This year's US Independence Day celebrations were extra special due to the arrival of a second, smaller Statue of Liberty from France. This one, nicknamed “Little Sister”, was displayed on Ellis Island — across the water from the original Statue of Liberty, which sits on Liberty Island — from July 1 through 5, 2021. It then was moved to the French Embassy in Washington, DC, where it will remain until 2031.
The 9.3-foot-tall, 1000-pound statue is about one-sixteenth the size of the original Statue of Liberty. It was crafted in 2009 from the 3-D scan of the model of the original, which was created by sculptor Frederic-Auguste Barthold in the late 1 800s. Before being shipped to the US, “Little Sister” spent ten years welcoming visitors in Paris. “This statue symbolizes the virtues of freedom and integration (融合),” the sculptor said. “These two values forever unite France and the United States.”
The original Statue of Liberty was also designed to celebrate France-American friendship. The idea was first proposed in 1865 by French historian Edouard de Laboulaye. However, it was not until 1875 that US President and former Civil War general Ulysses Grant agreed to the monument. The two nations decided that France would pay the cost of building the statue while America would fund the $250,000 pedestal (底座) upon which she would stand. It took Barthold and his team, which included Alexandre-Gustave Eiffel, builder of Paris's Eiffel tower, ten years to complete the masterpiece.
Today the magnificent monument is one of New York City's most popular tourist attractions, drawing more than 4 million visitors annually. The arrival of its “Little Sister” is sure to attract more fans in Washington, DC.
12. What do we know about “Little Sister”?
A.It was initially exhibited in the US. |
B.It will be kept on Ellis Island for about 10 years. |
C.It looks like the original one except in size. |
D.It was created by Frederic-Auguste Barthold. |
13. Why was “Little Sister” given to the US as a present?
A.To welcome visitors in Paris. |
B.To celebrate the victory of Civil War. |
C.To encourage people to pursue freedom. |
D.To strengthen the friendship between the US and France. |
14. What is paragraph 3 mainly about?
A.The cost of the Statue of Liberty |
B.The history of the Statue of Liberty |
C.The designers of the Statue of Liberty |
D.The significance of the Statue of Liberty |
15. Which of the following can be the best title for the text?
A.The “Little Sister” is about to meet the world |
B.More visitors will flood into the US for file “Little Sister” |
C.The Statue of Liberty welcomed the arrival of her “Sister” |
D.The US celebrated this year's Independence Day differently |