Speak Up in Class
The cost of the Celtic Tiger
Before you start
1. Talk to a partner.
1. What do you know about Ireland and its history?
2. Have you read any books by Irish authors? If so, what impression did you get of Ireland and the Irish?
3. Have you been to Ireland?
4. If you have, was it what you expected? If you haven’t, what do you image it to be like?
Listen and answer
1. Ireland’s economy is:
a) Stronger than many in Europe b) not as healthy as it was. C) just beginning to improve.
2. Ireland’s skilled workers?
a) Work long hours and have no time to enjoy themselves. b) Spend too much time partying. c) Work hard and play hard.
3 Some say Irish people.
a) Are too concerned about making money.
b) Are losing their traditional values. c) Both of these.
4.The crime rate:
a) Has risen and is now a problem
b) Has risen, but not enough to be considered a problem
c) Has stayed the same.
5. According to a survey, Irish people
a) Aren’t as happy as they were in the past.
b) Are happier than people in many other Europeans countries
c) Are much happier then the Dutch.
Read and answer:
3. Read the article and answer the question with a partner.
1. What does the article say in detain about the present day Irish economy?
2. How has the flow of migrant workers changed in Ireland within a generation?
3. What qualities do Irish people traditionally associate with their society?
4. Does Thomas Saunders think having money changes everybody?
5. What example is there of how people now feel less safe?
6. What social problems are mentioned, besides crime?
7. Which negative aspect of Ireland’s prosperity does Ann Harry attitude nowadays?
Learn it! Use it!
4. Here are some common expressions that appeared in the article. Use them to complete the sentence.
A BIG DEAL - ALL SORT OF THINGS - AN AWFUL LOT OF – A REAL ISSUE – A STING IN THE TAIL – IN THE GRASP OF – IN THE SHADOW OF – THE BE-ALL AND END-ALL – VERY GOOD THAT WAY – SECOND ONLY TO
1. Steve talks about nothing but cars. They’re ____________________of his life.
2. If you need help you can always ask Rose. She’s______________________.
3. There are several hostages still______________________ terrorists.
4. Obesity is becoming______________________ in Western society.
5. The first part of the report seemed very positive, but there was__________________.
6. It wasn’t an important competition, but winning it was________________________ for our team.
7. Tom is very shy. He grew up_______________________ his famous father.
8. ________________________English people are unable to speak a foreign Language.
9. This sparkling wine is excellent. It’s_________________________ champagne.
10. My old computer was very temperamental ________________________used to go wrong with it.
Take it further
6. Look at the different meanings of the word deal. Then read the sentences and decide what the meaning is in each case.
Deal (noun): contract; agreement; amount.
Deal (verb): give/share out; traffic.
Deal in (verb): buy and sell traffic.
Deal with (verb): give attention to: save (a problem): have business relation with; be about.
1. This new book deals with the abolition of the slave trade in the 19th century.
2. I don’t know a great deal about this subject.
3. Let’s do a deal. If you help me with my Math homework, I’ll write your English essay for you.
4. Two boys on our block were arrested for drug-dealing.
5. This urgent, so we need to deal with it at once.
6. In this game you have to deal five cards to each of the players.
7. Frances and Mark deal in unique silver.
8. I usually deal with Mrs. James and head office because she’s every efficient.
Ready for FCE? (First Certificate in English)
Use the word in brackets to form a word that fits in the space given. E.g. Ireland was once a relatively (RELATE) poor country.
1. Until the 1990s, many people saw the Republic of Ireland as a poor and____________________ (BACK) country.
2. Now, however, it is the second__________________(RICH) country in Europe.
3. Ireland now has many immigrants from____________________(EAST) Europe.
4. In some sectors, the____________________(PRODUCT) of its workforce is the highest in Europe.
5. Till now the Irish have been known for their_____________________(FRIEND).
6. But now,________________________(FORTUNE), some people think traditional Irish values are disappearing.
7. Nevertherless, the Irish are still among the__________________ (HAPPY) people in Europe.
8. In a survey in 2006, 82 percent of the___________________ (INTERVIEW) declared they were happy all or most of the time.
9. However, some people fear the Irish are becoming less_________________________(CHARITY)
10. They say younger people are no_________________________(LONG) willing to help those around them.
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