Casa ESL · B1 Intermediate · Unit 10 of 20 · Step 1

Environmental Issues

Relative Clauses (who, which, that, where, whose)

✓Use defining relative clauses to identify people, things, and places
✓Choose the correct relative pronoun (who, which, that, where, whose)
✓Write complex sentences about environmental topics using relative clauses

Name

Date

Vocabulary

sustainable

adjective

Able to continue over a long period without damaging the environment.

"We need to find more sustainable sources of energy."

emissions

noun

Gases or other substances sent out into the air.

"Carbon emissions are a major cause of climate change."

renewable

adjective

Able to be replaced naturally and not used up completely.

"Solar and wind power are renewable energy sources."

habitat

noun

The natural home of an animal or plant.

"Deforestation is destroying the habitats of many species."

conservation

noun

The protection of plants, animals, and natural resources.

"Conservation efforts have helped save several endangered species."

pollution

noun

The presence of harmful substances in the environment.

"Air pollution is a serious problem in many large cities."

biodiversity

noun

The variety of plant and animal life in a particular area.

"Rainforests are known for their rich biodiversity."

drought

noun

A long period of time with very little or no rain.

"The drought caused severe food shortages in the region."

Grammar Focus

Defining relative clauses (who, which, that, where, whose)

Use 'who' or 'that' for people, 'which' or 'that' for things and animals, 'where' for places, and 'whose' for possession. Defining relative clauses give essential information about the noun — without them, the sentence would be unclear. Do not use commas with defining relative clauses. Example structure: 'The woman who lives next door is a scientist.'

People who recycle regularly help reduce landfill waste.

The factory which produces solar panels is in the north of the country.

That's the city where the climate conference was held last year.

Scientists whose research focuses on climate change have published new findings.

Exercises

Exercise 1

Complete each sentence with the correct relative pronoun: who, which, that, where, or whose.

1. The organisation planted a million trees last year is based in Kenya.

2. This is the river is most affected by industrial pollution.

3. The scientist research led to the discovery won a Nobel Prize.

4. That's the village the recycling programme was first introduced.

5. People care about the environment should try to reduce their carbon footprint.

Exercise 2

Match the sentence halves to form correct relative clauses.

1. A drought is a periodthat lasts a long time with very little rain.
2. Greta Thunberg is an activistwho has inspired millions of young people.
3. The Amazon is a regionwhere much of the world's biodiversity is found.
4. A species whose habitat is destroyedmay become endangered or extinct.
5. Renewable energy is energywhich comes from natural sources like the sun and wind.

Reading

The Ocean Cleanup Project

The Ocean Cleanup is an organisation that was founded by Boyan Slat, a Dutch inventor who was only eighteen years old at the time. The project, which started in 2013, aims to remove plastic waste from the world's oceans. The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, where most of the plastic collects, is an area that is twice the size of Texas. The team uses large floating barriers which trap plastic on the ocean surface. Scientists whose expertise lies in marine biology have warned that ocean plastic kills more than a million seabirds every year. Countries where waste management systems are weak contribute the most to ocean pollution. The Ocean Cleanup is an example of innovation that could help solve one of the biggest environmental challenges of our time.

1. Who founded The Ocean Cleanup, and how old was he?

2. What do the floating barriers do?

Speaking

Discuss these questions with a partner or your teacher.

1Describe an environmental problem in your country using relative clauses. For example: 'There is a river near my town which is very polluted' or 'I know people who are trying to reduce their plastic use.'
2Discuss with your partner: 'What is one environmental project that you think is important?' Use relative clauses to explain what it is, who started it, and where it operates.

Writing

Write 6–8 sentences about an environmental issue that concerns you. Use at least four relative clauses with different relative pronouns (who, which, where, whose, that).

Example: Deforestation is a problem that affects many countries around the world. The forests which are being cut down are home to thousands of species. Indigenous communities whose livelihoods depend on the forest are also at risk. The Amazon, where the largest rainforest is located, has lost a significant amount of tree cover. People who care about this issue should support organisations that work to protect natural habitats.

Answer Key — For Teacher Use

Exercise 1

1. that · 2. which · 3. whose · 4. where · 5. who

Exercise 2

1. A drought is a period → that lasts a long time with very little rain. · 2. Greta Thunberg is an activist → who has inspired millions of young people. · 3. The Amazon is a region → where much of the world's biodiversity is found. · 4. A species whose habitat is destroyed → may become endangered or extinct. · 5. Renewable energy is energy → which comes from natural sources like the sun and wind.

Reading Comprehension

1. It was founded by Boyan Slat, a Dutch inventor who was only eighteen years old at the time. · 2. The large floating barriers trap plastic on the ocean surface.

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