Unit 3: COMPLEX SENTENCES WITH ADVERB – CLAUSES

Warming – up activity
Fill in blanks with suitable words, phrases, or clauses to make meaningful sentences
- Lac Hong University locates………………..……(1)
- We usually go to the beach…………………..(2)
- First year students cannot speak English…………………(3)
- He drives………….…fast (4)
- We are……...…………..thirsty now (5)
-……………………………………….., I happened to see my old friend. (6)
- Many people learn English…………………………………….………….(7)

1. Definition: an adverb clause is a subordinating clause that can function as an adverb –

modifying another part in a sentence (an adverb can modify an ordinary verb, or an adjective,
or another adverb, or the whole sentence while an adverb clause modifies the main clause in
a complex sentence).

2. Position of adverb clauses:

- An adverb clause usually goes either in front position, or in end position. When the adverbial
clause comes at the beginning of the sentence, it is often followed by a comma (,); however, if
it comes at the end, there is no comma separating it from the main clause.
Ex: If you like, we will play cards with you.
We will play cards with you if you like.
- Generally, an adverb clause has these forms:

Main clause + conjunction + adverb clause

Conjunction + adverb clause, + main clause

- Adverb clauses are used to make the relationship between two clauses clearer and tighter.
Ex: First I go to the store. Then I go home.
After I go to the store, I go home.

3. Classification: there are ten types of adverb clauses:

3.1 Adverb clauses of time
An adverb clause of time clarifies and tightens the time relationship of two clauses.
Subordinators Examples
When, while, after, before, as, - He didn’t appear until the party was going to be
since, till/until, as soon as, once over.
(mot khi), whenever, during the - Once you’ve learnt to swim, you will never forget.
time that, up to the time that, by - From the moment that I meet her, I cannot forget
the time that, just as (vua luc), her.
from the moment that, hardly… - No sooner had he left than I came.
when = no sooner…than (vua
moi…thi).

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We do not use future form in time clauses with future meaning; instead a present tense is
used.
Ex: - I’ll stay until you get back.
- As soon as I have finished, I’ll give you a call.

Practice 1: Insert an appropriate conjunction of time into each blank to make meaningful
sentences. (More than one conjunction may be correct)
1.………….the check arrive, I can’t pay my rent.
2. Marry was doing her homework.………….her brother was playing music.
3. My roof leaks. ………….it rains.
4....………….i arrived, the party was in full swing.
5..………….we came out of the theatre, the rain started.
6. It always rains. ………….I’ve washed my car.
7. Remember to shake the liquid well. ………….you use it.
8. .………….i smiled, he smiled back.
9. .………….you hear the news, let me know.
10. Indians had been living in the America for thousands of years. ………….Columbus
arrived.

Practice 2: Combine the following sentences using subordinating conjunctions of time to

make sentences with adverbial clauses of time.
Example: I was shopping this morning. During that time, I lost my money.
=> While/During the time that I was shopping this morning, I lost my money.
1. I was washing the dishes. During that time, I lost my money.
...............................................................................................................................................
2. I heard the doorbell rang. At that moment, I stopped washing the dishes.
...............................................................................................................................................
3. The bell was still ringing. I was walking towards the door.
...............................................................................................................................................
4. The bell stopped ringing. Before that, I peeked through the keyhole.
...............................................................................................................................................
5. I was looking through the keyhole. I heard a man’s voice, “I’m your new neighbor.”
...............................................................................................................................................
7. I opened the door. Immediately after that, the man pulled out something black.
...............................................................................................................................................
8. I realized it was a gun. At that exact moment, I found myself in danger.
...............................................................................................................................................
9. I was standing stiff because of fear. During that time, a smile appears on the man’s lips.
...............................................................................................................................................
10. The man went inside and closed the door. Then he said, “I want a place for the night. Don’t
try to call the police.”
...............................................................................................................................................
3.2 Adverb clauses of places: An adverb clause of place tells where the action
described by the main verb took place.
Subordinators Examples
Where, anywhere, wherever, - Anywhere she comes to, she sees him.
everywhere - Where there is water, there will be life.

