E9 M - Relative and adverbial clauses for cohesion
aiMOOCE9 M - Relative and adverbial clauses for cohesion
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E9 M - Relative and adverbial clauses for cohesion
Mini-description: Use defining and non-defining relative clauses and adverbial clauses of time, reason, result, purpose, concession and contrast to connect information clearly. This course is for Klasse 9, M-Niveau, Englisch als erste Fremdsprache, Baden-Württemberg and works in a B1-oriented language mode.
Media start – Look, think, connect: A link joins two parts. Language can do the same. Read the two ideas: Maya joined the eco team. The team meets on Fridays. How many good ways can you connect them?
Learning route: English first → understand → respond → ask → hint → improve → use again. German help is available only when you need it.
I-can goals
By the end, you can say:
- I can add essential information with a defining relative clause.
- I can add extra information with a non-defining relative clause and use commas correctly.
- I can connect ideas of time, reason, result, purpose, concession and contrast.
- I can make a short spoken or written text more cohesive.
- I can notice, explain and improve common clause errors.
- I can respond to a partner, ask for clarification and improve my first version.
Before you start
Quick check: Join each pair in one sentence. Do not worry about being perfect.
- The girl is our new class representative. She is standing by the window.
- We stayed inside. It was raining heavily.
- I will message you. I arrive at the station.
Deutsch-Hilfe aufklappen: Verbinde die Informationen. Überlege: Geht es um eine Person oder Sache, um Zeit oder um einen Grund? Erst danach suchst Du ein passendes Verbindungswort.
Listening and viewing
Relative clauses in real explanations
BBC Learning English – defining and non-defining relative clauses.
First viewing: Watch without stopping. Write down three relative words you hear.
Second viewing: Listen for these points: Which information is necessary? Which information is extra? When do speakers mention commas?
Respond: Tell a partner one rule in your own words. Start with: A defining clause helps me identify ... or A non-defining clause adds ...
Ask: If something is unclear, ask: Can you give me another example? or Why is there a comma here?
One-minute reason check
BBC Learning English – because, as and since.
Listen once. Then complete orally: I use because when ... and A reason clause can come ...
Challenge: Notice how meaning and word order work together. Do not translate every word.
Focus video: defining clauses
Before watching, predict: Which word will probably refer to people? Which words can refer to things? Watch and check.
Reading: A project that worked
Read the short blog entry. Find the words that connect information.
Our class started a repair café, which now opens once a month. Students who enjoy fixing things work with adults from the neighbourhood. We began the project because many small items were being thrown away. When visitors arrive, they first explain the problem. We label every box so that tools are easy to find. One lamp was so old that nobody expected it to work again. Although the first meeting was small, the group kept going. While some students repair objects, others make posters and welcome new visitors. The project, which began as a class idea, is now part of our school life.
Understand: Which sentence tells you the reason for the project? Which sentence shows an unexpected contrast? Which two relative clauses add extra information?
Respond: Give the blog a one-sentence summary using at least one linking clause.
Context vocabulary
| Word or phrase | Simple meaning | Use it |
|---|---|---|
| essential information | information you need to identify someone or something | Students who volunteer get a badge. |
| extra information | useful but not necessary for identification | The café, which opened in May, is popular. |
| reason | why something happens | because, as, since |
| result | what happens because of a situation | so ... that |
| purpose | the aim of an action | so that |
| concession | an unexpected fact that does not stop the main idea | although, even though |
| contrast | two different or opposing ideas | while, whereas |
| cohesion | clear links between ideas in a text | connect information instead of listing it |
Deutsch-Hilfe: essential = notwendig zur Identifikation; extra = Zusatzinformation; reason = Grund; result = Folge; purpose = Zweck; concession = Einräumung trotz Hindernis; contrast = Gegensatz; cohesion = sprachlicher Zusammenhang.
