MTEL Communication Literacy Skills : Writing Practice Test

What is the function of a relative pronoun?

1. To describe a noun in a sentence

2. To connect a dependent clause to an independent clause

3. To express a strong opinion

4. To refer back to a noun within the sentence

The correct answer is: To refer back to a noun within the sentence

A relative pronoun serves the essential function of referring back to a noun within the sentence, which is known as the antecedent. This creates a relationship between the antecedent and the additional information provided in the relative clause. For example, in the sentence "The book that she wrote became a bestseller," the relative pronoun "that" connects the clause "that she wrote" to the noun "book," adding more detail without starting a new sentence. This connection helps to clarify or specify the noun being discussed. While the other options present functions that could relate to language structure, they do not encompass the precise role of relative pronouns. Describing a noun typically aligns more with adjectives, connecting clauses describes the broader function of conjunctions, and expressing opinions does not pertain to the grammatical role of relative pronouns at all.