Understanding the different types of relative clauses is essential for being able to write clearly and unambiguously in English.
Below you will find a series of sentences that need to be combined using an appropriate relative clause. Before you start the exercise, however, view this slide show to learn about relative clauses and how to form them.
Now try to combine the sentences below using an appropriate relative clause. Remember: The sentences will be recognized as correct only if all the spelling and punctuation is perfect, so be careful!!!
The first two sentence pairs should be combined using a type i relative clause.
I saw a man this morning. He was wearing a yellow hat.
I read an article yesterday. It was short but very informative.
Now, try combining these sentences using type II relative clauses:
People with diabetes often lack insulin. Insulin is a hormone made in the pancreas.
The final speaker of the day is Dr. Smith. She won the Nobel Prize in 1995.
Now try to combine the following sentences using either a type I or a type II relative clause.
The disease is caused by a defective enzyme. An enzyme is a protein that catalyzes a chemical reaction.
Dr. Johnson selected a sample. The sample he selected had an unusally high protein concentration.
The MRI revealed strong activity in the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus maintains homeostasis in the body.
Dr. Smith proposed an experimental approach (to the problem). I liked the approach in theory, but it ended up failing. (The response should start with "I liked" and should not include the phrase "to the problem).
