ST.

PATRICK’S DAY EXPLAINED

Watch the video “St. Patrick's Day: Bet You Didn't Know” by History.

WARM UP
Match the country associated with the events pictures below.

Germany Spain England India Brazil Mexico

1. Brazil (Rio Carnival) 2. Mexico (Day of the dead)

3. India (Holi) 4. Germany (Oktoberfest)

5. Spain (La Tomatina) 6. England (Glastonbury)

a) Can you name the events in the pictures?

b) Rank the events 1-6 from the one you would most like to attend to the least.
c) Describe the key annual events in your culture.

ESL Pals 1 General English

 WORKING WITH WORDS: DEFINITIONS
Study the key words from the video, then match them to their definitions.

patron saint kidnap to honour (someone) custom to take off to boast

1. Kidnap: to illegally take someone prisoner for money etc..

2. Patron saint: a holy person who protects a place or activity.

3. Custom: a traditional or habitual practice.

4. To take off: when something suddenly becomes successful or popular.

5. To boast: to speak or act excessively about one's abilities or possessions.

6. To honour: recognised or celebrated for achievements or qualities.

Complete the sentences using those words, you may need to change the tense.

a) St. Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland, and many people celebrate his feast day by
wearing green and drinking beer.

b) The wealthy businessman was kidnapped by a group of criminals who demanded

money for his safe return.

c) The soldier was honoured with a medal for his bravery and service to his country.

d) It's a custom in some cultures to remove one's shoes before entering a home or
place of worship.

e) After the band's first album took off, they went on a worldwide tour and gained a
massive following.

f) Tom always likes to boast about his latest business success, but it can be annoying
to his colleagues.

Discussion questions.

1. Who is your patron saint, and why did you choose him/her?
2. What is the most meaningful honour or award you have ever received?
3. If you could kidnap any fictional character from a movie, who would it be and why?
4. What customs from your culture do you find most interesting or important?
5. What recent trends or products have taken off and become popular in your country?
6. Do you think it's impressive or annoying when people boast about their success?

ESL Pals 2 General English

 WORKING WITH WORDS: SYNONYMS
Match the words from the video (1-6) to their synonyms (a-f).

1. attire a) pub 2

2. tavern b) clothing 1

3. spectators c) imprisonment 5

4. migrate d) represented 6

5. captivity e) relocate 4

6. symbolised f) audience 3

Complete the sentences using the words from the task above.

a) The team won the match in front of a huge crowd of enthusiastic spectators.

b) The performers' attire was colourful and extravagant, adding to the lively
atmosphere of the circus.

c) We decided to grab a drink at the cosy tavern on the corner of the street.

d) Every winter, flocks of birds migrate south in search of warmer weather.

e) The event symbolised the country's freedom and independence.

f) The animal rights activists protested against the captivity of the dolphins in the
small tanks.

Discussion questions.

1. How do you choose your attire for a job interview?

2. What are some of the traditional drinks served at the local tavern?

3. How do spectators enhance the atmosphere of a sports event?

4. What are some of the challenges people face when migrating to a new country?

5. What are some of the ethical concerns regarding animals in captivity?

6. How do different cultures use symbols to represent their history or mythology?

ESL Pals 3 General English

 VIDEO QUOTES
Complete the quotes from the video using the words in the box.

Irish symbolised attire kidnapped honoured tavern

pride shamrock custom parades boasting took off

1. Millions of people around the world wear their best green attire every March 17th
to celebrate Saint Patrick's Day.

2. To start with, Saint Patrick wasn't even Irish. He was born around the fifth century in
Brittany, then part of the Roman Empire.

3. At sixteen, he was kidnapped by Irish Raiders and spent six years in captivity.

4. After Patrick died on March 17, 461 he was largely forgotten until mythology and
legend grew. Centuries later he was honoured as the patron saint of Ireland.

5. According to one famous myth, Patrick drove all the snakes from Ireland. The story
symbolised Patrick cleansing the island of paganism.