Functional grammar
Relative clauses: identify or add
The diagram shows how a relative word connects a noun with information about it. At this level, focus on the function, not on the technical analysis.
| Type | Function | Example | Key point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Defining | identifies the person or thing | The student who designed the poster is Mia. | no separating commas |
| Non-defining | adds extra information | Mia, who designed the poster, is in Year 9. | use commas |
Useful relative words: who for people, which for things, that often for people or things in defining clauses, where for places. Do not use that in a non-defining relative clause.
Comma test: If the middle information can be removed and the main person or thing is still clear, a non-defining clause may fit.
Hint 1: Ask: Do I need this information to know who or what is meant?
Hint 2: Essential → defining → no separating commas. Extra → non-defining → commas.
Hint 3: Compare: The phones that are broken go in this box. / My phone, which is two years old, still works.
Adverbial clauses: show the relationship
| Meaning | Linkers | Model |
|---|---|---|
| time | when, while, before, after, as soon as, until | When the meeting ends, I will call you. |
| reason | because, as, since | We changed the plan because the room was busy. |
| result | so ... that | The instructions were so clear that everyone could start. |
| purpose | so that | We shared the file so that everyone could edit it. |
| concession | although, even though | Although we had little time, we finished the poster. |
| contrast | while, whereas | Lena prefers speaking, whereas Amir prefers writing. |
Time
Time clauses answer when? If the time clause comes first, a comma usually separates it from the main clause: When the bell rings, we will leave. For future meaning after when, English normally uses the present form in the time clause: when the bell rings, not when the bell will ring.
Reason and result
Use the image as a thinking tool: causes point towards an effect. In language, because points to the reason. So ... that highlights the result.
We moved the event because the hall was closed.
The rain was so heavy that the match stopped.
Purpose, concession and contrast
Purpose: We repeat the key point so that everyone understands it.
Concession: Although the task was difficult, we kept trying. The second idea is unexpected, but still true.
Contrast: While Eva wants a video, Noah wants a poster. Two preferences are compared.
Useful warning: while can express time or contrast. Check the meaning from the whole sentence.
Pronunciation and fluency
Goal: understandable speech before accent perfection.
Read these sentences aloud in meaning groups:
- My cousin / who lives in Bristol / is visiting us next week.
- Although we were tired / we finished the presentation.
- When the lesson ends / I will send you the notes.
In non-defining clauses, a short pause can help listeners hear the extra information. In longer sentences, stress the content words and do not rush every linker.
Private practice: Recording yourself is optional. Keep recordings private unless you actively choose to share them. Do not upload personal recordings or data without permission.
Speaking: connect, react, improve
Pair task – Plan a class event. Student A wants a sports afternoon. Student B wants a creative workshop. Negotiate one plan.
Use at least four structures: one relative clause, one reason clause, one concession or contrast clause and one purpose clause.
Useful moves: I see your point, although ... · The activity that would work best is ... · We could ... so that ... · What do you mean by ...? · Could you explain why?
Round 2: Change one detail and react spontaneously. Improve one sentence after partner feedback.
Writing: make ideas flow
Task: Write a 120–150 word blog post or email about a school project, club, event or fictional work-experience day. Use at least two relative clauses and four different adverbial relationships.
Fictional data only: If you write a profile, CV or application example, invent names, addresses, phone numbers and employers. Do not copy private social-media data.
Cohesion check: Underline your linkers. Circle the noun each relative clause describes. Put a box around commas in non-defining clauses.
Mediation
Situation: A German school notice says: Die Fahrradwerkstatt findet am Donnerstag nach der sechsten Stunde statt. Wer ein Fahrrad mitbringt, soll es am Fahrradständer vor Gebäude B abstellen. Die Werkstatt fällt aus, falls die betreuende Person krank ist.
Your English-speaking partner asks what matters. Give the key information in English in 3–4 sentences. Do not translate every word. Select what the partner needs and connect it clearly.
Deutsch-Hilfe: Bei Mediation vermittelst Du die wichtigen Inhalte passend zur Situation. Eine Vollübersetzung ist nicht nötig.
