Philadelphia

One of the main cities of the United States of America is Philadelphia. It is situated in the east of the USA.

Now Washington is the capital of the USA, but Philadelphia was the first capital of the United States of America from 1790 till 1800. Many people consider that Philadelphia is an important political centre of the USA, because the USA constitution was the first written constitution in the world adopted in this city in 1787.

Philadelphia is a seaport and a shipping centre of the country, too. It is an important manufacturing centre. Some branches of industry are developed in the city.

There are many sights in Philadelphia, for example, the Independence National Historical Park. You can see many monuments in it. If you want to learn the history of America you have to learn something about the Liberty Bell. Now the Liberty Bell is a symbol of freedom. The sound of this Bell told the people about the first public reading of the Declaration of Independence. It was in July, 1776.

Philadelphia is one of the cultural centres of the country. The Parkway is the cultural centre of Philadelphia. You can see the Philadelphia Museum of Art (one of the greatest art museums of the world), College of Art, Academy of Sciences and the Academy of Fine Arts there.

There are many hotels, theatres, shops and museums in Philadelphia.

There is the Pennsylvania University in Philadelphia. This University has got an interesting and big library.

Philadelphia is a beautiful city with many skyscrapers in it.

Exercises:

1. Answer the following questions:

1 Where is Philadelphia situated?

2 Philadelphia was the first capital of the USA, wasn't it?

3 Where was the first USA constitution adopted?

4 When was the Declaration of Independence proclaimed?

5 Is Philadelphia a shipping centre of the country?

6 What sights do you know in Philadelphia?

7 What is the symbol of freedom in Philadelphia?

8 Are there many hotels, theatres and museums in the city?

9 Can you see a lot of skyscrapers in Philadelphia?

10. Philadelphia is a beautiful city, isn't it?

2. Fill in the gaps:

1. Now Washington is... of the USA.

2. Many people consider that Philadelphia is an important political... of the USA.

3. Philadelphia is a... and a shipping centre of the country, too.

4. There are many... in Philadelphia, for example, the Independence National Historical Park.

5. Now the Liberty Bell is a... of freedom.

6. Philadelphia is a beautiful city with many... in it.

Unit 7