The
Empire State Building was built in 1931. It's New York's world
famous skyscraper, nicknamed "the cathedral of the skies". It
was the tallest building in the world from 1931 to 1973.
This building, which is 443 meters tall, offers inspiring views
to visitors from around the world.
The 86th floor Observatory (320 meters) is reached by high speed
automatic elevators and has both a glass enclosed area and
spacious outdoor promenades on all four sides of the building.
From the
observatory on the 102nd floor (381 meters), visitors can see
the surrounding countryside as well as four states.
Some facts: There are 73 elevators.
6,500 windows
1,860 steps from street level to the 102nd floor.
It is one
of the seven wonders of the world. (The only one built in the
2oth century!)
On October 23, 1986, The Empire State Building was recognized as
a National Historic landmark.
This
article can be used to form a dialogue between a New Yorker
and a tourist who is curious about the skyscraper and asks a
"million questions".
The
New Yorker can include the following vocabulary:
Breathtaking view incredible legendary Art Deco style
Proud popular worth a visit
Here is
how the night view of the skyscraper is explained in a
tourist brochure:
"The incomparable night view
from the top of the Empire State building is a fantasy of lights
and stars sparkling and dancing against a panoramic background
of darkness."
Perhaps your students have already seen various Hollywood
classic films that have scenes taken on the observatory deck.
(Sleepless in Seattle, An Affair to Remember, are just two
famous films.)
A
"Thought"
The Eiffel Tower is the Empire State
building after taxes!"