Help ladder
Level 1 – keyword hint: identify the relationship: person/thing, time, reason, result, purpose, concession or contrast.
Level 2 – sentence frame: The student who ... · When ..., ... · We ... because ... · It was so ... that ... · We ... so that ... · Although ..., ... · While ..., ...
Level 3 – model fragment: Although the room was small, we used it because it was free. Now change the content, not just one word.
Use again: After a hint, close it and produce a new sentence without looking.
Feedback and error analysis
Two stars and a next step: Give your partner two specific strengths and one useful improvement. Keep the writer's original text visible; suggest changes instead of replacing the whole text.
| First version | What to check | Better version |
|---|---|---|
| My aunt, that lives in Leeds, is a nurse. | non-defining clause about a person | My aunt, who lives in Leeds, is a nurse. |
| When I will get home, I will call you. | future meaning in a time clause | When I get home, I will call you. |
| Although it was late, but we continued. | one concession linker is enough | Although it was late, we continued. |
| We whispered because everyone could concentrate. | meaning: reason or purpose? | We whispered so that everyone could concentrate. |
| The film was so interesting because I watched it twice. | meaning: result | The film was so interesting that I watched it twice. |
If you use AI support: Check grammar claims against a reliable source, check factual information separately, and decide yourself which feedback improves your text. Keep your own draft and compare versions. Do not send private learner data, recordings or fictional application data to an external AI service without permission.
Transfer challenge
Take five short sentences from an old text of your own. Combine them into three clearer sentences. Use two different clause types. Then explain one choice: I used ... because the relationship is ...
Can-do check
| I can ... | Not yet | With help | Independently |
|---|---|---|---|
| identify defining and non-defining relative clauses | □ | □ | □ |
| use commas with non-defining relative clauses | □ | □ | □ |
| express time, reason, result and purpose | □ | □ | □ |
| express concession and contrast | □ | □ | □ |
| connect ideas in speaking and writing | □ | □ | □ |
| notice and improve a clause error | □ | □ | □ |
Next step: If two or more boxes are still With help, return to the Help ladder and rewrite one short paragraph. If you can work independently, move to E9 M - Cohesive writing with linkers and paragraphing.
Interaktive Aufgaben
Quiz: Teste Dein Wissen
Which sentence contains a defining relative clause? (The student who won the prize is in my class.) (!Lena, who won the prize, is in my class.) (!Although Lena won the prize, she stayed calm.) (!Lena stayed because she had time.)
Which sentence uses a non-defining relative clause correctly? (My bike, which is five years old, still works well.) (!My bike that is five years old, still works well.) (!My bike which is five years old still, works well.) (!My bike because it is five years old still works well.)
Which linker best gives a reason? (because) (!although) (!whereas) (!when)
Which sentence expresses purpose? (We spoke slowly so that everyone could follow.) (!We spoke slowly because everyone could follow.) (!We spoke slowly although everyone could follow.) (!We spoke slowly when everyone could follow.)
Which sentence expresses a result? (The task was so clear that everyone started quickly.) (!The task was clear because everyone started quickly.) (!The task was clear whereas everyone started quickly.) (!The task was clear when everyone started quickly.)
Which linker can introduce concession? (although) (!because) (!after) (!so that)
Which sentence shows contrast between two preferences? (Mia likes speaking, whereas Ben prefers writing.) (!Mia likes speaking because Ben prefers writing.) (!Mia likes speaking when Ben prefers writing.) (!Mia likes speaking so that Ben prefers writing.)
Which future-time sentence is correct? (When I get home, I will call you.) (!When I will get home, I will call you.) (!When I get home, I call you yesterday.) (!When I getting home, I will call you.)
Which relative word normally refers to people? (who) (!where) (!because) (!although)
Why do writers use relative and adverbial clauses for cohesion? (They show clear relationships between pieces of information.) (!They make every sentence longer.) (!They remove the need for verbs.) (!They turn every sentence into a question.)
