Relative Clauses

Start with a mind map

Relative Clauses is a section of Grammar Overview in English language. Its resources offer several ways to explore how a relative clause adds information about a person, thing or place. Start with the Relative Clauses mind map that introduces defining clauses. It uses a job example to show information that identifies what is being discussed and points out that defining clauses do not use commas.

Next, look at the Relative clauses mind map that compares defining and non-defining clauses. Use it to see the difference between information needed to identify someone or something and extra information. You can return to these maps when you want to check the distinction.

Follow the pronouns

The Relative Clauses quiz gives sentences with spaces for relative pronouns. Its examples include a restaurant with a big menu, a boy whose book was borrowed and a boy described using who. Before taking it, use a mind map to look at the pronouns and the kinds of information they connect.

After the quiz, return to the maps and compare your answers with the examples. The maps cover pronouns used for people, things, places, time and possession. Focus on the examples that relate to questions you found difficult, then use them to guide another look at the quiz.

Use flashcards alongside examples

The Relative Clauses flashcards present pairs of sentences, including descriptions of a bartender, a barometer and a wallet. Use the pairs as a starting point for practicing how to connect information. Compare your work with the mind maps, paying attention to the person or thing being described.

For teachers, these examples offer material for discussing pronoun choices with school students. For students, moving between a map, a quiz and the flashcards provides different ways to work with the examples listed here.

Place the topic in the unit

These resources form the Relative Clauses section of Grammar Overview. Use the maps to organize the distinctions, then use the quiz and flashcards to practice applying them. Pick a map and a quiz to work through together.