What Is the Statue of Liberty? | A2 ESL History Reading Passage

Use this A2-B1 ESL history reading passage to learn about the Statue of Liberty. It includes key vocabulary, reading comprehension questions, and answers for English learners.

The Statue of Liberty is a famous landmark in New York Harbor.

Reading Level

A2-B1

Word Count

187 words

Reading Passage

The Statue of Liberty is a famous landmark in the United States. It stands on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. Many people can see it from boats near New York City.

The statue was a gift from France to the United States. It showed friendship between the two countries. The statue was dedicated on October 28, 1886. Since then, it has become one of the most famous symbols of America.

The statue shows a woman holding a torch. The torch can mean light, hope, and freedom. The statue also holds a tablet. On the tablet is the date July 4, 1776, the date of the United States Declaration of Independence.

The Statue of Liberty is also connected to immigrants. In the past, many immigrants arrived in New York by ship. For some of them, the statue was one of the first things they saw in America. It became a symbol of welcome and a new beginning.

Today, people visit the Statue of Liberty to learn about history, freedom, and culture. It is not only a large statue. It is also a symbol that many people around the world recognize.

The Statue of Liberty is a symbol of freedom, welcome, and friendship.

Key Vocabulary

Word	Meaning	Example
landmark	an important or well-known place	The Statue of Liberty is a famous landmark.
freedom	the power to live or act without unfair control	The torch can be a symbol of freedom.
torch	a light held high in the hand	The statue holds a torch.
immigrant	a person who moves to another country to live	Many immigrants arrived in New York by ship.
symbol	something that represents an idea	The statue is a symbol of welcome.

Reading Comprehension Questions

1. Where does the Statue of Liberty stand?
2. Which country gave the statue to the United States?
3. When was the statue dedicated?
4. What does the torch often mean?
5. Why was the statue important to many immigrants?

Answers

1. It stands on Liberty Island in New York Harbor.
2. France gave the statue to the United States.
3. It was dedicated on October 28, 1886.
4. The torch often means light, hope, and freedom.
5. It was one of the first things some immigrants saw in America.

Short Summary

The Statue of Liberty is a famous American landmark and a symbol of freedom, welcome, and friendship.

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