B2 Relative Clauses (Defining & Non-Defining) – Grammar Test 1 | 15 Practice Questions for IELTS, TOEFL & YDS
Practice B2 Relative Clauses with 15 grammar questions. Learn defining and non-defining relative clauses for IELTS, TOEFL, and YDS exam preparation.
Relative clauses are an essential part of English grammar because they allow speakers and writers to combine information efficiently and create more sophisticated sentences. At the B2 level, learners must be able to use both defining and non-defining relative clauses correctly. These clauses provide additional information about a noun and are introduced by relative pronouns such as who, which, that, whose, and where.
Defining relative clauses give essential information that identifies the noun being described. Without this information, the meaning of the sentence would be incomplete. Non-defining relative clauses, on the other hand, add extra information that is not necessary for identifying the noun and are typically separated by commas. Understanding the difference between these two structures is important for clear and accurate communication.
Relative clauses frequently appear in international English exams such as IELTS, TOEFL, and YDS, particularly in grammar, reading, and writing sections. Students are expected to recognize the correct relative pronoun and determine whether a clause should be defining or non-defining. Mastering these structures improves sentence variety, enhances academic writing, and allows learners to express complex ideas more naturally and effectively.
Each question has three options. Choose the correct answer.
RESULTS
#1. The scientist ______ discovered the vaccine won a prestigious award.
#2. The book ______ I borrowed from the library is very interesting.
#3. My brother, ______ lives in Canada, will visit us next month.
#4. The restaurant ______ we had dinner last night was excellent.
#5. The car ______ engine was damaged had to be repaired.
#6. The movie ______ we watched yesterday was very exciting.
#7. Mr. Johnson, ______ teaches physics at the university, is an excellent lecturer.
#8. The house ______ was built in 1920 is now a museum.
#9. The students ______ study regularly usually achieve better results.
#10. The city ______ I grew up has changed a lot over the years.
#11. The teacher ______ class was canceled sent an email to the students.
#12. The computer ______ I bought last week is already malfunctioning.
#13. My friend Anna, ______ you met yesterday, is a talented musician.
#14. The building ______ roof was damaged during the storm needs repairs.
#15. The conference ______ took place last week attracted many researchers.
Detailed Explanations
1.
Correct Answer: who
This sentence refers to a person performing the action of discovering the vaccine. When referring to people as the subject of a relative clause, the appropriate relative pronoun is used.
2.
Correct Answer: that
The clause identifies which specific book is being discussed. In defining relative clauses referring to objects, this relative pronoun is commonly used.
3.
Correct Answer: who
The clause provides extra information about the brother and is separated by commas. Non-defining relative clauses referring to people require this pronoun.
4.
Correct Answer: where
The clause refers to a location in which the action took place. This relative adverb is used when the noun describes a place.
5.
Correct Answer: whose
The sentence describes possession related to the car’s engine. This relative pronoun expresses ownership or relationship.
6.
Correct Answer: that
The clause specifies which movie is being discussed. In defining relative clauses referring to things, this pronoun is frequently used.
7.
Correct Answer: who
The clause provides additional information about Mr. Johnson and is separated by commas. Non-defining clauses referring to people use this pronoun.
8.
Correct Answer: which
The clause refers to a building, which is an object rather than a person. Non-defining or descriptive clauses about things use this pronoun.
9.
Correct Answer: who
The sentence describes students performing an action. The relative pronoun used refers to people as the subject of the clause.
10.
Correct Answer: where
The clause refers to a city, indicating the place in which the speaker grew up. This relative adverb connects the noun with the clause describing location.
11.
Correct Answer: whose
The clause expresses possession relating to the teacher’s class. This pronoun indicates ownership in relative clauses.
12.
Correct Answer: that
The clause specifies which computer the speaker is referring to. This pronoun is commonly used in defining relative clauses referring to objects.
13.
Correct Answer: whom
The clause refers to a person who is the object of the verb “met.” In formal English, this relative pronoun is used when the person is the object of the clause.
14.
Correct Answer: whose
The clause indicates possession related to the building’s roof. This pronoun expresses ownership in relative clauses.
15.
Correct Answer: which
The clause refers to a conference, which is an event or thing rather than a person. This relative pronoun introduces the clause describing it.
