The general conversation is the main event of your Irish...
Comhrá Sasúir agus Cleasanna Laethúla







Understanding the General Conversation
You'll be having a real conversation with the examiner, not just reciting memorised answers. The trick is showing you can think on your feet and develop your points naturally. Spreagadh (prompting) will cost you marks, so you need to expand on answers yourself.
Nathanna cainte (idiomatic phrases) are your secret weapon here. Using expressions like "Ar an iomlán" (on the whole) or "Is dóigh liom" (I think) shows you've got proper command of the language beyond basic vocabulary.
You'll need to be rock-solid with your foirmeacha briathartha (verb forms). Master the past tense (aimsir chaite), present tense (aimsir láithreach), future tense (aimsir fháistineach), and especially the modh coinníollach (conditional mood) for discussing future plans.
Top Tip: Don't panic if you make mistakes - just correct yourself and move on. It actually shows you can self-correct, which examiners love to see!

Myself, Family and Local Area
This is usually your warm-up topic, so nail it to build confidence early. You'll chat about personal details, family dynamics, and what your area is like for young people.
For family discussions, try phrases like "Réitím go maith le mo dheartháir mar..." (I get on well with my brother because...) or "Is mise an duine is sine sa chlann" (I am the oldest in the family). These show natural Irish conversation patterns.
When describing your area, get specific about facilities (áiseanna) and problems (fadhbanna). Use "Tá mo bhaile suite i gceartlár na tuaithe" (My town is situated in the middle of the countryside) or "An rud is mó a thaitníonn liom faoin áit ná..." (The thing I like most about the place is...).
Remember: Always give reasons for your opinions. Never just say something is good or bad - explain why with "mar" (because).

School Life and the Leaving Cert
School talk is guaranteed, so prepare opinions on subjects, teachers, and especially córas na bpointi (the points system). You can be honest about finding subjects difficult - just explain why.
For positive subject chat: "Tá an-suim agam sa Ghaeilge mar is teanga álainn, shaibhir í" (I'm very interested in Irish because it's a beautiful, rich language). For negative: "Ní maith liom an mhatamaitic, faighim go bhfuil sé ró-theibí" (I don't like maths, I find it too abstract).
The uniform debate always comes up. Positive angle: "Cuireann an éide scoile deireadh le hiomaíocht i measc na ndaltaí" (School uniform ends competition among students). Negative: "Baineann sé dár n-indibhidiúlacht" (It takes away from our individuality).
Key Point: You can admit uncertainty about future plans - "Níl mé cinnte céard ba mhaith liom a dhéanamh go fóill" is perfectly acceptable!

Future Plans and Social Issues
This is where the modh coinníollach becomes essential. Use structures like "Ba mhaith liom..." (I would like...) or "Dá mbeadh an rogha agam..." (If I had the choice...) for college and career chat.
For fadhbanna sóisialta (social issues), pick one or two you actually care about. Easpa dídine (homelessness), athrú aeráide (climate change), or sláinte intinne (mental health) are solid choices. Show you've got opinions with "I mo thuairimse..." (In my opinion...).
Always expand your answers massively. Instead of "Tá, oibrím i siopa" (Yes, I work in a shop), build it up: explain when, where, what you enjoy, how it gives you neamhspleáchas (independence) from your parents.
Pro Strategy: Ask the examiner a question back occasionally - "Agus céard fútsa?" (And what about you?) shows confidence and creates natural conversation flow.

Advanced Techniques and Grammar
Master the tuiseal ginideach (genitive case) for possession - "fadhbanna na tíre" (the country's problems) shows high-level accuracy that examiners notice. Get this right and you'll stand out.
Vary your vocabulary beyond basic responses. Instead of always saying "Tá sé go maith", mix it up with "Tá sé ar fheabhas", "Tá sé iontach", or "Is aoibhinn liom é". This shows natural language range.
Learn strategic fillers to buy thinking time: "Bhuel..." (Well...), "Leis an fhírinne a rá..." (To tell the truth...), or "Sin ceist mhaith..." (That's a good question...). These make you sound more natural.
Crucial: Listen to the actual question asked - don't just launch into prepared answers that don't quite fit. Match the verb tense used in the question.

