1. I am Australian
Reflexión
Paco has learnt a lot about Australia. All the information provided in the guide books helps him get to know the place he is going to visit far better. As always, he has read where the name of the continent comes from on the plane to Sydney, which, by the way, is about to land.
In the passage Paco reads there are some relative clauses. Do you remember what relative clauses are used for?
Important
Taking that into account, relative clauses may refer to:
- A noun to designate a person.
- A noun to designate an object.
- A noun to designate an animal.
- An abstract noun.
- A noun to designate a place.
- A whole main clause.
The main pronouns used to form relative clauses are who (persons) and which (objects, animals, abstract nouns, whole clauses). Of course, there is also that, used instead of who or which, but it has limitations in its use, which we will look at.
Solved exercise
In the passage in section 1 about the term Australia, there are several relative clauses.
Read it again and find at least two of them.
Listening activity
As soon as Paco enters the hotel in Sydney, he realizes Australians are really proud of being Australian. While he is signing in at the reception desk, he can hear some background music which makes the point.
Listen to the song and identify a relative clause. Click below to check and see the lyrics of the song.
Self-assessment activity
Which of the following sentences include a relative clause?
The hotel which Paco went to was fantastic.
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The hotel was a huge one. Who wouldn't want to stay there?
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It was such a great hotel that Paco got surprised.
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The receptionist who was at the reception desk was very polite.
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Did Paco know which his room was before he signed in?
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Let's go on looking at relative clauses in the next section. They are really important for your English!