Cracking Complex Sentences for the English Postgraduate Entrance Exam: Your Ultimate Guide
Mastering complex sentences is a cornerstone of success in the English postgraduate entrance exam. These sentences, often laden with intricate structures and nuanced meanings, can seem daunting at first glance. However, with the right strategies and practice, they become more manageable. This guide aims to demystify these challenging sentences, offering insights and tips to help you navigate them with confidence. Whether you're struggling with relative clauses, appositives, or conditional statements, we've got you covered. Let's dive into the world of complex sentences and unlock your potential.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How Can I Identify the Main Clause in a Complex Sentence?
The main clause, also known as the independent clause, is the heart of a complex sentence. It can stand alone and make sense on its own. To identify it, look for the subject and verb combination that conveys a complete thought. For example, in the sentence "Although it rained, we decided to go for a walk," the main clause is "we decided to go for a walk." The phrase "Although it rained" is a subordinate clause that provides additional context but cannot stand alone. By focusing on the main clause, you can better understand the overall meaning of the sentence. Practice by breaking down sentences into their main and subordinate parts. This will help you recognize the main clause quickly and improve your reading comprehension. Remember, the main clause is the foundation, and once you grasp it, the rest of the sentence becomes much clearer.
2. What Are the Common Types of Subordinate Clauses?
Subordinate clauses are essential components of complex sentences, adding depth and detail. There are three main types: adverbial, noun, and adjective clauses. Adverbial clauses modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, often starting with subordinating conjunctions like "because," "when," or "if." For example, "She studied late because she had an exam tomorrow" features an adverbial clause explaining the reason. Noun clauses, on the other hand, function as nouns and can be the subject, object, or complement of a sentence. They typically begin with words like "that," "what," or "how." In the sentence "I know what you mean," the noun clause "what you mean" acts as the object of the verb "know." Adjective clauses, starting with words like "who," "which," or "that," modify nouns or pronouns. For instance, "The book that you recommended is fascinating" uses an adjective clause to describe "The book." Understanding these types helps you dissect complex sentences and grasp their intended meaning. Practice by labeling the clauses in various sentences to reinforce your knowledge.
3. How Do I Deal with Long Sentences in the Exam?
Long sentences in the English postgraduate entrance exam can be overwhelming, but with the right approach, you can handle them effectively. First, focus on breaking the sentence down into smaller parts. Look for commas, semicolons, or dashes that signal pauses or separate clauses. This helps you pause and process the information step by step. For example, in the sentence "The research, which was conducted over five years, revealed significant findings that could change the industry," you can break it into "The research was conducted over five years" and "It revealed significant findings that could change the industry." This makes it easier to understand the main ideas. Another strategy is to identify the main clause first, as discussed earlier. Once you have the main clause, you can then analyze the subordinate clauses that add extra information. Practice by reading sentences aloud, which can help you catch the rhythm and structure more easily. Additionally, timing yourself while practicing can improve your speed and confidence. Remember, the key is to stay calm and methodical, and with consistent practice, long sentences will become less daunting.