The United States Embassy in Baghdad
The largest embassy in the world, covering 106 acres, comparable in size to Disney World’s Magic Kingdom.
- Designed by Berger Devine Yaeger and built by First Kuwaiti General Trading and Contracting at a cost of $736 million.
- Features six apartment buildings, two office buildings, a food court, residences for the ambassador and deputy, and a “American Club”.
- Has a fully equipped gym, Olympic-sized swimming pool, tennis courts, and a soccer field with an irrigation system.
- Self-sustaining with its own water system, power plant, internet uplink, and telephone center.
- Fortified with a 9-foot perimeter wall, security cameras, and 151 duck-and-cover bunkers.
- Located in the International Zone (Green Zone), a 4-square-mile area in Baghdad that is home to the Iraqi government and symbolizes American power.
| Term | Definition | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| Embassy | A diplomatic mission from one country to another, typically located in the capital city of the host country. | The United States Embassy in Baghdad is the largest in the world, covering 106 acres. |
| Self-sustaining | Capable of providing for its own needs without external assistance. | The embassy is self-sustaining with its own water system, power plant, internet uplink, and telephone center. |
| Fortified | Protected or strengthened with defensive structures or measures. | The embassy is fortified with a 9-foot perimeter wall, security cameras, and 151 duck-and-cover bunkers. |
| International Zone | A designated area in a city that is home to the government and diplomatic missions of foreign countries. | The embassy is located in the International Zone (Green Zone), a 4-square-mile area in Baghdad that is home to the Iraqi government. |
| Perimeter wall | A wall or barrier that surrounds and defines the boundary of a property or area. | The embassy is fortified with a 9-foot perimeter wall. |
| Duck-and-cover bunker | A type of shelter designed to protect people from ballistic or nuclear attacks. | The embassy has 151 duck-and-cover bunkers for added security. |
| Green Zone | A designated area in a city that is home to the government and diplomatic missions of foreign countries. | The embassy is located in the International Zone (Green Zone), a 4-square-mile area in Baghdad that is home to the Iraqi government. |
| Olympic-sized swimming pool | A swimming pool that is 50 meters (164 feet) in length, the standard size for Olympic competitions. | The embassy features an Olympic-sized swimming pool for the use of its staff. |
| Security cameras | Cameras used to monitor and record activity for security purposes. | The embassy is fortified with security cameras for added security. |
| Residences for the ambassador and deputy | A dwelling or living quarters for a high-ranking official, such as an ambassador or deputy. | The embassy features residences for the ambassador and deputy. |
Vocabulary Quiz: The United States Embassy in Baghdad
Choose the correct answer for each question.
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What does the phrase “comparable in size” mean in the context of the embassy’s size?
- exactly the same size as
- similar in size to
- much larger than
- much smaller than
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What is the purpose of the “duck-and-cover bunkers”?
- to provide recreational facilities
- to serve as meeting rooms
- to offer protection during emergencies
- to house the embassy’s staff
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What does “self-sustaining” mean in the context of the embassy’s facilities?
- dependent on external resources
- able to function independently
- requiring frequent maintenance
- needing constant supervision
-
What is the significance of the International Zone (Green Zone) where the embassy is located?
- it is a popular tourist destination
- it is home to the Iraqi government and symbolizes American power
- it is a major commercial hub
- it is a residential area for embassy staff
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What is the purpose of the “perimeter wall” surrounding the embassy?
- to provide recreational space
- to enhance the embassy’s aesthetic appeal
- to provide additional security
- to mark the embassy’s boundaries
Answer Key
- b) similar in size to
- c) to offer protection during emergencies
- b) able to function independently
- b) it is home to the Iraqi government and symbolizes American power
- c) to provide additional security
Using the Passive Voice with Impersonal Subjects
| When the subject of a sentence is an impersonal entity, such as a cost, a system, or a feature, the passive voice can be used to emphasize the action or state rather than the doer. This is particularly common in formal or technical writing, as seen in the text. |
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