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Practice 3: Combine each pair of sentences into one. Add a conjunction of place or make
any necessary changes to form an adverb clause of place
Example: I shop. I can use my credit card.
=> I shop where I can use my credit card.
1. He returned to the place. He had been there for ten years during the war.
...............................................................................................................................................
2. I go. The dog follows me any place.
...............................................................................................................................................
3. The river used to flow. We can see dry creeks.
...............................................................................................................................................
4. You are not allowed to park. You like it.
...............................................................................................................................................
5. Let’s put the television set in a place. Everyone can see it.
...............................................................................................................................................

Practice 4: Finish the following sentences with adverb clauses of place.

1. You should meet me.........................................................................................................
2. Most people prefer to shop...............................................................................................
3. Consumers usually prefer to do business.........................................................................
4. I use my credit cards........................................................................................................
5. I usually stop for lunch.....................................................................................................

3.3 Adverb clauses of manner

Adverbs of manner answer the questions starting with “How”

Subordinators Examples
- Pat jogs on the beach as far as she can (distance).
- She takes a walk around the park as often as she
can. (frequency).
- In the way that, how, as, as… as,
- He tried to finish the task as quickly as he could.
- As if/as though are also used in
- No one else spends money in the way that you do.
subjunctive forms
- Why can’t I live my life how I want to live?
- Jessica behaved as she always does.
- I feel as if/as though I’m catching a cold.
- He talks/talked as if/as though he knew the truth
(past subjunctive: indicates unreality at present).
- He talked about Paris as if/as though he had been
there himself (past perfect subjunctive: the same as
past perfect, indicates unreality in the past).

Practice 5: Use the given words to make complex sentences with adverb clauses of
manner. Notice the tenses to be used
Example: He/ walk/ as if/ he/ have/ a wooden leg.
=> He walks as if he has a wooden leg.

1. The cheese/ looks/ as if/ rats/ nibble/ it.

...............................................................................................................................................

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2. Do/ it/ in the way that/ i/ show/ you/ yesterday.
...............................................................................................................................................
3. You/ look/ as if/ you/ see/ a ghost.
...............................................................................................................................................
4. She/ talked about/ the event/ as though/ she/ see/ it/ herself.
...............................................................................................................................................
5. He/ always talks/ as though/ he/ address/ a public meeting.
...............................................................................................................................................
6. Why/ didn’t/ you/ catch/ the bus/ as/ i/ tell/ you/ to.
...............................................................................................................................................
7. It/ looks/ as if/ it/ rain.
...............................................................................................................................................
8. You/ talk/ as if/ it/ be/ a small thing/ to leave/ your country/ forever.
...............................................................................................................................................
9. I/ can/ dress/ how/ i/ like/ in my own house.
...............................................................................................................................................
10. Jim/ looked/ as though/ he/ not have/ a decent meal/ for a month.
...............................................................................................................................................

Practice 6: Identify the meaning implied by the speaker according to the use of tenses
after as if/ as though.
Example: I feel as if I’m catching a cold. => I’m not well now.
1. He stared at me as if I had broken his precious vase.
...............................................................................................................................................
2. You look as though you are very nervous.
...............................................................................................................................................
3. She behaved as if she was a queen.
...............................................................................................................................................
4. It looks as if we are going to have a beautiful day.
...............................................................................................................................................
5. He ignored me as if he didn’t know me.
...............................................................................................................................................
3.4 Adverb clauses of reason
Subordinators Examples
as, since, because, seeing that - I didn’t go to school yesterday because it rained
( nhận thấy rằng), now that ( vì heavily.
rằng), due to the fact that, owing - Owing to the fact that the weather was so dry for a
to the fact that long time, the crop was completely destroyed.

Practice 7: Combine each pair of sentences into one sentence, using conjunctions of
reason.
Example: I wouldn’t want to be a teacher. I’m too impatient.
=> I wouldn’t want to be a teacher because I’m too impatient.
=> As I was too impatient, I wouldn’t want to be a teacher.
1. I could never be a stockbroker. I’m not good at making decision quickly.
...............................................................................................................................................
2. There isn’t anything to eat at home. Let’s go out for a meal.

