II. Read and translate the following text: Going Through the Customs.

Nowadays travelling abroad is very popular. Some people prefer to travel by plane, especially businessmen, because it is the fastest means of transportation. Those who are not short of time usually travel by train or by ship. It takes more time but gives the opportunity to see the country you travel through, its picturesque landscapes and nature.

While travelling abroad you have to go through customs, sometimes several times.

The moment you cross the border your luggage is taken to the customs-house. As a rule the customs officer checks your passport and visa if it is required. When coming to some countries you may need a health certificate of

1. Sly is the nickname of Marlon Brando.

2. Silvestre Stallone is one of the most popular Italian actors.

3. Sly had been a “problem” baby in his childhood.

4. In real life Sly is like Rambo.

5. Sly is a clever man with a nice sense of humor.

6. Stallone got an “Oscar” for his last roles.

Task II: Answer the following questions:

1. Who is Sly?

2. What is his profession?

3. Is it his name or nickname?

4. Where does he live?

5. What do you know about him?

II. Cultural life in the usa.

There are 6800 museums in the U.S. Many museums offer classes, lectures, films and field trips. The most famous museums in the U.S. include the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, and Smithsonian Institute in Washington.

Theater in America is especially healthy in the hundreds of university groups. But it is Broadway with its 40 major professional stages and 350 experimental theatres that bring to mind American playwrights such as O’Neill, Saroyan and Shephard. The theatre in the U.S. is not state-supported. Americans pay for his/her own favourite cultural activity. The Metropolitan Opera’s annual budget is $75 million: only 5% comes from governmental sources, the other 95% is made by individual contributions.

The community open-air concerts which are free for all also has a long tradition in America. They attract thousands of Americans. So called serious music is therefore very healthy in the U.S. The contribution of America to “semi-classical” or “classical” musical form has been enormous, from Oklahoma and Westside Story to Hair and a Chorus Line. Jazz was one thought to be a great danger to youth and was outlawed in some countries. Luis Armstrong /i900-71/ revolutionized

vaccination. Actually, every country has its own customs regulations in which it is noted, what articles are liable to duty and what are duty-free. There are articles, which are duty-free in certain amount. They are listed in a duty-free quota list. Customs restrictions also include a prohibited articles list. This is a list of items, which may not be brought into a country or taken out of it. An official paper giving permission to take such items in or out of the country is known as an import or export license.

If you have any item, which comes under customs restrictions, you are asked to declare it. That is, you are asked to name the item, stating its value and other particulars. The declaration is made orally or in writing on a special form. The practice seems to vary in different countries. Besides the custom officer may ask you to show your luggage to him usually articles for personal use and wear and also used items and gifts are not liable to duty anywhere. If you are carrying much currency you should also declare it. At last, after paying the duty you are given a receipt.

The formalities at the customs-house usually take some time. It sometimes happens that a passenger’s luggage is carefully examined in order to prevent smuggling. Only after passing through the customs a person realizes that his journey is coming to an end or beginning.