6. According to another famous story, Patrick used the three leaves of the shamrock to
explain the Holy Trinity.

7. As a result, people in 18th century Ireland started wearing shamrocks on March 17

to signify their Irish Christian pride.

8. That tradition later grew into wearing green clothing, a popular Saint Patrick's Day
custom today.

9. The tradition of celebrating March 17th with parades started in America.

10. The parade tradition really took off after the great potato famine hit Ireland in the
1840s, sending hundreds of thousands of Irish immigrants pouring into New York,
Boston, and other American cities.

11. The first record of a St. Patrick's Day parade in New York dates to 1762, when a
group of Irish soldiers serving with the British marched a few blocks to a tavern in
lower Manhattan.

12. Today, it is the largest and longest St. Patrick's Day parade, boasting close to
200,000 participants and nearly 3 million spectators each year.

Task. Take 5 minutes to plan and then write sentences using selected words. Then, share
your sentences with the class.

ESL Pals 4 General English

 DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Discuss the following questions as a class. Use all the words and information learned in
video. Say as much as you can, and have fun!

1. Who was Saint Patrick, and where was he born? How did he end up in Ireland?

2. Why did the tradition of wearing green on St. Patrick's Day start?

3. Do you think the legend of Saint Patrick driving out snakes from Ireland is meant to
be taken literally or metaphorically? Why?

4. What is St. Patrick's Day, and why do people celebrate it?

5. How do people celebrate St. Patrick's Day in your country?

6. Do you think it's important to wear green on St. Patrick's Day? Why or why not?

7. Do you know any Irish traditions or customs?

8. What do you know about Irish history and culture?

9. Have you ever visited Ireland? If so, what did you like about it?

10. What are some symbols of Ireland, and what do they represent?

11. Do you think St. Patrick's Day is celebrated more for cultural or commercial reasons?

12. What are some unique ways people celebrate St. Patrick's Day around the world?

13. What are some common misconceptions about Ireland or Irish culture that people
have, and how can we address them?

14. Have you ever attended a St. Patrick's Day parade, and if so, what was it like?

15. What are some creative ways to incorporate sustainable practices into St. Patrick's
Day celebrations, such as reducing waste or supporting local businesses?

16. Do you think there is a difference between celebrating St. Patrick's Day in Ireland
and celebrating it outside of Ireland? Why or why not?

17. How has the way people celebrate St. Patrick's Day changed over time, and why?

18. What are some of the challenges facing Ireland today, and how can we support Irish
culture and heritage?

19. If you had to sum up the spirit of St. Patrick's Day in one word, what would it be, and
why?

20. What are some ways that St. Patrick's Day celebrations have influenced popular
culture, such as music, movies, or fashion?

ESL Pals 5 General English

 EVENTS PHRASAL VERBS
Try to complete the phrasal verb related to events using a word from the box. You are
not expected to know these expressions so have fun!

in up call walk on along

1. call off.
2. pour in.
3. walk out.
4. booked up.
5. bring along.
6. put on.

Read the phrasal verbs in example sentences below.

a) I'm sorry, but all the seats for the concert are booked up.

b) As soon as the doors opened, people started pouring in to see the art exhibit.

c) Some of the audience members were so upset with the comedian's jokes that they
decided to walk out of the show.

d) Due to the bad weather, the football match had to be called off.

e) Can I bring my friend along to the party tonight?

f) The theatre company is putting on a production of Romeo and Juliet next week.

Use the information in each sentence to figure out the meaning of each phrasal verb.

1. booked up:. all the available spots have been reserved or taken.

2. call off: to cancel an event that was previously scheduled.

3. bring along: to bring someone or something with you to an event.

4. put on: to organise, host or present an event or show.

5. pour in: when a large number of people are arriving or joining the event quickly and
continuously.

6. walk out: to leave an event abruptly, often as a form of protest or disagreement.

