Text 8. Going through Customs at the Airport

Exercise 1. Roleplay the dialogue.

Customs officer: Good morning. Come this way, please.

Passenger: Yes, thank you.

C.O.: Are these your suitcases, sir?

P.: Yes, that’s right.

C.O.: Do you have goods to declare?

P.: I don’t think I have.

C.O.: Ok, put your bags on the counter, please. Your customs form. Please. Thank you. How long are you planning to stay in the country?

P.: Two months, I think.

C.O.: What’s the purpose of your visit?

P.: I am here on business.

C.O.: I see. And you have nothing to declare?

P.: Pardon?

C.O.: I mean alcohol, cigarettes, medicine ..

P.: Oh, no.

C.O.: What’s inside this bag?

P.: Presents for some of my colleagues.

C.O.:Uh-huh. Spirits?

P.: A bottle of red French wine.

C.O.: Any meat?

P.: What?

C.O.: Food, fresh fruit…

P.: Uh, no.

C.O.: No plants?

P.: No. But I have 200 French cigarettes for my friends.

C.O.: You don’t need to declare this. That’s under the limit.

P.: Good.

C.O.: That’s OK. Here’s your form.

P.: Thank you.

C.O.: Welcome to the USA!

Text 9 . Part I. Air Travel

Exercise 1. Read, translate and remember the following rules and regulations.

Nowadays people mostly travel by air. Here are a few hints on air travel that may be helpful:

1. Passengers are requested to arrive at the airport (air terminal) an hour and a half before departure time on international flights and an hour on domestic flights.

2. Passengers must register their tickets, weigh in and register the luggage (baggage). The economy class limitation is 20 kg. First-class passengers are allowed 30 kg. Excess luggage must be paid for.

3. Passengers are permitted to take only some personal belongings with them into the cabin. These items include handbags, brief-cases, umbrellas, coats and souvenirs bought at the tax-free shops at the airport.

4. Each passenger is given a boarding pass to be shown at the departure gate and again to the stewardess when boarding the plane.

5. Watch the electric sign flashes in the plane. When the “Fasten Seat Belts” sign goes on, do it promptly, and also obey the “No Smoking” signal.

6. Listen to the announcements on the public address system. The captain will welcome you on board, tell you all about the flight and the interesting places you are flying over.

7. Do not forget your personal belongings when leaving the plane.

Part II. Passport Regulations and Customs

Landing formalities and customs regulations are about the same in all countries.

1. While still on boar4d the plane the passenger is given an arrival card to fill in, he fills in (in block letters) his name in full, country of residence, permanent address, purpose and length of visit, and address in the country he is visiting.

2. After the passenger has left the plane, officials will examine (check) his passport and visa (to see if they are in order).

3. In some countries they will check the passenger’s certificate of vaccination.

4. When these formalities have been completed the passenger goes to the Customs for an examination of his luggage.

5. The passenger is required to fill in a customs declaration form. He must list all dutiable articles. (Personal belongings may be brought in duty-free). Here is a partial list of prohibited articles (items): firearms, drugs, in some countries – meat products, fresh fruit and vegetables.

6. The Customs inspector may ask you to open your bags for inspection. After you are through with all customs formalities he will put a stamp on each piece of luggage.

Exercise 2. Answer the following questions:

1. 1) When are the passengers requested to arrive at the airport? 2) What is the weight limitation in the economy class (first class)? 3) What personal belongings are permitted into the cabin? 4) What does the passenger receive after registering his air ticket? 5) Where must he show his boarding pass? 6) What electric signs should the passenger obey? 7) Who speaks over the public address system on board the plane? 8) What does the captain say to the passengers?

2. 1) What does the passenger fill in while he is still on board the plane? 2) What questions does he have to answer? 3) Does he state the purpose and length of his visit? 4) When do officials check the passenger’s passport and visa? 5) Where is the passenger’s luggage examined? 6) What does the passenger list in the customs declaration form? 7) What articles are usually brought in duty-free?

Text 10

Exercise 1. Read the text and be ready to do the exercises below the text

Text 11

Dialogues

Exercise 1. Read and translate the dialogue.

Travelling by Train

Passenger: I want a ticket to London, please. Which train must I take?

Booking-clerk: If I were you, I should take the 8.35 train

Passenger: Do I have to change anywhere?

Booking-clerk: No, no change, it’s a through train.

Passenger: Thank you. A ticket to London, please.

Booking-clerk: Single or return?

Passenger: Return, please, first class.

Booking-clerk: Here you are.

Passenger: Thank you. What time did you say the train goes?

Booking-clerk: 8.35. You’ll have to hurry if you want to register your luggage.

Passenger: Thanks.

Exercise 2. Complete the open dialogue.

Passenger: I want a ticket to …

Booking-clerk: If I were you, I should …

Passenger: Do I have to …

Booking-clerk: No, ….

Passenger: Thank you. …

Booking-clerk: Single or return?

Passenger: ….

Booking-clerk: Here you are.

Passenger: Thank you. Can you tell me…

Booking-clerk: ….

Passenger: Thanks a lot.

Exercise 3. Translate into English.

- Мне нужно два билета на поезд 10.20 до Ливерпуля. Спальный вагон, пожалуйста.

- Вам билеты туда и обратно, сэр?

- Нет, только в один конец.

- Верхние или нижние места?

- Два нижних, пожалуйста.

- Пожалуйста.

- Спасибо.

Exercise 4. Read and translate the dialogue.