I. Complete the gaps in the following article with words from the box. Republic of ireland

contemporary d) creation g) leprechauns pub e) wit h) impact Emerald f) a divide i) to govern

Ireland has a stormy history! The English ruled the country by force since the 12th century, and there have been disputes ever since over whether Ireland should rule itself, or remain part of the UK. The 1 of the protestant Church of England in the 16th century caused 2 between Catholics and Protestants. At the beginning of the last century, the mainly Protestant North wanted to stay part of Britain, whilst the rest of the country (mostly Catholic) wanted to 3 itself independently.

This led to the creation of Northern Ireland in 1920, while Eire was finally declared a Republic in 1949. However, many would like Northern Ireland to be self-governing. In 1999 progress towards this was made, when it was decided that Northern Ireland could be ruled by itself and Eire, as long as certain conditions were met.

The misty green landscape of the “ 4 Isle” is the setting for much folklore — Ireland is host to mythological characters such as giants and fairies (or faeries, as they are called by the locals). The most famous of these are 5 — those cheeky little men who hide away with a pot of gold. Ireland also has a strong tradition of folk music and dancing, recently popularized by the Riverdance performance.

Ireland has had a great 6 on English-language literature, having produced several Nobel Prize-winning writers, including Samuel Beckett, George Bernard Shaw and poet Seamus (pronounced “Shaymus”) Heaney. Oscar Wilde, James Joyce and 7 writer Roddy Doyle all hail from the Emerald Isle. Well-known for its music, Ireland is home for acts such as U2, Boyzone, The Corrs. As well as mainstream success, Ireland has a strong underground dance music scene.

Ireland is famed for the charm and 8 of its people. If you want their sociable nature to rub off on you, the legend says that you need only kiss the Blarney Stone, at Blarney Castle, near Cork. The best place to meet the people of Ireland is in the 9 , over a pint of Guinness — the dark-colored ale which apparently doesn't taste as good when served outside Ireland! For a taste of youthful Ireland, try the trendy Temple Bar area of Dublin. Packed with bars, restaurants and funky shops, it attracts tourists and locals alike.

II. Answer the following questions:

1) Why is the history of Ireland considered to be stormy?

2) What historical fact divides the country into two parts?

3) How can the name “the Emerald Isle” be explained?

4) What mythological characters represent the Irish folklore?

5) Which of the writers can be called the fame of Ireland?

III. Mind the following shortenings of Latin origin. Give their English equivalents.

AD, NB, e.g., i.e., a.m., p.m., ibid., etc., cf., ad lib., v., viz.

IV. Complete the following with a reflexive pronoun, a possessive pronoun or an object pronoun.

1. Don’t blame _____ for what happened.

2. The team prides _____ on its appearance.

3. Come and sit next to ____.

4. She paid for the car _____.

5. Does he live by ____?

6. A: Is that magazine ____?

B: Yes. Do you want to borrow _____?

V. Write the correct form of the Infinitive in the Active Voice.

1. How fortunate he is (travel) all over the world and (see) so much of it in his youth.

2. The man appears (know) practically all European languages; he is said (learn) them while traveling.

3. The girl pretended (read) a book and not (notice) me.

4. It seems (rain) ever since we came here.

5. It is so thoughtful of you (book) the tickets in advance.

VI. Complete the sentences with words from the box to make proverbs.

bone d) laws g) wonders apples e) hare h) sheep enemies f) roses i) news

1. Life is not a bed of ______.

2. All ____ travels fast.

3. A good dog deserves a good _____.

4. First catch your ___, then cook him.

5. The _____ on the other side of the wall are the sweetest.

6. Every family has a black ______.

7. False friends are worse than open _____.

8. New lords, new ____.

9. Time works _____.