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...............................................................................................................................................
3. You are here. You may as well give me a hand.
...............................................................................................................................................
4. We had nothing better to do. We watch TV the whole evening.
...............................................................................................................................................
5. We see them quite often. They live near us.
...............................................................................................................................................
6. Tomorrow is a public holiday. All the shops will be shut.
...............................................................................................................................................
7. We had never been to a city before. We bought a guide book at the first stationer’s
...............................................................................................................................................
8. He didn’t understand. He asked the teacher to explain.
...............................................................................................................................................
9. My wife decided not to buy the dress. Its color didn’t suit her.
...............................................................................................................................................
10. He had overslept. He was late for work.
...............................................................................................................................................

3.5 Adverb clauses of result

Subordinators Examples
So + adj +that - The tea is so hot that I cannot drink.
So + adv + that - The cost of education increases so rapidly that
Such a(n)+ noun phrase + that students are looking for ways to cut their cost.
So much/many/little/few + noun - The library is such a big place that I cannot find
phrase + that the book I need.
- There is so much noise in the dormitory that I
cannot study there.

Practice 8: From the following hinting words make complete sentences, using so +…+
that or such +…+ that
Example: hungry/ couldn’t move
=> I was so hungry that I couldn’t move.
1. I/ excited/ go on holiday/ couldn’t sleep.
...............................................................................................................................................
2. There/ many people/ the party/ couldn’t find him.
...............................................................................................................................................
3. work hard/ examination/ made herself/ ill.
...............................................................................................................................................
4. The water/ dirty/ decided/ not/ go swimming.
...............................................................................................................................................
5. Your children/ much noise/ couldn’t concentrate on my lessons.
...............................................................................................................................................
6. There/ little traffic/ only ten minutes/ get there.
...............................................................................................................................................

7. bad performance/ audience/ booed/ actors.

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...............................................................................................................................................
8. cold day/ wear/ wool coat.
...............................................................................................................................................
9. speak English/ well/ would think/ native speaker.
...............................................................................................................................................
10. many books/ different kinds/ library/ can find/ information/ want.
...............................................................................................................................................

Practice 9: Rewrite the following sentences, using such instead of so.

Example: His speech was so fascinating that everyone didn’t want to leave.
=> He made such a fascinating speech that everyone didn’t want to leave.
1. The road was so narrow that it is difficult for two car to pass each other.
It is......................................................................................................................................
2. The weather was so lovely that we spend the whole day in the garden.
It.........................................................................................................................................
3. His feet are so big that he has difficulty finding shoes to fit him.
He has.....................................................................................................................................
4. There were so many people in the room that we couldn’t move.
There were.............................................................................................................................
5. They bought so much furniture that there wasn’t enough space for them.
They......................................................................................................................................

3.6 Adverb clauses of purpose

Subordinators Examples
So that/ in order that/ + S + modal - He is trying his best to study so that he can find a
Lest/ for fear that (de cho khoi, so good job.
rang) + S + should - He doesn’t dare to leave the house lest/for fear that
somone should recognize him.

Practice 10: Combine each pair of sentences into one sentence, using so that/ in order
that/lest.
Ex: She has a maid do the housework. She wants to work outside.
=> She has a maid do the housework so that she can work outside.
1. The old man built a high wall round his garden. He didn’t want his fruit to be stolen.
...............................................................................................................................................
2. The farmers are putting nets over their strawberry plants. They don’t want the birds to eat all
the strawberries.
...............................................................................................................................................
3. They were talking in whispers. They didn’t want me to overhear them.
...............................................................................................................................................
4. Please shut the gate. I don’t want the cows to get out of the field.
...............................................................................................................................................
5. The notices are written in several languages. The government wants everyone to understand
them.
...............................................................................................................................................
6. The debate on education has been postponed. The government wants to discuss the latest
crisis.

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...............................................................................................................................................
7. Melanie tied a bell round her cat’s neck. She wanted the birds to know when he was
approaching.
...............................................................................................................................................
8. I put my address on my dog’s collar. I want anyone who finds him to know where he comes
from.
...............................................................................................................................................
9. We put bars on the lower windows. We didn’t want anyone to climb in.
...............................................................................................................................................
10. Turn down the oven. We don’t want the meat to burn while we’re out.
...............................................................................................................................................

