Lesson 14: Describing Objects
add information to nouns with relative clauses so an "object" cue card sounds rich, not childish.
Why this matters
"Describe an object/possession/gift" cards are common. Weak speakers list facts ("It is small. It is blue."); strong speakers fold detail into relative clauses, showing both vocabulary and grammar range.
The Tip/Trick
Turn two short sentences into one with which/that. Instead of "I have a watch. My dad gave it to me," say "It's a watch that my dad gave me." Instant complexity.
- Before: "It is a camera. It is old. I like it very much."
- After: "It's an old film camera that I picked up second-hand, which is exactly why I love it."
Grammar Focus — Relative clauses with which / that (things)
Rule: use that/which to add information about a thing inside one sentence. Reference: the "Relative clauses with which / that (things)" section.
- "It's a gadget that saves me hours every week."
- "I bought a bike, which completely changed my commute."
- "It's the kind of thing that you don't appreciate until it breaks."
Vocabulary Cluster — Describing an object
Add to under "Describing an object".
- sentimental value — emotional worth — "It has huge sentimental value."
- a treasured possession — something precious — "It's a treasured possession."
- well-made / sturdy — durable — "It's really well-made and sturdy."
- sleek and compact — stylish and small — "My laptop is sleek and compact."
- a hand-me-down — passed down from someone — "It's a hand-me-down from my dad."
- to come in handy — be useful — "It always comes in handy when I travel."
- a lifesaver — extremely useful thing — "My noise-cancelling headphones are a lifesaver."
- to last for years — be durable — "It's lasted me for years."
Drill these as flashcards — flip, then grade yourself.
Answer Outline
- What + relative clause: "It's a ____ that ____."
- Appearance: "It's ____ and ____."
- Why it matters: "What makes it special is ____."
- Use: "I use it whenever ____."
Model Answers: 5.0 vs 7.0
Cue card: Describe an object that is important to you.
Band 5.0: "I want talk about my watch. It is small. It is from my father. I wear it every day. I like it."
Band 7.0: "I'd like to describe an old watch that my grandfather left me, which has enormous sentimental value. It's a fairly simple, well-made piece — nothing flashy — but it's lasted for years and still keeps perfect time. What makes it special is that it reminds me of him every time I check it. I wear it whenever I have something important on, almost like a good-luck charm."
What changed:
- Relative clauses: "that my grandfather left me, which has enormous sentimental value".
- Collocations: "sentimental value", "well-made", "lasted for years".
- Cleft-style emphasis: "What makes it special is that…".
- Concrete use: "whenever I have something important on".
- Listing short sentences → combine with that/which.
- "I want talk" → "I want to talk" / "I'd like to talk".
- Dropping "the/a" before objects (Lesson 07).
Your Turn (Record)
Task: Cue card "Describe a possession you would not want to lose." 1-min notes, then 2-min talk, using at least two relative clauses (that/which). ⏱ 1 + 2 min.
Your turn — record & get scored
Part 2- Describe a possession you would not want to lose.
Self-Check + Spaced Review
Done when:
- I used ≥2 relative clauses (that/which).
- I used ≥3 object collocations.
- I described appearance AND why it matters (not just facts).
Spaced review:
- From Lesson 13: if your object involves a memory, use a past tense correctly.
- From Lesson 12: glance at keyword notes, don't read.