p.

11. Empire State building 7p.

12. The New York Aquarium 7p.

13. Central Park 9p.

New York. Places of interest.

Although New York is not the capital of the United States, it is the
biggest and most important city of the country. New York is situated on
the Atlantic coast, in the North-East of the country, in the state of
New York at the mouth of the deep Hudson River. It is the financial and
media capital of the world, the center of the American cultural life and
the national leader in fashion and entertainment. The “Big Apple” is
nickname of the city. New York , with the population of 16 mln people,
is the second largest city and the biggest sea port in the world. It was
founded in 1613 by Dutch settlers. It consists of 5 large boroughs:
Manhattan, the Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn and Richmond. There are a lot of
places of interest in New York. The most famous of them is The Statue Of
Liberty, given to the USA by France in 1886. Its torch towers about 200
feet above the harbor and can be seen at night for many miles. It is the
largest statue in the world. The Empire State Building used to be the
first, but now it is only the third tallest building in the world. It is
a 102- storied building with an observatory on he 86 floor. Broadway is
the longest street in the world. It is 12 miles long. It is the center
of entertainments. The Metropolitan Museum is by now probably the
richest museum in the world in painting and other objects of Art, due to
what had been bought from Europeans after World War Two. Besides, we can
see the works of American painters there. The Central Park is the
largest park in the world. The Fifth avenue has the best houses, hotels
and fashionable shops. Times Square is known as New York’s theatre land
the Metropolitan Museum of Art and many other museum are situated there.
The Rockefeller center belongs to the Rockefeller family. It is 15
skyscrapers housing several large corporations. It is also known as
“Radio City”. There is a theatre , too. The United Nations Headquarters
was built in 1952. The building and the grounds contain sculptures and
other works of art, donated by member nations. Among them is the gift of
the Soviet Union.

New York attract people from all over. Get on a subway in New York and
look at the newspapers that people around you are reading . One person
is reading a newspaper in Spanish , another in Chinese, yet others in
Arabic , Russian , Italian , Yiddish, and French . New York was always a
city of immigrants. It still is .

The are 5 boroughs in New York – Manhattan , Brooklyn , Queens , the
bronx , and Staten Island. Brooklyn alone has so many people that if it
were a separate city, it would be the fourth largest in the United
States.

Manhattan Geography.

Manhattan is an island just 13 miles long and 2 miles wide . It is the
center of American finance, advertising, art theatre, publishing,
fashion – and much more. The borough of Manhattan is what most people
think of New York, one of the most exciting cities in the world.

Manhattan is divided into the East Side and the West Side. The dividing
line is Fifth Avenue. So, for example , East 47th Street begins at Fifth
Avenue, as does West 47th Street.

Manhattan is also divided, with less exactness, into Lower (Downtown),
Midtown and Upper (Up-town) Manhattan. As you go North, or uptown, the
street numbers get higher. Lower Manhattan refers to street numbers
below 14th Street and Central Park, and Upper Manhattan to the renaming,
northern, part of the island.

The Financial District .

The Dutch were the first Europeans to settle Manhattan. To protect
themselves from attack, they built a sturdy wooden wall. Although it’s
now long gone, this wall gave its name to a street in Lower Manhattan
and the street, in turn, became synonymous with American capitalism. The
street, of course, is Wall Street. The New York Stock Exchange and the
American Stock Exchange are both in the Wall Street area. So are many
stockbrokers, investment blanks and others bank, and headquarters of
many large corporations.

To escape the commotion of Wall Street you can visit the nearby South
Street Seaport, an open area of low buildings on the East River. In
addition to many shops and restaurants, the seaport has a museum.

Appropriately, the very first business deal in Manhattan was made in
what became the financial district. As every American schoolchild knows,
the Dutch bought Manhattan from the Indians, for the ridiculously low
price of 24 dollars worth of beads and trinkets. There is, however,
another, less known side of this: evidently, the Indians who had sold
Manhattan did not themselves live there or in any sense own it. The
Dutch and the Indians alike walked away pleased.

Greenwich Village and the East Village.

Greenwich Village and the East Village have always been at the center
of New York’s excitement. Both have been places for people with
different and creative ideas. Both have an active nightlife with plenty
of bars, restaurants and clubs.

