Clasa a VIIa – Subiectul 1

SUBIECTUL I – Reading Comprehension (30 p)

1. Read the following text and answer the questions: (2.5x6 = 15p)

The Statue of Liberty, which is one of the best-known monuments in the world, was presented to the United States of America in the nineteenth century by the people of France. The French made the gift in memory of the help which France gave the Americans during the war of Independence against the English.

The great statue was designed by the French sculptor Frederic Bartholdi, and it took ten years to complete. The statue is made of cooper and it is supported by a metal framework which was especially constructed by Gustave Eiffel, the engineer who built the Eiffel Tower in Paris. The site chosen for the statue was an island at the entrance of New York Harbour. In 1884 the statue, which was 151 feet high, was erected in Paris. The following year it was taken to pieces and carried to America, where it was placed on a large pedestal, 151 feet high, so the statue is altogether 305 feet high. It weighs 225 tons.

In 1886 the statue was put together again and it was officially presented to the American people by Bartholdi. Even since then, the great monument has welcomed the millions of people who have passed through New York Harbour.

1. Who presented the Statue of Liberty as a gift to the Americans?2. How long did it take the sculptor to finish the statue?3. When was the statue first assembled and where?4. When was the statue officially given as a present?5. Where is the Statue of Liberty located?6. Why was it given as a gift?

2. Read the text and answer True or False (2.5x6 = 15p)

I have returned to my hometown of Wilson Creek after an absence of 10 years.So many things have changed around here. When I left Wilson Creek, there was a small

pond on the right as you left town. They have filled in this pond and they have built a large shopping mall there. A new post office has also been built just across from my old school.

There is a baseball stadium on the outskirts of Wilson Creek which has been changed completely. They have now added a new stand where probably a few thousand people could sit. It looks really great.

The biggest changes have taken place in the downtown area. They have pedestrianized the centre and you can't drive there anymore. A European-style fountain has been built and some benches have also been added along with a grassy area and a new street cafe.

My street looks just the same as it always has, but a public library has been built in the next street along. There used to be a great park there but they have cut down all the trees which is a pity. The library now has a large green area in front of it but it's not the same as when the park was there.

Another improvement is the number of new restaurants that have opened in Wilson Creek. A Chinese and an Italian restaurant have opened in the town centre and a Mexican restaurant has opened near my home. Which is where I am going tonight!

1. Jake's school doesn't exist anymore.2. They have improved the baseball stadium.3. It's only possible to reach the downtown area on foot.4. The buildings in the centre of the town look European.5. He is sad about the park being ruined.6. Jake is going to eat Italian food tonight.

Clasa a VIIa – Subiectul 1

Barem de corectare

SI

1. The statue was presented as a gift by the people of France.2. It took the sculptor ten years to complete.3. In 1884 in Paris.4. It was officially presented as a gift in 18865. In New York.6. It was given as a thank you gift for the help the Americans gave the French during the

Independence war against England.

SII

1. F2. T3. T4. F5. T6. F