C2 – Relative Clauses, Participle Clauses & Nominalisation -Advanced English Grammar Test 2
Take this C2 English grammar test focusing on advanced relative clauses, reduced clauses, participle constructions, and nominalisation. Includes 15 challenging questions with very detailed explanations for CPE, IELTS Band 9, and TOEFL 110+ learners.
Choose the correct answer (A, B, C, or D).
Only one option is grammatically correct and stylistically appropriate in formal C2-level academic English.
RESULTS
#1. The manuscript, ______ by three independent reviewers, was ultimately accepted for publication.
#2. The policies implemented last year, several of ______ remain controversial, are currently under revision.
#3. The researcher proposed a framework ______ capable of integrating multiple theoretical perspectives.
#4. Data ______ from unreliable sources were excluded from the final analysis.
#5. The committee rejected the proposal, ______ insufficient empirical support.
#6. The participants, all of ______ had prior experience in the field, responded favorably.
#7. The theory attempts to explain phenomena previously ______ inexplicable.
#8. The report outlines several strategies, none of ______ fully address the underlying issue.
#9. Having completed the statistical analysis, the conclusions ______ immediately apparent to the researchers.
#10. The article discusses the rapid digitalization of services, a development ______ profound societal implications.
#11. Students enrolled in interdisciplinary programs often demonstrate competencies ______ traditional academic boundaries.
#12. The results, ______ across multiple contexts, reinforce the validity of the hypothesis.
#13. The proposal emphasizes the importance of transparency, a principle ______ central to academic integrity.
#14. The data suggest patterns ______ further investigation.
#15. The rapid dissemination of information has led to the normalization of practices once ______ unethical.
Very Detailed Explanations
1. Reviewed by three independent reviewers
This is a reduced passive relative clause.
Full form:
The manuscript, which was reviewed by three independent reviewers…
Reduced form:
The manuscript, reviewed by three independent reviewers…
Past participle expresses passive meaning.
“Reviewing” would imply the manuscript performed the action.
2. Several of which remain controversial
Quantifier structure:
noun + , several of which + plural verb
“That” cannot follow a preposition (“of”).
Non-defining clauses require “which.”
3. A framework that is capable
“Capable” requires a verb.
Reduced forms like “a framework capable of…” are possible, but here “capable of integrating” needs explicit relative clause.
“That is” correctly introduces defining clause.
4. Data obtained from unreliable sources
Reduced passive relative clause.
Full form:
Data that were obtained…
Past participle shows passive meaning.
5. Citing insufficient empirical support
Present participle expresses reason.
The committee rejected the proposal because it cited insufficient support.
“Having cited” would imply prior completed action, unnecessary here.
6. All of whom had prior experience
Refers to people → “whom.”
Structure:
all of whom
Cannot use “that” after preposition.
7. Previously considered inexplicable
Reduced passive clause.
Full:
phenomena that were previously considered inexplicable
Past participle shows passive meaning.
8. None of which fully address
Quantifier + of + which.
Plural agreement required → address.
9. Having completed…, the conclusions became apparent
Introductory participle must logically refer to subject.
Implied subject: researchers.
Main clause must be complete independent clause.
“Became” fits correct tense sequence.
10. A development having profound implications
Participle clause modifying “development.”
Equivalent to:
a development that has profound implications
Present participle shows ongoing characteristic.
11. Competencies transcending traditional boundaries
Active meaning: competencies transcend.
Thus present participle.
“Transcended” would imply past action completed.
12. Results replicated across contexts
Reduced passive clause.
Full form:
results that were replicated
Past participle indicates passive state.
13. A principle that is central
Defining clause specifying principle.
Reduced form “a principle central to” would also work, but among given options only “that is” is correct.
14. Patterns warranting further investigation
Present participle expresses necessity.
Equivalent to:
patterns that warrant further investigation
Option A (“warrant”) could be correct in full clause, but structure requires modifier, not finite verb.
Thus “warranting” fits grammatically.
15. Once regarded unethical
Reduced passive clause.
Full form:
practices that were once regarded unethical
Past participle expresses passive perception.
