Speaking:
Nested Stories
Grouping:
Time:
Pairs
25 minutes
Aim
Students will practice using embedded and layered relative clauses in storytelling.
Materials
• A set of story prompts
• A model story with embedded relative clauses
Preparation
• Prepare a short story that contains multiple layers of relative clauses (e.g., The man who lived next door, whose daughter I used to teach, suddenly moved away).
• Create a set of open-ended story prompts.
Activity Breakdown
1. The teacher introduces the concept of embedding relative clauses in narratives.
2. Pairs receive a simple story prompt and must build on it using embedded relative clauses.
3. Students tell their expanded stories to another pair.
4. The class reviews and refines examples.
Instructions
1. Read the story prompt.
2. Add details using embedded relative clauses.
3. Tell your story to a partner.
4. Listen to another pair’s story and note their use of relative clauses.
5. Share the most interesting sentences with the class.
Concept Checking Questions
• Does an embedded clause add extra information or change the main idea? (Adds extra information)
• Can you remove an embedded clause without changing the sentence structure? (No, it’s integrated)
Examples
• The scientist, whose work revolutionized medicine, was awarded a prize.
• The book that she recommended, which I finished in two days, was incredible.
Extensions/Varations
• Harder: Students create their own story prompts.
• Easier: Provide sentence starters with gaps for relative clauses.
Error Correction
• The teacher corrects incorrect relative clause structures and ensures fluency.
Writing:
Formal Writing Challenge
Grouping:
Time:
Individuals
30 minutes
Aim
Students will write a short academic-style paragraph using embedded relative clauses.
Materials
• A list of key facts about a historical event or scientific discovery
• A writing prompt requiring formal explanation
Preparation
• Prepare a list of factual statements that students will combine using relative clauses.
Activity Breakdown
1. Students receive a set of key facts.
2. They combine them into a paragraph using embedded and layered relative clauses.
3. They exchange paragraphs with a partner for peer review.
4. The class discusses strong examples and areas for improvement.
Instructions
1. Read the key facts carefully.
2. Combine them using embedded and layered relative clauses.
3. Write a short formal paragraph.
4. Exchange with a partner and suggest improvements.
5. Share one well-written sentence with the class.
Concept Checking Questions
• Does formal writing use simple or complex sentences? (Complex)
• Can we replace some relative clauses with shorter phrases? (Yes, but only if clarity is maintained)
Examples
• The scientist, who dedicated his life to climate research, whose discoveries reshaped environmental policies, was awarded the highest honor.
• The treaty, which was signed in 1945, whose impact still influences global relations today, marked the end of the war.
Extensions/Varations
• Harder: Students write a short essay incorporating at least five embedded clauses.
• Easier: Provide sentence structures for guidance.
Error Correction
• The teacher corrects sentence structure and clarity.
Listening:
Relative Clause Chain
Grouping:
Time:
Small groups
30 minutes
Aim
Students will analyze and construct layered relative clauses for descriptive writing.
Materials
• A set of descriptive sentences with relative clauses
• A worksheet with gap-fill exercises
Preparation
• Prepare sentences with multiple relative clauses and remove key parts.
• Create a worksheet where students must reconstruct or extend sentences.
Activity Breakdown
1. Students read example sentences and identify the different layers of relative clauses.
2. They complete the gap-fill exercise by adding missing clauses.
3. They extend one sentence with an additional embedded clause.
4. Groups compare answers and discuss their choices.
Instructions
1. Read the sentences carefully.
2. Identify the relative clauses and how they are layered.
3. Complete the sentences by adding missing relative clauses.
4. Extend one sentence with an extra clause.
5. Compare answers with another group.
Concept Checking Questions
• Does a layered relative clause describe the same or different parts of the sentence? (Different parts)
• Why might a writer use multiple relative clauses? (To add detail and complexity)
Examples
• The castle, which was built in the 14th century, whose walls have withstood countless sieges, still stands today.
• The professor, who specializes in astrophysics, whose research has been widely recognized, will give a lecture next week.
Extensions/Varations
• Harder: Students write their own sentences using two or more relative clauses.
• Easier: Provide sentence stems to complete.
Error Correction
• The teacher provides feedback on clause positioning and punctuation.
Reading:
Unpacking Embedded Clauses
Grouping:
Time:
Reading
25 minutes
Aim
Students will analyze how embedded and layered relative clauses are used in formal writing.
Materials
• Excerpts from academic articles or literary texts
• A worksheet with comprehension questions
Preparation
• Select short, dense passages with multiple relative clauses.
• Prepare questions that guide students in identifying and unpacking the clauses.
Activity Breakdown
1. Students read the text and highlight all relative clauses.
2. They break down long sentences into simpler ones.
3. They analyze how each clause contributes to meaning.
4. Pairs compare answers and discuss interpretations.
Instructions
1. Read the passage carefully.
2. Underline all relative clauses.
3. Rewrite one long sentence as two shorter ones.
4. Compare your breakdown with a partner.
5. Discuss why the writer used relative clauses.
Concept Checking Questions
• Does an embedded clause usually appear at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence? (In the middle)
• What happens if you remove a non-defining relative clause? (The sentence still makes sense)
Examples
• The theory, which was first proposed in the 18th century, has been refined over time by scientists whose work built upon it.
• The artist, who was born in Italy, whose paintings are now displayed worldwide, was relatively unknown during his lifetime.
Extensions/Varations
• Harder: Students write a summary of the passage using their own embedded clauses.
• Easier: Provide clues for identifying clauses.
Error Correction
• The teacher ensures students correctly identify different clause types.