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Leaving Cert Irish Oral - Caitheamh Aimsire (Guide)


Get ready to talk with ease about your hobbies and free time in the "Caitheamh Aimsire" (Leisure Time) section of your Leaving Cert Irish Oral. This guide offers vocabulary, practice questions, and tips to help you shine.


Watch Our Caitheamh Aimsire Video Guide!

Check out our "Caitheamh Aimsire" video guide! We'll provide examples of conversations, pronunciation help, and practice scenarios so you'll be fully prepared for this section of the oral exam.


Key "Caitheamh Aimsire" Vocabulary

1. Activities:

  • "Spórt" (Sports) - peil (soccer), iománaíocht (hurling), rugbaí (rugby)

  • "Ceol" (Music) - ag seinm ceoil (playing music), ag dul chuig ceolchoirmeacha (going to concerts)

  • "Léitheoireacht" (Reading) - leabhair (books), nuachtáin (newspapers)

  • "Cúrsaí ealaíne" (Arts) - ag péinteáil (painting), ag déanamh drámaíochta (acting)


2. Time-Related Phrases:

  • "Saor ó scoil" (Free from school)

  • "Ag an deireadh seachtaine" (At the weekend)

  • "Ina/In mo chuid ama saor" (In my free time)


3. Opinions:

  • "Is breá liom..." (I love...)

  • "Taitníonn ... liom" (I enjoy...)

  • "Ní maith liom..." (I don't like...)



Example Phrases

  • "Ina mo chuid ama saor, is breá liom peil a imirt le mo chairde." (In my free time, I love playing soccer with my friends.)

  • "Is maith liom ceol a chluinnt, go háirithe ceol tíre." (I like listening to music, especially country music.)

  • "Nuair a bhíonn am saor agam, taitníonn sé liom léitheoireacht a dhéanamh." (When I have free time, I enjoy reading.)


Practice Tips

  • List Your Hobbies: Brainstorm all your interests and write them down with their Irish equivalents.

  • Why Do You Like Them?: Think about the reasons you enjoy your hobbies and how to express that in Irish.

  • Be Prepared for Questions: Consider likely questions like, "How often do you...", "What's your favorite...", or "Why do you like...". Having answers prepared builds confidence.



On the Day of the Exam

- Speak with Enthusiasm

Your passion for your hobbies can make your presentation more engaging. Speak enthusiastically to convey your genuine interest and enjoyment.


- Be Prepared for Questions

The examiner may ask follow-up questions about your hobbies. Prepare to discuss aspects like how often you engage in the activity, any achievements related to the hobby, or how it has impacted your life.


- Use Varied Language Structures

Demonstrate your command of Irish by using a variety of language structures, such as different tenses and conditional sentences, to discuss past experiences and future plans related to your hobbies.


You've Got This!

The "Caitheamh Aimsire" segment of the Leaving Cert Irish Oral exam offers a splendid opportunity to highlight your individuality and linguistic skills. By preparing thoughtfully, practicing your narrative, and connecting your hobbies to broader cultural themes, you can turn this segment into a compelling showcase of your interests and passions. Remember, the most captivating presentations are those that come from the heart. Ádh mór ort as you share your hobbies and make your Irish Oral exam a memorable and personal expression of your unique self.

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