ESL Pals 6 General English

Use the phrasal verbs to complete the following sentences. You may need to change the
tense of the verb.

bring along pour in booked up walk out put on call off

1. Fans of the band began to pour in as soon as the doors opened for the concert.

2. Unfortunately, we can't accept any more bookings for the conference as it's already
booked up.

3. The organisers decided to call off the festival due to safety concerns.

4. The local community centre is putting on a free event for families with games, food,
and music.

5. Can I bring my dog along to the outdoor concert?

6. I had to walk out of the meeting because I couldn't stand the tension in the room
any longer.

Practice using the phrasal verbs in a natural way by discussing the questions.

a) Have you ever tried to book a flight or a hotel room only to find out that everything
is booked up? What did you do?

b) What problems can occur when large crowds are pouring into an event?

c) Can you think of a time when you felt so frustrated or angry that you wanted to
walk out of a meeting or event?

d) Have you ever had to call off a party or event due to bad weather or unforeseen
circumstances?

e) Who would you bring along to your dream concert, and why?

f) Have you ever put on a show or event, and if so, what was it and how did it go?

ESL Pals 7 General English

 SPEAKING TASK
Study the pictures of people from different cultures participating in cultural events. You
have five minutes to prepare, then you have 3 minutes to answer the following question:

1. Talk about the ways they are similar to or different from each other.

Prompts:
1. Do you know what the events are called and where they are celebrated?
2. Describe how each event is celebrated.
3. Describe the cultural, environmental & economical implications of each event.

WOULD YOU RATHER?

Study the options in each question, then decide which you would rather do, explaining
your reasoning. Would you rather…

1. … attend a St. Patrick's Day parade in New York City or in Ireland?

2. … attend the Running of the Bulls in Spain or the Tomatina Festival in Spain?
3. … go to Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany or the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil?
4. … celebrate Australia Day in Sydney or Canada Day in Ottawa?
5. … go to the Kentucky Derby or the Royal Ascot horse race in England?

ESL Pals 8 General English

 WRITING TASK
The local newspaper is hosting a writing competition asking readers to write about
their favourite St. Patrick's Day memories or traditions. Write an essay of around
250-300 words describing your own favourite St. Patrick's Day memory or tradition, and
why it's important to you.

St. Patrick’s Day

Think about your own experiences celebrating St. Patrick's Day, or research some
common St. Patrick's Day traditions. Write an essay (around 250-300 words) describing
your favourite St. Patrick's Day memory or tradition.

Use the following questions to help you write your essay:

● What is your favourite St. Patrick's Day memory or tradition?

● How did you first get involved in this tradition or memory?

● What makes this tradition or memory unique or special to you?

● How do you think this tradition or memory reflects the spirit of St. Patrick's Day?

● Use appropriate vocabulary and grammar to convey your ideas clearly.

The best essay will be published next week!

