Non-defining relative clauses

Article excerpt · target grammar marked

Pasi Sahlberg, whose research on Finnish schooling has reached policymakers on every continent, argues that the system succeeds precisely because it resists the pressure to standardise.

Grammar Reference · Non-defining relative clauses

who / which / whose

Pasi Sahlberg, whose research has reached policymakers on every continent, warns against copying. — adds information about a person

where / when

A classroom in Helsinki, where no child is tested before seven, is calmer than most. — adds information

which — whole clause

Finland spends less than expected, which surprises most visitors. — comments on the whole previous idea

Common error

The teacher that trained for six years retired. ✗ → The teacher, who trained for six years, retired.

01Exercise 1 — Form · Write the Correct Form

Non-defining relative clauses

1.The Finnish model, has been studied by governments worldwide, began in the 1970s.

2.Pasi Sahlberg, latest book examines global education reform, is based in Helsinki.

3.The school in Espoo, spaced repetition techniques were first introduced, became a national benchmark.

4.Finland removed standardised testing in the 1980s, many experts consider a bold and risky decision.

5.The teachers, spend six years in training, are trusted to design their own lessons.

6.The 1970s, the government committed to making education fully compulsory, were a turning point.

02Exercise 2 — Find and Correct the Error

find the error · rewrite the sentence

1.The curriculum, that is designed by teachers themselves, focuses on real-world application.

2.Helsinki, where the first student-centred schools it opened in the 1980s, is still a model city.

3.Sahlberg, whose he argues against standardisation, has spoken at the United Nations.

4.Finnish students score highly in critical thinking, which it places them above many wealthier nations.

5.The reforms began in a decade, when the country it was recovering from deep economic difficulty.

6.Many teachers, who they receive six years of training, design their own evidence-based lessons.

03Exercise 3 — About You

in your notebook

Personalise: complete five sentences about yourself using the target grammar.

Non-defining relative clauses01EnglishPlans.com