Quick Revision Summary
Your core topics to nail: yourself and family, local area, school life, future plans, and at least one social issue you can discuss intelligently. Practice adapting phrases rather than memorising rigid answers.
Essential phrase categories: opinions ("Is dóigh liom", "Feictear domsa go..."), likes/dislikes ("Is maith liom", "Ní aoibhinn liom"), and conversation fillers ("Bhuel", "anois", "féach").
The golden rule is flexibility - learn vocabulary and structures you can adapt to any question the examiner throws at you. Show you can think in Irish, not just recite it.
Final Check: Always expand answers with examples, reasons, and opinions. Never give one-word responses - this is a conversation, not a quiz!
Azt hittük, soha nem fogod megkérdezni...
Mi a Knowunity MI társ?
MI Társunk egy diákközpontú MI eszköz, amely többet nyújt puszta válaszoknál. Millió Knowunity erőforrásra épülve releváns információkat, személyre szabott tanulási terveket, kvízeket és tartalmat biztosít közvetlenül a chatben, alkalmazkodva az egyéni tanulási utadhoz.
Honnan tudom letölteni a Knowunity appot?
Az appot letöltheted a Google Play Store-ból és az Apple App Store-ból.
Tényleg ingyenes a Knowunity?
Pontosan! Élvezd az ingyenes hozzáférést a tanulási tartalmakhoz, kapcsolódj diáktársaiddal, és kapj azonnali segítséget – mind a kezed ügyében.
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9Irish oral questions and answers
Questions and answers for the leaving cert oral
Irish oral questions
Outline of oral questions
Irish poetry 2027
Iníon + Dínit an Bhróin
Iníon- le hÁine Durkin
Aine Durkin’s poem, Iníon: Themes & summary
LC HL notes- Iníon (poem)
Includes poem in English and Irish, theme, key words & phrases
Mo Ghrá-sa (Idir Lúibíní)
Notes on mo ghrá-sa
Gaeilge Grammar Office
All the basics you need to know on Irish grammar.
An Gaeilge Aiste
Irish Language essay
Mé Féin & Mo Chlann (Myself & My Family)
Students will learn vocabulary to describe themselves, their family members, and daily routines. This helps in personal introductions and discussions.
Legnépszerűbb tananyagok
9Irish oral questions and answers
Questions and answers for the leaving cert oral
Key Quotes : Sive
Key Quotes and explanations: Sive
Irish oral questions
Outline of oral questions
Iníon- le hÁine Durkin
Aine Durkin’s poem, Iníon: Themes & summary
Irish poetry 2027
Iníon + Dínit an Bhróin
LC HL notes- Iníon (poem)
Includes poem in English and Irish, theme, key words & phrases
Cultural Context : Shawshank Redemption : Sive : Small Things Like These
Comparative Study : Cultural Context : Shawshank Redemption, Sive and Small Things Like These
Mo Ghrá-sa (Idir Lúibíní)
Notes on mo ghrá-sa
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Nem találod amit keresel? Fedezz fel más tantárgyakat.
A diákok imádnak minket — és téged is fognak.
Az alkalmazás nagyon könnyen használható és jól megtervezett. Mindent megtaláltam, amit eddig kerestem, és sokat tudtam tanulni a prezentációkból! Biztosan használni fogom az alkalmazást egy osztályfeladathoz! És persze inspirációként is nagyszerűen segít.
Ez az alkalmazás tényleg nagyszerű. Olyan sok tanulási jegyzet és segítség van benne [...]. Például a francia a problémás tantárgyam, és az alkalmazásban olyan sok segítség lehetőség van. Ennek az alkalmazásnak köszönhetően javult a franciám. Mindenkinek ajánlanám.
Hű, tényleg lenyűgözött. Csak úgy kipróbáltam az alkalmazást, mert sokszor láttam reklámozva, és teljesen megdöbbentett. Ez az alkalmazás AZ A SEGÍTSÉG, amire az iskolában szükséged van, és mindenekelőtt olyan sok mindent kínál, mint például gyakorlatokat és összefoglalókat, amik nekem személyesen NAGYON hasznosak voltak.
Comhrá Sasúir agus Cleasanna Laethúla
The general conversation is the main event of your Irish oral exam, worth about 40% of your total marks. It's your chance to show off your natural Irish speaking skills through a proper chat with the examiner about your life,...