3.7 Adverb clauses of concession

Subordinators Examples
Although/though/ even if/ even - Although it rained, I went to school.
though/whenever/wherever/whatev - Despite the rain, I went to school.
er/however/ no matter - No matter how fast he ran, he couldn’t catch the
what/how/when… thief.
Despite/in spite of + noun/noun
phrase

3.8 Adverb clauses of contrast

Subordinators Examples
- The air is polluted in industrial areas while the air
While, whereas is clean in many rural areas.

Practice 11: Combine each pair of sentences into one sentence, using the conjunctions of
concession or contrast given in parentheses.
1. High school students have little homework. College students have quite a lot of home work.
(while)
...............................................................................................................................................
2. High school students have little homework. They learn a lot during their classes. (although)
...............................................................................................................................................
3. College students have to study hard. Students have a lot other activities at college. (even
though)
...............................................................................................................................................
4. In high school, students are constantly watched by the teachers and school officials. In
college, nobody watches them. (whereas)
...............................................................................................................................................
5. There are many rules in high school. They are meant to protect the students.
...............................................................................................................................................
6. I failed the test. I studied all night. (though)
...............................................................................................................................................
7. The weather was cold. I went swimming. (even though)
...............................................................................................................................................
8. San Francisco is very cold during the summer. San Juan is extremely hot. (whereas)

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...............................................................................................................................................
9. . The air is polluted in industrial areas. The air is clean in many rural areas. (although)
...............................................................................................................................................

Practice 12: Fill each of the gaps in the following sentences with one of the following
words: however, whatever, whenever, wherever, whichever, whoever.
1. ........................you do, don’t mention my name.
2. ........................rich you are, you can’t buy happiness.
3. A box of dangerous drugs has been removed from the hospital dispensary.
Will........................take it please return it immediately?
4. I’ll be there with you........................you want me.
5. ........................she goes, I’ll follow her.
6. ........................ much he eats, he never get fat.
7. ........................of them you marry, you’ll have problems.
8. The people in Canada were friendly........................we went.
9. It’s certain to be a good game, ........................wins

3.9 Adverb clauses of comparison

Subordinators Examples
- Equality: as………as - I’m as tall as my father (is).
- Inequality: not so…..as - I’m not so tall as my brother (is).
Not as….as - I’m not as tall as my brother (is).
- Inferiority: less……..than - Boys are less clever than girls (are).
- Superiority: more………than - He drives more carefully than she (does).
+er…………..than - He drives faster than she (does).
- Double comparison : the + - The more you exercise, the healthier you are.
comparative… the + comparative

Practice 13: Complete the following sentences in your own words.

Example: The more expensive the hotel you stay, the better service you get.
1. The earlier we leave,.........................................................................................................
2. The more electricity you use, ...........................................................................................
3. The more you have, ..........................................................................................................
4. The more you practice your English, ...............................................................................
5. The longer he waited, ....................................................................................................

Practice 14: Complete the sentences by using (not) as…as and an appropriate adjective
or adverb.
1. I need you right away! Please come as soon as you can / quickly.
2. I can’t work any faster. I’m working as fast as I can.
3. It’s important for you to use your English everyday. You should practice speaking English
as much as possible / as much as you can.
4. You might think it’s easy to do, but it’s not quite as easy as I think.
5. I had expected test to be very difficult and it wasn’t. In other words, the test was not as
difficult as I had expected.

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Practice 15: Complete the following sentences in your own words, using the words in
parentheses with more/-er or less
Example: People are far more intelligent than animals. (intelligent)
1. To me, science is much..................................................................................(interesting)
2. A piano is a lot................................................................................................(heavy)
3. She rarely comes to see us. She visit us much................................................(frequently)
4. When you are hot and tired, nothing is...........................................................(refreshing)
5. In my life, I have always tried to help those who are.....................................(fortunate)

3.10 Adverb clauses of condition

Subordinators Examples
If, even if, only if, unless, as long - I’ll go as long as (on the condition that) you ask me.
as, so long as, provided/providing - Supposing that you had a lot of money now, what
that, on (the) condition that, would you do?
suppose/supposing that (gia su - You’ll fail unless you study harder
rang , + past subjunctive), in case.

