Relative clauses (which-clauses) are commonly used to form complex sentences. One of the problems with relative clauses is incorrect placement of the relative clause:

A permanent magnet and an electromagnet cause the receiver to vibrate, which are located at the edge of the diaphragm.

A permanent magnet and an electromagnet, which are located at the edge of the diaphragm, cause the receiver to vibrate.

Now you try. Rewrite these sentences by positioning the bolded relative clauses correctly. 

1. The final design is a vehicle with the dimensions 300 mm by 350 mm by 300 mm, which is chosen to complete the challenge.

2. The basic building materials would be plastics and metals, which are used for the construction of the device.

3. The robotic device must be able to travel across the pond to pick up the packages, which is 2 metres wide.

4. The new factory to be built is still not large enough, which is an improvement on the old one.

5. The fire spread rapidly through the interior of the aeroplane, which started in the cargo cabin.

6. The experiments proved the scientists' hypothesis, which were repeated many times.

7. The minister apologised to the Prime Minister who used taxpayers' money for private expenses.

Combine each set of simple sentences into a compound sentence and a complex sentence (containing either an adverb clause, adjective clause, or a noun clause).

 Now you try. Remember that you may have to remove unnecessary repetition.

1. The new Prime Minister is developing his own style of leadership. His first 100 days was hailed a success.
   
   
2. Native and non-native English speakers have different needs. Most schools provide separate English classes for each group.
   
   
3. Solar heating systems are economical to operate. The cost of installation is very high.
   
   
4. Children grow older. They become increasingly involved with their peer group. The members of the peer group are about the same age. They have similar interests.
   
   
5. Children reach the final year of school. They tend to adopt adult values. The adult values define who they are.

Now you try:

1. Robert hired a tutor and the reason for this was that he might have a better chance of passing the examination.
2. The weather is fine and we will go to the beach.
3. We waited at the airport for over an hour but the helicopter never arrived.
4. There was a report in the newspaper yesterday but the newspaper report was incorrect.
5. Dr Robert Li has written many articles on the differences in regional dialects and he is Professor of Linguistics at the National University of Singapore.
6. Waitangi Day falls on a weekday this year, so Monday will be a public holiday.
7. The President's scholarship was awarded to someone else and John had applied for the President's scholarship.
8. He was given extra coaching but he still failed to make the grade. 
9. The President and his wife were enjoying their visit to New Zealand, and they told the press this.
10. English spelling is not always consistent with its pronunciation, and many foreigners have difficulty with it.
11. Global warming is a serious problem and all the prime ministers at the summit agree with that.
12. Environmental science is one of the most popular courses in the university, and Dr Hillman teaches environmental science. 

The following text has a choppy writing style, consisting mainly of simple sentences. Improve the sentence range by combining some sentences to make compound or complex sentences.

 The Telephone

[1] A telephone is an instrument. [2] It enables people to talk to each other over long distances. [3] It has two parts: (a) the transmitter and (b) the receiver. [4] The transmitter functions as an 'electric ear'. [5] The transmitter lies behind the mouthpiece of the telephone. [6] The transmitter incorporates a diaphragm. [7] The diaphragm acts like the eardrum in the human ear. [8] Behind the diaphragm are tiny grains of carbon. [9] The grains respond to pressure from the vibration of the diaphragm. [10] To respond to the pressure, the grains regulate the amount of electric current flowing through them.

Modified from: Williams, R. (1978). Spotlight: Technical English for Asia. Hongkong: Longman. 

Combine each set of simple sentences in two ways:
a. with relative pronoun 'who/which'
b. reduced relative clause with -ing or -ed participle.

Now you try:
(Check your answers below)

Improve the sentence range of these paragraphs by combining some sentences.

1. Inequality at work

In the past, women have been denied the right to vote. They have been denied the right to go to school. They have been denied the right to borrow money. They have even been denied the right to enter certain occupations.   However, women have fought for their rights over the years. Now gender equality is protected by a number of laws and rulings in many countries of the world. Nevertheless, inequalities still remain. Underlying these inequalities is prejudice against women. This prejudice is based on sexism.

2. Learning a new language

Some people argue that learning a new language is best achieved by living in a foreign country. One should establish residence for at least six months. A tourist only makes brief visits. These brief visits provide few opportunities to learn. One can only master purely superficial phrases. Examples are "How are you?" or "Where's the bank?".  Many day-to-day living routines require the learning of some simple words. For example, one needs words to mail a letter. One may also need to know how to get some plumbing repaired. These simple words are essential for survival in a new country. This survival instinct forces one to face the language head-on. One should not just be satisfied with flowery tourist formalities. A lot of languages can be learnt from just living amongst the local people.  This can happen when out shopping or on the bus travelling to work. One can go to plays, films, and public lectures. These events are available in most foreign cities. They provide opportunities to hear a language spoken in the local idiom. It is possible to learn to read in a foreign language. It is possible to learn to speak. It is possible to learn to think. It is even possible to dream in a foreign language.

Correct any errors of sentence fragments, comma splices, omissions (e.g. 'which' in relative clauses and redundant references.

Climate Change: A Global Response

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) it was established in 1988 by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Environment Programme. Charged with assessing the state of the science on the question of climate change, it is also responsible for compiling inventories of the greenhouse emissions of nations, and for publishing the findings of its assessments.

The IPCC it comprises the plenary panel, which meets annually, and three working groups, which are responsible for assessing three critical issues. The physical science bases of climate change, the particular risks facing human and natural systems, and the possible responses to limit greenhouse gas emissions.  There is also a secretariat and a bureau, is responsible for the administration of all this work.

IPPC meetings they bring together scientists and political representatives from all WMO member countries, it is preferred that the political representatives have some relevant expertise.  The Assessment Reports are assembled by scientists. Whereas the politicians have a hand in the compilation of the Summaries for Policymakers. 

Modified from: Morgan, G., &  McCrystal, J. (2009). Poles Apart: Beyond the shouting, who's right about climate change?  Auckland, NZ: Random House.