Read the extract from the poem symbolising the message of the statue. What do you think the message is? Read the text and check.
Sail to Liberty and Ellis Islands in New York City’s harbour and see the world’s most symbolic monument to freedom and the 1)........... (history) gateway to America!
Ellis Island
Between 1892 and 1954, more than 12 million, mainly passengers sailing third-class from
Russia, Italy, Ireland and many other 2) (Europe) countries, passed through the
immigration station on Ellis Island in search of democracy, freedom and opportunity. In fact, about 50% of Americans have at least one ancestor who entered the USA through Ellis Island! Here, each would-be immigrant had to meet strict health and legal
3).... (require) before they were allowed to begin their new lives as American citizens.
Liberty Island and the Statue of Liberty
For millions of 4).............................................................. (immigrate), the Statue of Liberty was the first 5)............................. (see) they had of
their new homeland as they sailed into New York Harbour. Given to America as a gift from the French in 1884, it stands 93m tall and depicts a woman dressed in a loose-fitting robe escaping
6)..... (oppress), symbolised by the shackles1 which lie at her feet. In her right hand she holds a
torch, representing liberty, and in her left she holds a tablet reading “July 4th, 1776” - the date
of the 7). (declare) of American Independence. She wears a crown with seven sun-like
rays on her head, representing the seven continents and seas of the world. On your tour of Liberty Island, take a look inside ‘Lady Liberty’ and visit the museum to see a life-size
replica of the statue’s face and foot. Don’t miss the 8) (fame) inscription by
Emma Lazarus which has come to symbolize the statue’s message of hope for those coming to America or searching for freedom around the world!