Practice 16: Rewrite the following sentences, using clauses of condition.

Example: She won’t open the door because she doesn’t know who it is.
 Unless she knows who it is, she won’t open the door.
 She won’t open the door if she doesn’t know who it is.
 She will open the door if she knows who it is.
1. He has no time to play with his children because he works in the evening.
He has no time to play with his children if he works in the evening.
2. You should insure your belongings because they might get stolen.
...............................................................................................................................................
3. I have had so many troubles because I lost my passport last week.
...............................................................................................................................................
4. Her father pays her fee; otherwise, she wouldn’t be here.
...............................................................................................................................................
5. He is working hard today so that he can have a holiday tomorrow.
...............................................................................................................................................
6. We didn’t go because it rained.
...............................................................................................................................................
7. I made that terrible mistake because I didn’t think about it carefully.
...............................................................................................................................................
8. Please keep quiet during the test so as not to be asked out.
Please keep quiet during the test so as not to be asked out
9. Go away or I’ll scream.
If you don’t go away, I will scream.
10. I used my calculator; otherwise, I would have taken longer.
Unless I had used my calculator, I would have taken longer.
Practice 17: Rewrite the following sentences, using the conjunctions given in the
parentheses and make any necessary changes. (ko thi)
Example: You can use my laptop, but you will have to finish the work in two days. (as long as)
=> You can use my laptop as long as you finish the work in two days.
1. You have to finish your homework first or you can’t go out to play. (provided that)
...............................................................................................................................................

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2. What would you do with the money if you won the lottery? (supposing that)
...............................................................................................................................................
3. They wanted their names not to be in the article or they wouldn’t speak. (on condition that)
...............................................................................................................................................
4. My parents don’t care what job I do; they just want me to be happy. (as long as)
...............................................................................................................................................
5. If you can’t come, give me a call before I leave for work. (in case)
...............................................................................................................................................
6. The rebels say they are ready to stop fighting, but they want the prisoners to be released
(only if)
...............................................................................................................................................
7. They want to offer me a million dollars, but I’d never sell this painting. (even if)
...............................................................................................................................................
8. I didn’t work hard at school, so I didn’t get a better job. (in the event that)
...............................................................................................................................................
9. I must run or the train will have left. (unless)
...............................................................................................................................................
10. Come back tomorrow, and I will have everything ready for you. (if)
...............................................................................................................................................

Practice 18 (speaking): Divide the class into two groups, one group says if clauses, and the
other says the suitable main clauses.

4. REDUCING ADVERB CLAUSES

 We can only reduce an adverb clause when it has the same subject as the main clause
does. Otherwise, we will create sentence with dangling modifier (dangling modifier is a
kind of mistake when writing sentences in which a participle relates to a noun or
pronoun that is not mentioned.)
Ex1: When she was picking strawberries in the garden, she was stung by a bee. (the same
subject)
=>Picking strawberries in the garden, she was stung by a bee. (correct sentence)
When she was picking strawberries in the garden, a bee stung her. (different subjects)
=>Picking strawberries in the garden, a bee stung her.(wrong sentence with dangling
modifier ).
 Delete subordinators of reasons, conditions, and concession.
Ex2: Because he was sick this morning, he couldn’t go to school.
=> Being sick this morning, he couldn’t go to school.
Ex3: If you exercise frequently, you will be always healthy.
=> Exercising frequently, you will be always healthy.
Ex4: Although the students were shouted by the teacher, they kept talking.
=> Shouted by the teacher, the students kept talking.
 Delete or retain the subordinators of time except before and after.
Ex5: When the teacher entered the class, he said “hello” to the students.
=>Entering the class, the teacher said “hello” to the students.(delete “when”)
Ex6: Before he became a student, he had been a soldier.
=>Before becoming a student, he had been a soldier. (must retain “before”)

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Practice 19: Reducing these adjective clauses and adverbial clauses to participle phrases.
1. Robots which have the ability to withstand extreme temperatures and radiation levels can
perform jobs that are too dangerous for humans.
2. Mr. Lam, who is wearing in black, is a very famous doctor in my city.
3. The uses of artificial intelligence that are now being suggested have created excitement
around the world.
4. Her new book, which was published last year, is about a famous scientist.
5. England, which has been ruled by Queens several times in its history, elected a woman
prime minister in 1979.
6. The secrets of the universe, which have fascinated people for centuries, are slowly being
revealed.
7. Before I left home, I promised my parents that I would return soon.
8. Since I’m the oldest son, I’m responsible for taking care of my parents.
9. Though Jim hadn't done anything to be proud of, he acted as if he had conquered the world.
10. If you work hard, you will succeed in the exam.

