Model paragraph

Should people who murder and commit other violent crimes be punished by death? This is controversial question in many countries. While some people believe that death is a fair punishment, others claim that it is uncivilized and cruel. Some who believe in the death sentence, or capital punishment as it is often called, do so because they think that it prevents people from committing murder. Others argues that the death penalty does not have any effect on the crime rate. People have quite different views of the matter and it is certain that the debate will continue for long time.

A clause is group of words containing s subject and predicate and is used as a part of sentences. A noun clause can take the place of single in noun in:

1. Subject of a verb

That John is a good runner is clear.

The six word noun clause that john is a good runner . is the subject of the verb is.

2. Subject complement

Angela’s plan was that she would save money for a trip to Hawaii.

The noun clause that she would save money for trip to Hawaii is subject complement because it has same meaning as the noun plan and follows a from of the be verb.

3. Direct object

Jeff said that the would come.

Linda disliked whoever disagreed with her

We asked who they are.

Ruben wondered where Shiela was.

4. Object of preposition

He never pays attentions to what I say.

Thanks a lot for what you have done for us.

· Noun clause which begin with that

S V O

I think that Mr. Jones was a good friend

We hope that you can come to my party.

Mary realizes that she should have studied harder.

I dreamed that I was on the top of mountain.

The fact is that it not easy to please her.

S V

That Mr. John was a good friend is unbelievable

That she could come to my party is a surprise

· Other uses of that clauses

I’m not sure that the bus stops here.

I glad that you are feeling better today.

I’m sorry that I missed class yesterday

I was disappointed that Mary couldn’t come to my party.

· Common expressions followed by “That Clauses”

Be afraid that be happy that it is true

Be aware that be pleased it is a fact that

Be certain that be sorry that

Be convinced that be disappointed that

Be glad that

· Noun clause which begin with question words

I know where he lives

I don’t know who that boy is

I don’t know whose that pen is

Do you know when they left?

Please tell me what she said

I don’t understand why Tom is absent today.

· Noun clause which begin with if or whether

I don’t know if john is at home

I don’t know if john is at home or not

I don’t know whether or not john is at home

Do you know if the bus stops here?

I wonder if Alice went to Chicago.

Independent clause dependent clause

(noun clause)

I think that Mr. john was a good friend

I’m sure that the bus stops here

I don’t understand why Tom is absent today

Do you know if Alice went to Chicago.