Comprehension check

Ex. 1. Answer the questions:

1. What places can stay at when in Britain?

2. Are there any similar places to stay in your country?

3. Which accommodation would you choose for yourself if you happened to be in Britain?

4. Why have you chosen this particular place to stay? Give your reasons.

Text 2 Torquay

Situated in the South West of England, between Exeter and Plymouth, Torquay is one of the most popular holiday resorts in Britain, the high spot of the "English Riviera". It provides sophisticated entertainments. Sports of every kind and natural facilities, all set in a position of outstanding natural beauty. Visitors can choose between luxury hotels by sea, with private suites, swimming pools and saunas, and comfortable but less expensive guest houses. There are camping sites, too, and hundreds of houses displaying "B&B" signs.

As well as number of secluded coves (which are ideal for beach barbecues away from the crowds), Torquay has large sandy beaches where you can buy refreshments and hire deck chairs, boats and even beach huts. There are large areas of grassland overlooking the sea, and miles of winding cliff paths for walkers who just want to enjoy the scenery and what is often said to be the healthiest air in the country. For sportsmen there are opportunities not only for golf, tennis, squash and bowls, but also for water‑skiing, hand‑gliding and deep‑sea fishing.

After a day in the open air, there’s lots to do in the evenings, too. There are plenty of discos, the occasional opera or ballet, and summer variety shows in the seafront theatres. For the children, there is a beautiful model village with a complicated railway layout which is remarkably realistic – especially when the lights are on at night.

Of course, there’s no need to spend your whole holiday in Torquay. Only a short drive away is Dartmoor National Park, where you can walk for miles through dramatic, unspoiled countryside, or picnic by beautiful rivers and streams. Or, nearer to home, you can sail across Tor Bay to the lovely old fishing village of Brixham.

Torquay seems to have something for everyone. But don’t take my for it – come and see for yourself.

Comprehension check

1). What information does the writer give about

1. Accommodation in Torquay?

2. Beaches around Torquay?

3. The cliffs around Torquay?

d) Entertainment in Torquay?

4. The sea around Torquay?

2). If you don’t like crowded places, where can you go

1. Near Torquay?

2. Further away from Torquay?

3). What is special about the model village?

4). What are the following?

1. Coves

2. Refreshments

3. Deck chairs

4. Beach huts

5. Variety shows

Text 3 Going through Customs

Custom clearance begins at the airport of final destination in the UK. The exceptions are:

1. Baggage of transit passengers with final destination – London, Heathrow or Gatwick – customs clearance will be at the first airport of entry.

2. Baggage of passengers who embarked in another EU country will not be cleared at all.

Customs operate a Green and Red Channel System. If you have nothing to declare, pass through the Green Channel. Go through the Green Channel only if you’re sure that you have no more than the Customs Allowances, no good for commercial use and prohibited and restricted goods.

You will have to pay charges on any items which are over the limits. Do it at the red point or in the Red Channel before you leave the Customs hall.

Prohibited and restricted goods

• Drugs, obscene videos and books, firearms and endangered species. The importation of firearms, ammunition must be supported by an appropriate license / certificate plus a permit.

• Offensive weapons, such as flick knives, sword sticks, knuckle‑dusters and some martial arts equipment.

• Counterfeit and copied goods such as watches, clothes, CDs, also any goods with false marks of their origin.

• The importation of meat is prohibited.

• Don’t smuggle an animal into the UK, it may be carrying rabies and the consequences can be disastrous.

Other restrictions

In addition to prohibited and restricted goods there are other restrictions on a range of other goods.

• Fruit must be inspected and requires a permit

• Fresh vegetables (limit 2 kilos) will be admitted but no potatoes

• Honey – no restrictions

• Sheepskins – no restrictions but they must be tanned and treated and may attract duty and VAT (17,5%)

• Wine – no restrictions but duty and VAT (17,5%) will be charged on amounts above the duty free limit. Commercial quantities (more than 60 liters) require a health certificate from the Department of Health.

• Wood – no restrictions but native wood must have some form of identification.

• Three are no restrictions on processed goods such as biscuits and confectionary, but cakes should be declared and may be subject to examination (including cutting open) if it is suspected they may be concealing drugs.

• Animals: cats and dogs require an import license and will be quarantined for 6 months – there are no exceptions.

Note: certain breeds of dogs such as Pit Bull Terriers, Japanese Tosas, Dogo Argentinos and Fila Brasilieros or any animal which appears to have been bred for fighting will not be allowed entry.

Note:

Severe penalties can be imposed on anyone breaking Customs regulations.

Never carry bags through Customs for someone else.

Don’t try to hide any goods or mislead a customs officer. Anything which isn’t properly declared may be confiscated.