READING

A BUILDING FOR THE EMPIRE STATE

A. Read the text, then answer the questions:
The Empire State Building may be the most famous building in New York City. It is
called the Empire State Building because New York State is called the Empire State. It is
1,454 feet tall. Many people think it is the tallest building in the world. This was
true when it was built in 1931. In 1970, when the World Trade Center was built, that
became the tallest building. Now, the Empire State Building is the fourth tallest
building in the U.S. and the 23rd tallest in the world. Inside the building is mostly
occupied by offices and stores.
People can go to the top of the building, where there is an observation deck. From the
top, there are beautiful views of New York City, especially at night. Most people take
one of 73 elevators to the top. It takes less than one minute by elevator to get to the
80th floor. That is where there is a gift shop. Some people walk 1,860 steps to the
top. Every year there is even a race, with people competing to see who can walk up to
the top the fastest.
The landmark is not just famous because of its height. In 1945, a small plane crashed
into it. More than 30 people have tried to kill themselves by jumping off the building. In
1933 it was featured in the movie King Kong, where a giant gorilla climbs to the top and
falls to his death after being attacked by airplanes. The building was also in the
movie Sleepless in Seattle with Tom Hanks.
At night, the top of the Empire State Building is lit up in different colors. It is red and
green on Christmas, red for Lunar New Year, and blue for Hanukkah. On the Fourth of
July, it is red, white, and blue.

B. Answer the questions:

1. Where is the Empire State Building located?
2. How tall is the Empire State Building?
3. Until what year was the Empire State Building the world's tallest structure? Which
building replaced it?
4. How long does it take to reach the top of the Empire State Building by elevator?
5. What famous movie in 1933 featured the Empire State building?

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