In the early 1900s the charm Greenwich Village attracted bohemians –
writers and artists. By the 1920s, the streets of the Village were
filled with other people, curious to see how these odd Villagers lived.
The artists and writers began moving out, some to the East Village.
Today, the Village has many elements : students attending New York
University ; an active jazz scene; and in Washington Square – it’s
center – street performers, police. Drug dealers, joggers, roller
skates, and just about everyone else.

When bohemians moved to the East Village 1920s, they found an area
similar to the Lower East Side. There were many immigrants, much dirt
and grime. The East Village has changed very little. Over the years it
has been a center for many movements – for the beat poets of the 1950s,
the hippies of the 1960s, and, more recently, for New York’s punk scene.

Statue of Liberty History

The Statue of Liberty National Monument officially celebrated her 100th
birthday on October 28, 1986. The people of France gave the Statue to
the people of the United States over one hundred years ago in
recognition of the friendship established during the American
Revolution. Over the years, the Statue of Liberty has grown to include
freedom and democracy as well as this international friendship. Sculptor
Frederic Auguste Bartholdi was commissioned to design a sculpture with
the year 1876 in mind for completion, to commemorate the centennial of
the American Declaration of Independence. The Statue was a joint effort
between America and France and it was agreed upon that the American
people were to build the pedestal, and the French people were
responsible for the Statue and its assembly here in the United States.
However, lack of funds was a problem on both sides of the Atlantic
Ocean. In France, public fees, various forms of entertainment, and a
lottery were among the methods used to raise funds. In the United
States, benefit theatrical events, art exhibitions, auctions and prize
fights assisted in providing needed funds. Meanwhile in France,
Bartholdi required the assistance of an engineer to address structural
issues associated with designing such as colossal copper sculpture.
Alexandre Gustave Eiffel (designer of the Eiffel Tower) was commissioned
to design the massive iron pylon and secondary skeletal framework which
allows the Statue’s copper skin to move independently yet stand upright.
Back in America, fund raising for the pedestal was going particularly
slowly, so Joseph Pulitzer (noted for the Pulitzer Prize) opened up the
editorial pages of his newspaper, “The World” to support the fund
raising effort. Pulitzer used his newspaper to criticize both the rich
who had failed to finance the pedestal construction and the middle class
who were content to rely upon the wealthy to provide the funds.
Pulitzer’s campaign of harsh criticism was successful in motivating the
people of America to donate.

The story of the Statue of Liberty and her island has been one of
change. The Statue was placed upon a granite pedestal inside the
courtyard of the star-shaped walls of Fort Wood (which had been
completed for the War of 1812.) The United States Lighthouse Board had
responsibility for the operation of the Statue of Liberty until 1901.
After 1901, the care and operation of the Statue was placed under the
War Department. A Presidential Proclamation declared Fort Wood (and the
Statue of Liberty within it) a National Monument on October 15th, 1924
and the monument’s boundary was set at the outer edge of Fort Wood. In
1933, the care and administration of the National Monument was
transferred to the National Park Service. On September 7, 1937,
jurisdiction was enlarged to encompass all of Bedloe’s Island and in
1956, the island’s name was changed to Liberty Island.

City Hall

ts future remains uncertain, but its story is fascinating.

Brooklyn Bridge INCLUDEPICTURE
“http://www.nyctourist.com/images/bridge/from_pier1.jpg” \*
MERGEFORMATINET

A VISION FOR A BRIDGE: Plans for a crossing between the city of Brooklyn
and lower Manhattan dated back to the early 1800’s. When the East River
crossing was planned, Brooklyn, with about 400,000 residents, was still
more rural than urban. The city of New York – which at the time
consisted only of Manhattan – had twice as many residents, and the
bridge was seen as a solution to overcrowding in Manhattan while
spurring development in Brooklyn. The bridge would enable people and
goods to cross the East River quickly, regardless of weather conditions.

From The Great Bridge by David McCullough: A bridge over the East River,
joining the cities of New York and Brooklyn, had been talked about for
nearly as long as anyone can remember… But nothing was done. The chief
problem was always the East River, which is no river at all technically
speaking, but a tidal strait and one of the most turbulent and in that
day, especially, one of the busiest stretches of navigable salt water
anywhere on earth. “If there is to be a bridge,” wrote one man, “it must
take one grand flying leap from shore to shore over the masts of the
ships. There can be no piers or drawbridge. There must be only one great
arch all the way across. Surely this must be a wonderful bridge.”

INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.nycroads.com/crossings/brooklyn/img8.gif”
\* MERGEFORMATINET Original cross-section of the roadway on the
Brooklyn Bridge. (Figure by Paul Phillipe Cret and Rudolphe Modjeski.)

Liberty State Park

With the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island as a
spectacular backdrop to this urban park, Liberty State Park is an
extraordinary and unique public resource. The park hosts more visitors
than any other in New Jersey, currently over 4 million/year, testament
to the public’s interest in this special place. Major festivals and
other events are often held in the park. The historic Central Railroad
of New Jersey Terminal (CRRNJ), a grand setting for much of New Jersey’s
transportation history in the northeast, sits prominently at the north
end of the park. Liberty Walk, a 2 mile promenade, links a picnic area,
interpretive center and the CRRNJ Terminal while presenting visitors
with a sweeping view of the Hudson River. Liberty Science Center, a
popular attraction for students and families, is located in the park’s
western section. Liberty State Park contains both estuarine and upland
habitats. Herons, egrets, migratory shorebirds, and waterfowl utilize
habitat at the park. In the winter, long-eared owls are often seen near
the interpretive center. Liberty State Park was once an urban industrial
area. As a result of this historical land use, the Division of Parks and
Forestry has spent the past 25 years planning and building park
infrastructure as well as remediating the site for public enjoyment. As
part of the Division’s waterfront improvement initiative for Liberty
State Park, development of an 88 acre Green Park was completed in 1999.
The Green Park is made up of crescent lawns, trails and landscaping
improvements, including newly planted trees, shrubs and wildflower
meadows. Approximately 4 miles of paved walkways have been added, as
well as 7 plaza areas located along Liberty Walk, providing views of
Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty. The “Save Ellis Island!”
initiative is meanwhile taking action to restore important historic
features of the island where, long ago, immigrants to this country made
their first stop.

The American Museum of the Moving Images

34-31 35th Street Astoria, NY

INCLUDEPICTURE “http://www.nyctourist.com/images/ammi/exterior.jpg” \*
MERGEFORMATINET The American Museum of the Moving Image specializes in
the art, technology and history of moving image technology. The museum
presents exhibitions, film screenings, lectures, publications, community
filmmaking, conferences and seminars. There is something for everyone
here, with exhibits geared towards “hands-on” experiences. Some examples
of this are: dubbing your own dialogue over an existing movie’s
soundtrack, electronically “trying on” famous movie costumes, editing
film, creating movies of yourself, and many, many behind the scenes
attractions. An entire day can easily be spent here.

Empire State building

350 Fifth Avenue At Fifth Avenue and 34th Street stands New York City’s
most famous fixture – starring in over 90 movies, a star of gigantic
proportions – The Empire State Building.

Having held the record as the world’s tallest skyscraper for 40 years –
the symbol of this city was constructed in only two years – 1930 to 31
and the 1,453 foot colossus instantly became a tourist magnet. Even King
Kong came to visit!

Enter the spacious Art Deco lobby lathed in 10,000 square feet of
marble, and head downstairs for your ticket to the observation levels.
Lines get pretty long, especially during summer and the holiday season,
but you can fit a trip here any time into your itinerary, they’re open
from 9:30 a.m. until midnight every day.

The New York Aquarium

specimens of wildlife.

In 1941, the Aquarium at Battery Park was closed due to the proposed
construction of a bridge from lower Manhattan to Brooklyn. The
Aquarium’s inhabitants were temporarily housed at the Bronx Zoo until
the new aquarium was built after WWII. On June 6th, 1957, the Aquarium
opened its doors at its new location in Coney Island, Brooklyn.

Situated on 14 acres by the sea in Coney Island, the New York Aquarium
is home to over 350 species of aquatic wildlife and over 8,000
specimens. The Aquarium continues its mission to raise public awareness
about issues facing the ocean and its inhabitants with its special
exhibits, public events and research. At the Aquarium’s Osborn
Laboratories of Marine Sciences (OLMS), several studies are currently
underway investigating such topics as dolphin cognition, satellite
tagging of sharks, and coral reefs.

Seahorses (Opened April 20th, 2000):

A stampede of horses began greeting visitors to the New York Aquarium
this spring. Seahorses, that is. Located in Sea Cliffs, this new exhibit
features pygmy seahorses, pot-bellied seahorses, giant seahorses,
pipefish and the dramatic leafy and weedy sea dragons. Find out why
these amazing animals are nicknamed “Mr. Mom” and how they use
camouflage to blend into their surroundings. See how they use a
prehensile tail to stay in place and a suit of armor for protection.

