The Empire State Building

The most famous building in a city famous for its buildings, to this day the ESB is a cherished symbol of New York held in high esteem by the city's millions of residents, and has become an icon to the world. This present state of grandeur has roots that run deep. The Empire State Building was begun amid unlikely circumstances. During the American depression of the early 20th century, most large construction projects were canceled. Jobs were hard to find, and workers were eager to earn their wage, so construction continued through weekends and holidays, allowing the building to be finished ahead of schedule. The depression also made building materials much cheaper. The building, itself, cost $24,718,000.00 -- about half of its original anticipated price.

The Empire State Building is 1,453 feet 8 and 9/16th inches tall from street level to its highest point -- a lightning rod. This is on top of the foundation which rests 55 feet below ground. From the lobby level it is possible to ascend to the 80th floor in just 45 seconds thanks to a system of 73 elevators. With all this technology and strength, it's important to note that the ESB didn't have air conditioning for its first few decades. The first air conditioning system was installed in 1950, and has been expanded several times. The Empire State Building is famous for the illumination of its upper floors, in 1964 the top 30 floors of the building were illuminated for the World's Fair. By 1976 the building's lighting scheme took a more artistic turn. In that year red, white, and blue lights celebrated the nation's bicentennial. Blue and white were used when the Yankees won baseball's World Series in 1977. The tradition has intensified and diversified. Sometimes the lights change on a daily basis to reflect current events and holidays. Orange for Halloween; green on Saint Patrick's Day. But in the spring and autumn, when birds migrate, the lights are turned off to keep from disturbing their route.

“Many buildings tout themselves as the "Eighth Wonder of the World." Only the Empire State Building says it in art.”, a spokesperson said.

Question 1 Indicate whether these sentences are true or false. Justify your answers with evidence from the text:

a) Because jobs were hard to find, the building ended up being more expensive than planned.
b) The existing air conditioning system is the same as the one installed in the 50s.
c) Sports events have affected the lights on the building.
d) The illumination is enviromentally friendly.

Question 2 Answer these questions in your own words:

a) How did the American depression affect the ESB construction?
b) What determines the lighting used on the ESB?

Question 3 Find a word or phrase in the text that means the same as:
a) appreciated (par.1)
b) willing (par.1)
c) device to prevent damage to the building from stormy weather (par.2)

Question 4 Rewrite the following sentences without changing the meaning:
a) The depression also made building materials much cheaper.
Building...
b) Workers were eager to earn their wage, so construction continued through weekends and holidays.
If workers had not...
c) “Many buildings tout themselves as the "Eighth Wonder of the World." Only the Empire State Building says it in art.”, a spokesperson said.
A spokesperson said...Question 5 Write a short essay (120 to 150 words) on the following topic:

Question 5  Write a short essay (120-150 words) on the following topic:
Would you travel to New York if you had the opportunity to? Why? Why not?