Topic 1.1.2 Relative Clauses C1
Discussion
What do you think makes a sentence more detailed or specific? How can we add information to describe people or things in a sentence?
Can you think of a situation where it’s important to give extra information about something or someone? How would you do that in a sentence?
How do you usually describe a person or object in detail? What phrases or words do you use?
Have you ever read or written a sentence that was too long or confusing because it had too much information? How could you make it clearer?
Defining (Restrictive) Relative Clauses
Defining relative clauses provide essential information about the noun they modify. Without this information, the sentence would lose its meaning. They are introduced by relative pronouns like “who,” “whom,” “whose,” “which,” and “that.”
Examples:
– The book that I borrowed from the library was fascinating.
– The person who called you is my brother.
Non-defining (Non-restrictive) Relative Clauses
Non-defining relative clauses provide additional information that can be omitted without losing the sentence’s basic meaning. These clauses are set off by commas and cannot use “that” as a relative pronoun.
Examples:
– My brother, who lives in New York, is visiting us next week.
– The Eiffel Tower, which is located in Paris, is a famous landmark.
Reduced Relative Clauses
Reduced relative clauses make sentences more concise. They often omit the relative pronoun and auxiliary verb.
Examples:
– The man sitting next to me is a doctor. (Reduced from “The man who is sitting next to me is a doctor.”)
– The book borrowed from the library was fascinating. (Reduced from “The book that was borrowed from the library was fascinating.”)
Relative Clauses with Prepositions
Relative clauses can also include prepositions. The preposition can either precede the relative pronoun (formal) or come at the end of the clause (informal).
Examples:
– The house in which I grew up is being sold. (Formal)
– The house which I grew up in is being sold. (Informal)
Relative Clauses with “Whose”
“Whose” is used to indicate possession and can refer to both people and things.
Examples:
– The artist whose paintings were stolen was very upset.
– I met a woman whose son is a famous actor.
Relative Clauses with “Whom”
“Whom” is used as the object of a verb or preposition. In modern English, “who” is often used instead of “whom,” especially in informal contexts.
Examples:
– The professor whom I met yesterday is an expert in linguistics.
– The colleague with whom I worked has retired.
Using “Where,” “When,” and “Why”
“Where” is used for places, “when” for times, and “why” for reasons.
Examples:
– This is the place where we first met.
– I remember the day when we graduated.
– The reason why I called is to invite you to a presentation.
Combining Types for Complex Sentences
Complex sentences can combine multiple relative clauses to add layers of detail and information.
Example:
– The scientist who won the Nobel Prize, whose research changed the field of biology, and whom many admire, gave an inspiring lecture.
Practice
To master advanced relative clauses, practice by incorporating them into your writing and speech. By understanding and practicing these advanced structures, you can enhance the clarity, precision, and elegance of your communication.
Here are a few exercises to get started:
Defining Relative Clauses:
Non-Defining Relative Clauses:
Reduced Relative Clauses:
Relative Clauses with Prepositions:
Mixed Practice – Complex Relative Clauses:
Role-Play Activity: Job Interview Scenario
Objective: Practice using advanced relative clauses in a professional context, such as during a job interview.
Scenario Description:
In pairs you will participate in a mock job interview setting where you take turns being the interviewer and the interviewee. The interviewer will ask questions that require the interviewee to respond using advanced relative clauses appropriately.
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Discussion questions
Company Policies
Can you describe a company policy that you find most beneficial for employee productivity?
What are the main issues which companies face when implementing new technology?
Job Roles
What are the key responsibilities of a position which you have previously held?
Can you explain a role in your company that requires strong leadership skills?
Decision Making
Can you provide an example of a business decision which had a significant impact on your team?
What factors do you consider when choosing a company that you want to work with?
Legal Situations
Could you describe a legal case which changed the way your industry operates?
What are some regulations that professionals in your field must follow closely?
Client Relations
Can you talk about a client who had very specific needs, and how you addressed them?
What is a common challenge which arises when managing client expectations?
Training and Development
What is a training program that significantly improved your skills or the skills of your team?
Can you describe a learning experience which helped you understand your industry better?
Workplace Culture
What is an aspect of workplace culture that makes a company more attractive to employees?
Can you explain a project which fostered collaboration between departments?
You can download the pdf for today’s class here:
https://satidiomas.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2024-Advanced-Summer-Intensive-Course-DAY-1.pdf