Understanding the General Conversation
You'll be having a real conversation with the examiner, not just reciting memorised answers. The trick is showing you can think on your feet and develop your points naturally. Spreagadh (prompting) will cost you marks, so you need to expand on answers yourself.
Nathanna cainte (idiomatic phrases) are your secret weapon here. Using expressions like "Ar an iomlán" (on the whole) or "Is dóigh liom" (I think) shows you've got proper command of the language beyond basic vocabulary.
You'll need to be rock-solid with your foirmeacha briathartha (verb forms). Master the past tense (aimsir chaite), present tense (aimsir láithreach), future tense (aimsir fháistineach), and especially the modh coinníollach (conditional mood) for discussing future plans.
Top Tip: Don't panic if you make mistakes - just correct yourself and move on. It actually shows you can self-correct, which examiners love to see!

Myself, Family and Local Area
This is usually your warm-up topic, so nail it to build confidence early. You'll chat about personal details, family dynamics, and what your area is like for young people.
For family discussions, try phrases like "Réitím go maith le mo dheartháir mar..." (I get on well with my brother because...) or "Is mise an duine is sine sa chlann" (I am the oldest in the family). These show natural Irish conversation patterns.
When describing your area, get specific about facilities (áiseanna) and problems (fadhbanna). Use "Tá mo bhaile suite i gceartlár na tuaithe" (My town is situated in the middle of the countryside) or "An rud is mó a thaitníonn liom faoin áit ná..." (The thing I like most about the place is...).
Remember: Always give reasons for your opinions. Never just say something is good or bad - explain why with "mar" (because).

School Life and the Leaving Cert
School talk is guaranteed, so prepare opinions on subjects, teachers, and especially córas na bpointi (the points system). You can be honest about finding subjects difficult - just explain why.
For positive subject chat: "Tá an-suim agam sa Ghaeilge mar is teanga álainn, shaibhir í" (I'm very interested in Irish because it's a beautiful, rich language). For negative: "Ní maith liom an mhatamaitic, faighim go bhfuil sé ró-theibí" (I don't like maths, I find it too abstract).
The uniform debate always comes up. Positive angle: "Cuireann an éide scoile deireadh le hiomaíocht i measc na ndaltaí" (School uniform ends competition among students). Negative: "Baineann sé dár n-indibhidiúlacht" (It takes away from our individuality).
Key Point: You can admit uncertainty about future plans - "Níl mé cinnte céard ba mhaith liom a dhéanamh go fóill" is perfectly acceptable!

Future Plans and Social Issues
This is where the modh coinníollach becomes essential. Use structures like "Ba mhaith liom..." (I would like...) or "Dá mbeadh an rogha agam..." (If I had the choice...) for college and career chat.
For fadhbanna sóisialta (social issues), pick one or two you actually care about. Easpa dídine (homelessness), athrú aeráide (climate change), or sláinte intinne (mental health) are solid choices. Show you've got opinions with "I mo thuairimse..." (In my opinion...).
Always expand your answers massively. Instead of "Tá, oibrím i siopa" (Yes, I work in a shop), build it up: explain when, where, what you enjoy, how it gives you neamhspleáchas (independence) from your parents.
Pro Strategy: Ask the examiner a question back occasionally - "Agus céard fútsa?" (And what about you?) shows confidence and creates natural conversation flow.

Advanced Techniques and Grammar
Master the tuiseal ginideach (genitive case) for possession - "fadhbanna na tíre" (the country's problems) shows high-level accuracy that examiners notice. Get this right and you'll stand out.
Vary your vocabulary beyond basic responses. Instead of always saying "Tá sé go maith", mix it up with "Tá sé ar fheabhas", "Tá sé iontach", or "Is aoibhinn liom é". This shows natural language range.
Learn strategic fillers to buy thinking time: "Bhuel..." (Well...), "Leis an fhírinne a rá..." (To tell the truth...), or "Sin ceist mhaith..." (That's a good question...). These make you sound more natural.
Crucial: Listen to the actual question asked - don't just launch into prepared answers that don't quite fit. Match the verb tense used in the question.