Memory
| defining relative clause | essential identifying information |
| non-defining relative clause | extra information with commas |
| because | reason |
| so that | purpose |
| so ... that | result |
| although | concession |
| whereas | contrast |
| when | time |
Drag and Drop
| Ordne die richtigen Begriffe zu. | Function |
|---|---|
| who | relative link for people |
| which | relative link for things |
| because | gives a reason |
| so that | gives a purpose |
| although | introduces a concession |
| whereas | shows contrast |
| when | links events in time |
Kreuzworträtsel
| relative | What kind of clause can describe a noun with who or which? |
| because | Which linker commonly introduces a reason? |
| although | Which linker can introduce an unexpected concession? |
| whereas | Which linker can contrast two ideas directly? |
| purpose | What relationship answers the question what is the aim? |
| cohesion | What term means clear linking between ideas in a text? |
LearningApps
Lückentext
Offene Aufgaben
Leicht
- Relative clause hunt: Find five relative clauses in a textbook, website or teacher-provided text. Mark the noun each clause describes.
- Connector cards: Make six small cards for time, reason, result, purpose, concession and contrast. Add one English example to each.
- Comma detective: Write four sentence pairs that differ only in whether information is essential or extra. Explain the comma choice.
- One-minute speaking: Describe a fictional school club for one minute and use at least two relative clauses.
Standard
- Listening notes: Rewatch one BBC video above and create a six-line note sheet with rules and examples in your own words.
- Pair negotiation: Plan a class event with a partner. Use at least four different clause relationships and react to one new condition.
- Blog upgrade: Improve a 120-word draft by replacing repeated short sentences with clear linked clauses. Keep the first version for comparison.
- Mediation message: Turn a short German school notice into a concise English message for a fictional exchange student without translating everything.
Schwer
- Cohesion comparison: Write two versions of the same paragraph, one with mostly short separate sentences and one with varied clauses. Compare readability and precision.
- Error clinic: Create six realistic clause errors, exchange them with a partner and justify every correction in simple English.
- Mini presentation: Present a school improvement idea for two minutes. Include relative clauses plus reason, purpose, concession and contrast.
- Media fact check: Check one grammar claim from an online video against a second reliable grammar source. Report where the sources agree and how you checked them.
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Lernkontrolle
- Cohesion rewrite: You receive eight short sentences about a fictional school project. Combine them into four clear sentences and explain which relationship each new clause shows.
- Meaning choice: For three situations, choose between reason, purpose and result. Write one sentence for each and explain why a different linker would change the meaning.
- Relative clause decision: Decide whether extra information should be defining or non-defining in four examples. Justify the punctuation.
- Speaking transfer: React to an unexpected change in a group plan. Use one concession and one contrast clause while keeping your response coherent.
- Mediation transfer: Select the relevant information from a short German notice and pass it on in English for a clear purpose and audience.
- Revision reflection: Compare a first and improved paragraph. Identify two cohesion improvements and one point that still needs work.
Lernnachweis
For a successful learning record, show that you can:
- use defining and non-defining relative clauses for different purposes
- use commas accurately with non-defining clauses
- express time, reason, result, purpose, concession and contrast
- connect ideas in a coherent spoken or written text
- ask for clarification, use feedback and improve a first version
- explain at least two corrections instead of only giving the correct form
- mediate key information without producing a full translation
- check sources and keep private data out of examples and external tools
OERs zum Thema
Wikipedia – Relativsatz:
Wikipedia – Adverbialsatz:
Media used in this course: Wikimedia Commons files are used as freely licensed learning media. The embedded grammar videos are from BBC Learning English. Check the file description or video page for current attribution and reuse information before reusing material outside the wiki.
Curriculum orientation: The course follows the communicative, English-first direction of the Baden-Württemberg curriculum for English as a first foreign language in Sekundarstufe I, including listening/viewing, reading, speaking, writing, mediation, grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation. The target here is Klasse 9, M-Niveau.
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