Practice 20: Correct the dangling modifier in each sentence

1. When taking a grammar quiz, concentration is everything.
2. Swinging wildly through the trees, the children were delighted by the monkeys.
3. Bicycling down the street, a squirrel ran in front of Marie.
4. Destroyed by a careless worker, the manager replaced the machine.
After the machine was destroyed by a careless worker, the manager replaced it.
5. We met three motorcycles walking to the store.
We met three motorcycles when walking to the store.
6. Discovered many years ago, people find uranium a useful metal.
When Uranium was discovered many years ago, people found it a useful metal.
7. While cooking dinner, her finger was burnt badly.
While she was cooking dinner, her finger was burnt badly.
8. Having traveled with a high speed, a ticket was issued to the motorist.
When the motorist had traveled with a high speed, a ticket was issued to him.
9. If carelessly used, consumers can be harmed as much by prescription medications as by
illegal drugs.
If consumers use as much prescription medications as illegal drugs carelessly, they can be

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harmed by them.
If consumer carelessly used as much by prescription medications as by illegal drugs, they can
be harmed.
10. The water in the ponds having stood for long became stagnant.
The water in the ponds became stagnant after it had been standing for long.
Homework 1: Complete the following sentences by putting subordinating conjunctions in
the spaces.
1. He did his work………………….he thoroughly enjoyed it.
2. ……………I have finished my university studies, I will spend a year on traveling.
3. Put those books back immediately…………………………….they belong to.
4. We took a lot of photographs……………………..we were in Switzerland.
5. The pianist had waited for silence…………………………he began to play.
6. They promised to wait…………………….the clock struck eight.
7. I gave up studying math………………….it was a very difficult subject.
8. …………………you may have met her, I still think we cannot trust her.
9. He often worked late…………………………….he could earn more money.
10. I will use this money exactly ………………………….I like.
11. I need a hammer and nails………………………..I’m going to repair the roof.
12. We will play the match……………………………….it is rather foggy.
13. I’ll tell you the secret……………………..you don’t tell it to any.
14. Don’t handle those cups and saucers…………………..they were made of iron.
15. The baby didn’t stop crying…………………………………..he was fed.

Homework 2: Add adverb clauses to the following main clauses, as indicated.

1. He worked.............................................................................................. (manner)
2. ......................................................................, please come and meet me (time)
3. ...................................................................., you cannot afford to slack (cause)
4. You don't want to go..................................................................., do you? (place)
5. He refused to have oil-stoves in his house...................................... (cause).
6. ......................................................................, it is better to have it. (concession)
7. I'll write to him tomorrow....................................................................... (purpose)
8. ............................................................., there is no need for rudeness (concession)
9. ................................................................, you would not be so rude (condition)
10. The room is so noisy.......................................................................... (result)

Homework 3: Write 10 (5) complex sentences about the way to improve English skills.
1. I often read English news on the internet so that I can expand/accurate my vocabulary.
2. I usually write diary in English in order that I can improve writing skill.
3. You can speak English fluently if you practice regularly.
4. You will remember the new words for a long time if you learn the whole sentences.
5. I try to master International Phonetic Alphabet firmly so that I can pronounce exactly.
6. You should write something every day using new words and grammar that you’ve learnt.
7. You can take part in / join some English club to meet a lot of people so that you can practice
your speaking skill

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8. If we want to improve our speaking skill, we can use voice chats and talk to our classmates
in English.
9. I always communicate with my foreign colleagues as much as possible so that I can improve
my speaking skill.

TOPIC: FAMILY, MOVIES, MUSICS, SPORTS, RELATIONSHIPS, JOBS

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