Working on the text. Task 2.a) Mark the stress in the Russian words and compare it with the English words

Task 2. a) Mark the stress in the Russian words and compare it with the English words. Tick the pairs of words with different stressed syllables.

ph y sical физический

tr a nsit транзит

cond i tion кондиция

cont ai ner контейнер

g ua rantee гарантия

pr i nciple принцип

s y stem система

b) Read the English words again.

Task 3. Find in the text the English equivalents of the following:

международные перевозки; автотранспортное средство; задержки на границе; внешнее состояние; основные требования; сохранность; таможенная пломба; система гарантий; международный документ; страна отправления, транзита, назначения; меры таможенного контроля; разгрузка; таможенный режим; стороны, подписавшие конвенцию; перевозчики

Task 4. Find words in the text that follow the verbs below:

a) to simplify

b) to minimize

c) to sign

d) to replace

e) to contain

f) to break

g) to guarantee

h) to issue

i) to check

j) to establish

Task 5. a) Insert prepositions.

b) Explain the meaning of the word combinations in italics.

1) to carry cargo _____ road vehicles

2) to come _____ force

3) to replace inspection _____ checking seals

4 ) to remove something _____ or introduce _____ the sealed part of vehicle

5) the duties are paid _____ a National Guaranteeing Association

6) it serves _____ a control document

7) to transport goods _____ transit customs regime

8) the goods must be accompanied _____ a Carnet

9) the cargo is transported _____ reloading

10) to be responsible _____ the clearance of goods

Task 6. Answer the questions:

1) What does TIR stand for?

2) Why was the Convention signed?

3) What is the main advantage of the system?

4) Are there any special requirements in respect of security?

5) What if transport operator cannot pay the duties during the transit operation?

6) What document must accompany the cargo while it is transported under the TIR procedure?

7) Are the goods checked by the Customs in the countries of transit?

8) Are there many contracting parties to the TIR Convention?

9) Why is the TIR Convention so successful?

Task 7. Complete the sentences using Complex Object.

1. The TIR Convention allows the Customs authorities …

2. Transporters of goods want border formalities …

3. The customs officials of different countries consider the TIR Convention …

4. In the countries of departure, transit and destination they consider Carnet …

5. They expect the cargo …

Task 8. Translate the sentences from Russian into English:

1) Главная цель транзитных таможенных систем – обеспечить международные перевозки грузов и надежность таможенного контроля.

2) Грузы перевозятся в таких транспортных средствах или контейнерах, которые полностью исключают возможность доступа к перевозимому грузу без видимого нарушения пломб и печатей.

3) Груз должен сопровождать международный карнет TIR, выданный в стране отправления и действительный в качестве контрольного документа в странах транзита и назначения.

4) Таможенные органы могут обращаться в Национальное гарантийное объединение в случае каких-либо нарушений, связанных с уплатой пошлин.

5) Меры таможенного контроля, предпринятые в стране отправления, признаются в странах транзита и назначения.

6) К транспортным документам должны прилагаться фотографии транспортного средства с изображением регистрационного номера и пломбы.

7) Информация в карнете TIR представлена на английском и французском языках.

8) Система TIR позволяет увеличить скорость доставки и значительно сократить транспортные расходы, и, таким образом, способствует развитию международной торговли.

Text 2

Task 9. a) Read and translate the text.

EASTERN GANGS TAKING MORE CONTROL

OF EUROPE DRUG TRADE

Drug trafficking through Eastern Europe is rising sharply as new criminal gangs seize more control of the trade, said Interpol. Highly-organized teams of traffickers have emerged recently and have largely replaced small-time couriers.

The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) - a United Nations body, said the trend has led to a flood of heroin and cocaine on to Western markets, far outstripping demand. The price has fallen and youngsters in Western Europe could buy a gram for less than the price of 200 cigarettes.

Russia has become the key marketplace for heroin smuggled out of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran, and gangs have set up supply routes to Prague, Budapest and Bratislava.

“A lot of it is coming through on TIR trucks and they don’t care how many borders they have to cross”, Interpol official said.

The Italian Mafia is influencing crime rings in Albania, Europe’s poorest country, where people struggling to survive can earn more in one operation than they could ever hope to make in a year.

Austrian police netted 96 kg of heroin and 80 kg of cocaine in 10 months last year. Nearly 8,000 people were charged with trafficking, possession of drugs and other drug-related offences. The figures are impressive but, realistically, police were just scratching the surface. “If we find 10 per cent of the smuggled drugs, then that is excellent”, he added.

b) Make a glossary. Choose seven words to remember.

c) Answer the questions:

1. What countries are mentioned in the text?

2. What kinds of people are mentioned in the text?

3. Is the situation changing for the better or for the worse?

4. In what connection does the TIR system appears in the text?

5. Why did Interpol official say that the police were scratching the surface?

d) Complete the sentences.

1) Criminal gangs are known to …

2) Russia is found to …

3) TIR trucks are believed to …

4) Law enforcement agencies are expected to …