Sea Cliffs:

How much does a walrus weigh? Do sea lions have ears? Could you survive
in the ocean? Can you hold your breath as long as a seal? What does a
California sea otter feel like? The answers to these questions and many
more can be found in this exciting 300-foot recreation of a rocky
Pacific coastal habitat. Sea Cliffs is home to walruses, sea otters,
penguins and seals, all of which can be viewed above and below the
water, along with many different species of fish, invertebrates and
plant life.

Explore the Shore:

Experience the energy of electric fish , and walk through a salt marsh.
Stay dry under crashing waves and touch sea stars, crabs and urchins.
See the wonders of kelp beds, magnificent coral formations and hundreds
of fish species. Hands-on exhibits and video displays delight all in
this indoor education and exhibit center.

Aqua theater:

Marine mammal demonstrations are held daily in this 1600 seat stadium.

Beluga Whales:

Did you know Beluga means “white” in Russian? Called the “canaries of
the sea,” watch as our Beluga whales swim by the huge panoramic windows
of their exhibit.

Sharks:

See eye-to-eye with 400-pound sand tiger sharks. Watch kite shaped
stingrays “fly” through the water while ponderous nurse sharks patrol
the floor of this 90,000-gallon exhibit. And, of course, the New York
Aquarium is home to thousands of other beautiful and exotic fish. Visit
today!

HYPERLINK
“http://www.centralpark.org/” \t “_blank” Central Park

59th (Central Park South) to 110th Street (Between 5th and 8th (Central
Park West) Avenues)

Central Park, an 843-acre retreat in the midst of bustling Manhattan,
was developed in 1858 by Frederick Olmsted, the famous landscape
architect, and Calvert Vaux. The park combines beautifully landscaped
areas with a remarkable variety of recreational facilities. Among its
many features are: Belvedere Castle, with scenic views and the
children’s Discovery Chamber. The Carousel with its beautiful and
historic hand-carved horses. Central Park Zoo (at 64th Street), with
animals living in a 5-acre habitat. The Charles A. Dana Discovery Center
, with scenic views, hands-on exhibits, and family workshops.
Conservatory Garden. Delacorte Theater (at 79th Street), host to the
famous annual Shakespeare in the Park Festival. Great Lawn, featuring
New York Philharmonic performances. The Heckscher Puppet House, with
weekday shows at 10:30am and noon. Lasker Rink. Summer Stage, presenting
free performances and events May through August. Swedish Cottage
Marionette Theatre with performances Tuesday through Friday. Walkman ice
skating rink (at 62nd Street), which is open year-round, with
ice-skating in the winter, and roller skating and miniature golf in the
summer. Also available are the Bethesda Fountain, a model yacht pond,
carousel, two rowing lakes and Sheep Meadow. Guided tours of the Park by
Manhattan National Park Rangers, featuring historic and natural history.
The free tours, on Saturdays and Sundays, last approximately one and
one-half hours, and include a good amount of walking. Horse-drawn
carriages. The Dairy in Central Park near 64th Street and 5th Avenue is
an exhibition -information-sales center for the park where slide
presentations on the park are shown continuously. The Dairy is the
location of the Central Park Visitor and Information Center. Horse
enthusiasts will find plenty of bridle paths, and horse rentals are
available at the West 72nd St stables. Visitors to Central Park can
cruise the park lake on a Venetian gondola. The 37.5 foot Daughter of
Venice was built in Venice and donated to the city by New York
Philanthropist Lucy Moses. The gondola rides must be reserved by calling
the boat house at the above number.

The conclusion

To finish with it’s obligatory to admit that During my working on the
paper, I have learned a lot of facts concerned The New York City. It was
interesting to find out many places of interest of this beautiful
Megalopolis. And to add to this , I got closely acquainted with many
remarkable buildings, theaters, parks. I hope this knowledge will help
many pupils to study foreign countries. While doing my work I increased
the level of my knowledge of English. I hope the paper, I have made,
will be useful and interest for both teachers and students of you
school.

BYISK GYMNASIUM №11

FOPREING LANGUAGES CHAIR

Paper

The New York City

Places of Interest

Form

Name

Instructor

Mark

Date

2003

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