Casa · B2 Upper Intermediate · Lesson 12 of 20 · Step 2

Migration & Borders

Global movement and advanced relative clauses

Use advanced relative clauses with preposition + which
Use non-defining relative clauses where 'which' refers to a whole clause
Discuss migration, identity, and border policies

Words · tap a card to see it used

Grammar

Advanced relative clauses

In formal English, a preposition can precede the relative pronoun: 'the policy about which they disagreed' (instead of 'the policy which they disagreed about'). Non-defining relative clauses with 'which' can refer to an entire preceding clause: 'She passed the exam, which surprised everyone.' These clauses are always set off by commas.

The country to which they fled offered them immediate protection.

The programme in which she enrolled provided free language classes.

He was granted asylum, which allowed him to work legally.

The government tightened border controls, which many people criticised.

Exercises · type, then check

1. Complete each sentence with an appropriate preposition + which or 'which' referring to the whole clause.

1.The bridge they crossed had been closed for months.

2.She was offered a place at the university, delighted her parents.

3.The organisation he worked provided legal aid to refugees.

4.The boat they arrived was barely seaworthy.

5.The policy was reversed, came as a relief to many families.

2. Match the beginning of each sentence with the correct ending.

1.The region from which

2.She learned the local language quickly,

3.The documents on which

4.Border controls were relaxed,

5.The community to which

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Reading

Between Two Worlds

Maria arrived in Germany at the age of fourteen, a country about which she knew almost nothing. Her family had fled Syria during the civil war, a conflict which displaced over twelve million people. The refugee centre in which they were housed was overcrowded but safe. Maria enrolled in an integration programme, which gave her access to German lessons and school placement. Within two years she was fluent, which surprised even her teachers. Yet she often felt caught between two identities — the Syrian heritage from which she drew strength and the German culture into which she was steadily assimilating. She joined a youth organisation through which she met other young refugees. Together, they campaigned for better support services, which eventually led to new funding from the local government. Maria now studies law, a field in which she hopes to advocate for displaced families. Her story illustrates a truth about migration: it is not merely a journey across borders but a profound transformation of the self.

1. What challenges did Maria face after arriving in Germany?

2. How did Maria contribute to her community?

Speaking · say it out loud, with a partner or alone

1Debate: 'Wealthy nations have a moral obligation to accept refugees regardless of economic cost.' Argue for or against using advanced relative clauses to add detail to your points.

2Discuss with a partner: What are the greatest challenges facing migrants who try to integrate into a new culture? How can host communities help?

Writing

Write a paragraph (8–10 sentences) about a person — real or imagined — who migrated to a new country. Use at least three advanced relative clauses (preposition + which, or 'which' referring to a whole clause).

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