Original BandLadder material
Along the way you get worked examples with the key words marked, before-and-after fixes that show why the first version loses marks, a one-page visual summary, word cards with meanings and examples (who, which, whose and where), a quick check to test yourself and a recap of the rules to remember. Each card holds one idea, so you can read it on a phone between practice sessions.
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The first 3 of 9 cards
the detail turns into an error
A relative clause adds detail to a noun. Pick the wrong pronoun, or repeat the subject, and the detail backfires.
The tunnel, thatnot 'that' after a comma opened in May, saves time for drivers whichpeople: who or that use it, but the people who theydoubled subject live nearby dislike it.
Band 7 (Writing): “a variety of complex structures.”
ask about the noun
Extra fact? Commas round it, never 'that'.
one test decides the commas
| Test | Essential | Extra fact |
|---|---|---|
| Commas | none | around the clause |
| 'that' allowed? | yes | never |
| Drop the pronoun? | only as object | never |
| Example | Roads that flood are shut. | The road, which floods, is shut. |
Delete the clause: if the noun still says which one, it was extra.
Card 4 of 9 onwards
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