Miami, Florida

 
 
 

Vocabulary

shine	located	sub-tropical
bay	spot (2)	everglade
across	diverse	wonderful
mix	art deco	represent
lined	resident	stunning
stun	species	palm tree
melt	atrium	good as it gets
influx	pot (2)	melting pot
treat	cuisine	ocean front
coral	opulent	dream (2)
mural	reward	downtown
gable	trick (2)	year-round
idyllic	attract	marine (2)
sand	amaze	mansion
clever	flipper	bustling
moat	lounge	mammal
VIP	tan (2)	attraction
adore	miracle	promenade
tower	dolphin	lifeguard
tour	hotspot	sightseeing
pre-	browse	mainland
island	jungle	inquisitive
iconic	curious	flamingo
lush	primate	outstretched
haul	rhythm	landmark
hug	explore	paddle (2)
local	barrier	put on (2)
island	habitat	destination
appeal	fresco	thumbs up
cage

 
 
 
 

Video

 

 
 
 
 

Transcript

Miami is a sub-tropical city located in the sunshine state of Florida, in between the Everglades and the North Atlantic Ocean.

Flying in over Biscayne Bay, you can spot the wonderful beaches that attract nearly 14 million visitors each year.

Welcome to Florida’s cultural center, and the diverse mix that represents Miami.

The palm tree-lined city is known for its stunning beaches, art deco district, Latin culture, and 24-hour lifestyle.

It is the place to see and be seen. Even the zoo residents put on a show!

This is as good as it gets if you are planning a holiday in the sun.

The weather is warm year-round, and the city has many parks, and some of the best beaches in the country.

Miami is a cultural melting pot that attracts people from the colder north. Its mainly Hispanic residents and influx of South American visitors add Latin rhythm and Cuban cuisine to the mix.

Away from the ocean front, there is also an artistic, cultural side to this “Magic City”: fine theaters on the Miracle Mile in Coral Gables, and modern art galleries downtown.

Take in the moving sight of the Holocaust Memorial in Miami Beach, or watch the muralists at work in Wynwood Arts District in the city’s north.

South of the city center stands a century-old landmark: The Vizcaya Museum.

Step back in time in this opulent mansion with atrium and gardens, and enjoy idyllic views of the bay.

Across from here is the Seaquarium, where marine mammals will amaze you with their clever tricks.

This is where Flipper lived, the smart dolphin from the TV show.

On the other side of the bay are the barrier islands that offer everything Miami is famous for. White sand, palm trees, great tans, and V.I.P. lifestyles is what it is all about here.

The star attraction is Miami Beach.

Its bustling promenade, dream cars, sun-adoring beach lovers and colorful lifeguard towers have Miami written all over it.

Touring on a sightseeing bus is a fun way to see the cultural and architectural hotspots on the island.

Find hundreds of historic buildings in the pre-World War Two Art Deco district in South Beach, which you can call SoBe once you are in the know.

Take some time to stop at Lincoln Road Mall to browse the shops and markets.

On your way back to the mainland, visit Jungle Island, where inquisitive wild cats and Florida’s iconic pink flamingos are curious to meet you.

Closer to the Everglades is another lush zoo. But this one is mainly for primates. Monkey Jungle’s residents love hauling up the food you leave them, and even collect treats from your outstretched hands.

If you are lucky, you may receive some hugs and kisses as a reward.

Also near the Everglades is Zoo Miami.

It has cage-less habitats with only a moat between you and the local species and more exotic animals.

If you feel active, paddle over the bay around Key Biscayne, or bike along Crandon Boulevard.

In between activities, you can lounge on the beach.

Miami is one of those dream destinations that appeals to everyone. Its beach and party culture attracts singles, while couples will find romance in the al fresco restaurants, and on the boulevards.

And thanks to many fun attractions, Miami also gets the thumbs up from families with children.

If you’re in search of a good time in the Sunshine State, come to Miami to explore its long stretches of beaches, family-friendly zoos and famous art deco district any time you like.

 

 

Questions

1. Miami has a temperate climate; it has four distinct seasons. True or false?

2. Is tourism an important part of Miami’s economy?

3. Are most Miami residents of European and African origin? Is the culture there “typically American”?

4. What are some cultural attractions?

5. Miami is most famous for its skyscrapers and office towers. Is this correct or incorrect? What happens at this place?

6. Are there nature and wildlife in or around Miami? Are the animals wild or friendly?

7. Miami is very diverse and has something for everyone. Is this right or wrong?

 

A. I live in Miami. I am from Miami. I have visited Miami. Yes or no? Have you met anyone from Miami?

B. What comes to mind when you think of Miami? What do you associate with Miami?

C. Would you or your friends like to visit Miami? Would you like to live in Miami or somewhere similar?

D. Are there places in your country similar to Miami? Have you visited places similar to Miami?

E. What will happen in the future to Miami and other resort areas?