Quick Revision Summary
Your core topics to nail: yourself and family, local area, school life, future plans, and at least one social issue you can discuss intelligently. Practice adapting phrases rather than memorising rigid answers.
Essential phrase categories: opinions ("Is dóigh liom", "Feictear domsa go..."), likes/dislikes ("Is maith liom", "Ní aoibhinn liom"), and conversation fillers ("Bhuel", "anois", "féach").
The golden rule is flexibility - learn vocabulary and structures you can adapt to any question the examiner throws at you. Show you can think in Irish, not just recite it.
Final Check: Always expand answers with examples, reasons, and opinions. Never give one-word responses - this is a conversation, not a quiz!
Azt hittük, soha nem fogod megkérdezni...
Mi a Knowunity MI társ?
MI Társunk egy diákközpontú MI eszköz, amely többet nyújt puszta válaszoknál. Millió Knowunity erőforrásra épülve releváns információkat, személyre szabott tanulási terveket, kvízeket és tartalmat biztosít közvetlenül a chatben, alkalmazkodva az egyéni tanulási utadhoz.
Honnan tudom letölteni a Knowunity appot?
Az appot letöltheted a Google Play Store-ból és az Apple App Store-ból.
Tényleg ingyenes a Knowunity?
Pontosan! Élvezd az ingyenes hozzáférést a tanulási tartalmakhoz, kapcsolódj diáktársaiddal, és kapj azonnali segítséget – mind a kezed ügyében.
Legnépszerűbb tananyagok Irish tantárgyból
9Irish oral questions and answers
Questions and answers for the leaving cert oral
Irish oral questions
Outline of oral questions
Irish poetry 2027
Iníon + Dínit an Bhróin
Iníon- le hÁine Durkin
Aine Durkin’s poem, Iníon: Themes & summary
LC HL notes- Iníon (poem)
Includes poem in English and Irish, theme, key words & phrases
Mo Ghrá-sa (Idir Lúibíní)
Notes on mo ghrá-sa
Gaeilge Grammar Office
All the basics you need to know on Irish grammar.
An Gaeilge Aiste
Irish Language essay
Mé Féin & Mo Chlann (Myself & My Family)
Students will learn vocabulary to describe themselves, their family members, and daily routines. This helps in personal introductions and discussions.
Legnépszerűbb tananyagok
9Irish oral questions and answers
Questions and answers for the leaving cert oral
Key Quotes : Sive
Key Quotes and explanations: Sive
Irish oral questions
Outline of oral questions
Iníon- le hÁine Durkin
Aine Durkin’s poem, Iníon: Themes & summary
Irish poetry 2027
Iníon + Dínit an Bhróin
LC HL notes- Iníon (poem)
Includes poem in English and Irish, theme, key words & phrases
Cultural Context : Shawshank Redemption : Sive : Small Things Like These
Comparative Study : Cultural Context : Shawshank Redemption, Sive and Small Things Like These
Mo Ghrá-sa (Idir Lúibíní)
Notes on mo ghrá-sa
An Gaeilge Aiste
Irish Language essay
Nem találod amit keresel? Fedezz fel más tantárgyakat.
A diákok imádnak minket — és téged is fognak.
Az alkalmazás nagyon könnyen használható és jól megtervezett. Mindent megtaláltam, amit eddig kerestem, és sokat tudtam tanulni a prezentációkból! Biztosan használni fogom az alkalmazást egy osztályfeladathoz! És persze inspirációként is nagyszerűen segít.
Ez az alkalmazás tényleg nagyszerű. Olyan sok tanulási jegyzet és segítség van benne [...]. Például a francia a problémás tantárgyam, és az alkalmazásban olyan sok segítség lehetőség van. Ennek az alkalmazásnak köszönhetően javult a franciám. Mindenkinek ajánlanám.
Hű, tényleg lenyűgözött. Csak úgy kipróbáltam az alkalmazást, mert sokszor láttam reklámozva, és teljesen megdöbbentett. Ez az alkalmazás AZ A SEGÍTSÉG, amire az iskolában szükséged van, és mindenekelőtt olyan sok mindent kínál, mint például gyakorlatokat és összefoglalókat, amik nekem személyesen NAGYON hasznosak voltak.