Adverbial Clause & Report Writing – SS3 English Lesson Note (Second Term)

An adverbial clause is a subordinate clause that does the work of an adverb. It tells how, when, where, why, to what extent or under what conditions the action of the verb in the main clause happens. This lesson also revises report writing, which presents information in a clear, organised way.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• explain what an adverbial clause is;
• identify the types of adverbial clause (time, place, manner, reason, purpose, result, comparison, condition and concession);
• use adverbial clauses correctly in sentences;
• state what a report is and who may need one;
• list the points to follow when writing a report.

What is an adverbial clause?

An adverbial clause is a subordinate clause that performs the functions of an adverb. It tells us how, when, where, why, to what extent or under what conditions the action of the verb is performed. In other words, the adverbial clause modifies the verb in the main clause.

Examples of adverbial clauses

1. She sings as if she were happy. (Manner: ‘as if she were happy’ modifies the verb ‘sings’.)
2. Ada saw him when she came to his office. (Time: ‘when she came to his office’ modifies the verb ‘saw’.)
3. She can be found where the man lives. (Place: ‘where the man lives’ modifies the verb ‘can be found’.)
4. The man worked so hard that he soon felt sick. (Result: ‘that he soon felt sick’ modifies the verb ‘worked’, together with its modifier ‘so hard’.)
5. We shall go out if it does not rain. (Condition: ‘if it does not rain’ modifies the verb ‘shall go’, together with its modifier ‘out’.)

What are the types of adverbial clauses?

The different types of adverbial clauses correspond with the nature of the information which the clause gives about the verb in the main clause.

Adverbial clause of time

• Emeka did not bring gifts when he visited you last.
• Before you start writing, study the question carefully.

Adverbial clause of place

• He left the letter where it could be easily seen.
• Send us wherever you want to.

Adverbial clause of manner

• The lady is treating us as if we were her servants.
• The boy danced as though he had been dancing all his life.

Adverbial clause of reason

• Because he was wrong, he apologised.
• He had to fight back since he had no other option.

Adverbial clause of purpose

• The athlete trained very hard so that he might win the race.
• In order to secure a seat, he arrived early at the stadium.

Adverbial clause of result

• Sule ate so much food at the party that he started vomiting.
• The official worked so hard that he had a breakdown.

Adverbial clause of comparison

• Amadi drank more wine than I did.
• My brother works as hard as I do.

Adverbial clause of condition

• We shall attend his party if he invites us.
• Unless he invites us, we shall not attend the party.

Adverbial clause of concession

• Although Okorie is poor, he is well respected.
• He is intelligent even if he is naïve.

What is a report?

A report is a document that is presented in an organised manner to pass on information, check data and provide recommendations.

Reports are often used to communicate findings and outcomes to a specific audience, such as the important people in a company, who are also called stakeholders, or managers.

Reports can differ in length and in format, but they usually contain a clear introduction, body and conclusion.

How do you write a report?

Report writing is the process of creating a document that presents information in a clear and concise manner. It can serve various purposes, such as providing updates on a project, analysing data, presenting findings or giving suggestions.

To make a report, there are rules to follow. Just as you are expected to obey the rules of the school, obeying the rules of report writing helps you to make a good report.

This means that report writing requires careful planning, gathering information, explaining what you found and organising the information.

Before concluding your report, make sure it is accurate and objective, and that it has a clear introduction, body and conclusion.

Evaluation

• Exercise 1, Questions a to e, page 225, Countdown to English.
• Mention two important uses of a report.

Assignment

Reading assignment

• Collect a copy of the report on your last school PTA meeting.

Weekend assignment

• Identify three people that are likely to require a report.