Learn English > English lessons and exercises > English test #21489: Work stops in Ireland to watch eclipse

	> Other English exercises on the same topic: Newspaper [Change theme]
	> Similar tests: - Population growth - Global warming in the Arctic - Martin Luther King, Jr remembered - Tracy Chevalier and a painting by Vermeer - Daily press - Lighthouse La Jument - Vocabulary: violence - About the weather
	> Double-click on words you don't understand

Work stops in Ireland to watch eclipse

Thursday, August 12th 1999

Thousands of Irish eclipse-watchers joined sky-gazers around the world yesterday in viewing the last great solar spectacular of the millennium.

The world didn't come to an end but work stopped temporarily, as people flooded out of homes and offices to witness the moon eclipse the sun. Temperatures dropped by up to 2° Celsius in Ireland and the sky noticeably darkened.

Shortly after 11 am, as the eclipse reached its limit , cars stopped, telephones were left unanswered and people looked to the heavens. In five minutes, electricity demand fell by 3.5 per cent.

Despite all the warnings, people did look directly at the sun, using devices ranging from eclipse sunglasses to the back of their hands.

Dublin's Eye and Ear Hospital received up to 40 phone calls last night from people fearful that damage may have been caused to their eyes. At least five people were examined, two of whom are to return today for further tests.

However, no major injuries have been identified, said Professor Louis Collum, adding that anyone with any visual symptoms should contact their GP or eye doctor.

A total eclipse occurs somewhere in the world about every 18 months. The next total eclipse to pass over Ireland will be in 2090, and over Dublin in 2600.

Twitter Share
English exercise "Work stops in Ireland to watch eclipse" created by webmaster with The test builder. [More lessons & exercises from webmaster]
Click here to see the current stats of this English test

Please log in to save your progress.

1. When was the article published?

2. Where did the scene take place?

3. What happened?

4. No-one watched it.

5. Temperatures...

6. It happened in the evening.

7. What was the biggest problem?

8. A lot of injuries were discovered.

9. A total eclipse occurs every months

10. When will the next eclipse occur in Dublin?

End of the free exercise to learn English: Work stops in Ireland to watch eclipse
A free English exercise to learn English.
Other English exercises on the same topic : Newspaper | All our lessons and exercises