Extension Exercises

Index | Chapter 25 - Noun classes | Possible Answers

Exploring English

Skim through some pages of any book or magazine to identify noun clauses.

1. How frequently do they occur?
2. What proportion of these clauses use question words, if, whether or that as conjunctions?
3. How often is that used (and not used) to introduce 'that clauses'?
4. Are there cases where that is left out which might cause difficulties of comprehension for learners of English? (If possible, test this out by showing the text to learners and asking them to identify any difficulties or potential difficulties).

Course materials

Choose one or two coursebooks and look at those parts which teach noun clauses (you may need to look under reported speech or indirect speech).

1. Are the learners guided to notice and analyse how these are used in real text?
2. Does the material deal with the use of noun clauses other than in reported speech?
3. Does the material help learners to decide whether or not to use (or to leave out) that?
4. What kinds of opportunity for practice are provided?