ESL Pals 9 General English

HOMEWORK
Read the article then complete the writing exercise on the following page.
ST. PATRICK’S DAY ARTICLE
St. Patrick's Day is a cultural and religious
holiday that is celebrated on March 17th
every year. It is a day that honours the
patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick, who
brought Christianity to Ireland in the 5th
century. Today, the holiday is celebrated not
only in Ireland but also in many other
countries around the world, especially in
the United States.
One of the most significant cultural
implications of St. Patrick's Day is its
celebration of Irish culture and heritage. On
this day, people all around the world come
together to celebrate the rich history and
traditions of Ireland. It is a day that is
marked by wearing green, the national
colour of Ireland, and participating in
parades, festivals, and other cultural events.
These events often include traditional Irish
music and dance, as well as Irish food and
drink. In some cities, such as Boston and
New York, St. Patrick's Day parades are a
significant part of the cultural celebration,
featuring bagpipers, step dancers, and other
performers. These parades draw thousands
of spectators, many of whom are proud of
their Irish heritage.
While St. Patrick's Day is a celebration of
Irish culture and heritage, it also has
environmental implications as celebrations
involve excessive drinking and waste, which
can have a significant impact on the
environment. In some cities, St. Patrick's
Day is known for its large-scale parades,
which can generate significant amounts of
trash and litter. Additionally, the production
and consumption of green beer, a popular
St. Patrick's Day tradition can contribute to
the environmental impact of the holiday.
ESL Pals
From an economic perspective, St. Patrick's
Day has significant implications for
businesses and local economies. In the
United States, the holiday is estimated to
generate billions of dollars in revenue each
year, with many businesses capitalising on
the holiday through sales and promotions.
This includes bars and restaurants, which
see an increase in traffic and sales on St.
Patrick's Day, as well as retailers selling
green-themed merchandise.
However, the economic impact of St.
Patrick's Day is not always positive. In some
cases, businesses may overstock on St.
Patrick's Day merchandise and end up with
excess inventory. Plus, the focus on alcohol
consumption during the celebrations can
lead to increased risk of alcohol-related
accidents, leading to economic costs.
It is also important to consider the cultural
implications of St. Patrick's Day beyond its
celebration of Irish culture. In recent years,
the holiday has been criticised for
promoting stereotypes of Irish people as
heavy drinkers and party-goers. Some have
called for a more nuanced understanding of
Irish culture, one that recognizes the many
contributions Irish people have made to the
world beyond their reputation for drinking.
In conclusion, St. Patrick's Day is a holiday
with cultural, environmental, and economic
implications. While it is an important
celebration of Irish culture and heritage, it is
also important to consider the
environmental impact of the holiday and to
celebrate responsibly. From an economic
perspective, St. Patrick's Day can provide a
boost to local economies, but it is important
to balance economic opportunities with
considerations of safety and sustainability.
10 General English
 ARTICLE VOCABULARY
Study the words in the box, then match them to their definitions.

1. significant a) immoderate 3
2. draw b) noteworthy 1
3. excessive c) taking advantage of 5
4. large-scale d) enhance 8
5. capitalising e) attract 2
6. inventory f) detailed 7
7. nuanced g) extensive 4
8. boost h) stock 6

Complete the sentences using the words from the task above.

a) The new funding will help boost the company's expansion plans.

b) The new research findings are significant and could lead to a breakthrough in
cancer treatment.

c) The new marketing strategy is expected to draw more customers to the store.

d) The author's nuanced writing style captured the complexity of the characters'
emotions.

e) The company's spending on unnecessary luxuries was excessive and led to financial
trouble.

f) The government launched a large-scale vaccination program to combat the

pandemic.

g) The store has a large inventory of designer clothes and accessories.

h) The company is capitalising on the growing demand for organic food by expanding
its product line.

Task. Take 5 minutes to plan and then write sentences using each word. Then, share your
sentences with your teacher in the next class.

ESL Pals 11 General English

 WRITING TASK
On a separate piece of paper, write detailed answers to the following questions. Use the
language and ideas presented throughout the lessons wherever possible.

1. What is the historical significance of St. Patrick's Day?

2. What are some of the cultural implications of St. Patrick's Day?

3. Why is wearing green associated with St. Patrick's Day?

4. How is St. Patrick's Day celebrated in other countries besides Ireland and the US?

5. What environmental impact does St. Patrick's Day have, and how can it be reduced?

6. How does St. Patrick's Day generate revenue for businesses and local economies?

7. What are some potential negative economic consequences of St. Patrick's Day for
businesses?

8. How has St. Patrick's Day been criticised in recent years, and what are some
potential solutions to address these criticisms?

9. What is the role of alcohol in St. Patrick's Day celebrations, and what are some
potential risks associated with it?

10. How can individuals celebrate St. Patrick's Day responsibly?

11. How can we balance the economic opportunities of St. Patrick's Day with
considerations of safety and sustainability?

12. What is the future of St. Patrick's Day celebrations, and how might they evolve in
the coming years?

ESL Pals 12 General English