She’s So Unusual

Jacqueline Rombot looks like a perfect ordinary twelve-tear-old kid, but her deep brown eyes suggest something unique. They seem to reflect a mature soul, well beyond her real age. She may seem naïve, but she is capable of reading others people’s minds. Though she excels in science, her interest leans toward art and observing people’s behavior.

            Jacqueline’s father is a professor at a prominent university in Manado. “She loves questioning just about everything and anything,” he says. “Often, her questions are not even age-appropriate.”

            Children like Jacqueline tend to know things even without ever being taught or told. They are known as indigo children. This phenomenon is believed to have begun appearing in the early 70’s. the children usually have an extremely high resistance to pollutants, as well as an increased sensitivity to sugar and food additives. They were born with an inherent knowledge of art, language and spirituality. They are highly intelligent and usually have psychic abilities, such as foreseeing the future, reading other people’s minds or communicating telepathically. The fragments of their DNA have been scientifically identified as ‘junk DNA’, or even not yet identified.

            The term Indigo Child was first introduced in 1982 by Nancy Ann Tappe, a parapsychologist who developed a system for classifying people’s personalities based on the color of their auras. Then, in 1999, Lee Caroll and Jan Tober popularized the idea worldwide. After the year 2000, more and more cases of indigo children have been identified all over the globe.

            The color indigo was not used to describe these special children without a reason. Indigo is the color of the Third Eye, which is associated with paranormal vision-seeing beyond the capability of the eyes. This flows through the human consciousness as KNOWING-but not knowing how you know.

            Though remarkable, many indigo children have been mistakenly diagnosed with ADHD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Dispattern, because of how they usually behave. Not all, but many of them tend to be restless and seems easily distracted. Actually this is because they can learn new things faster than other chidren can. Sadly, once diagnosed with ADHD, the children are put under medication which only makes things worse for their health and personality development.

            Jacqueline is only one of the many indigo children lucky enough to have understanding and supportive parents. Instead of misjudging her, they make an effort to get to know her better. They never stop to seek information about her over the electronic and printed media to keep up with the latest findings. So far, they are just proud to be Jacqueline’s parents.

            Jacqueline used to be very quiet and liked to hide from the rest of the world in her “secret” place, which is a little garden behind her family’s home. In the center of the garden there is a big, old oak tree where she used to fall asleep. Surrounding the tree were daffodils.

            Now, as Jacqueline feels more secure with other people, she does not hide anymore. The garden is still there. The oak tree still stands but the little girl has emerged out of her shell. She no longer needs the garden to “protect” her.

            Raising an unique child like Jacqueline requires her parents to consult someone who specializes in psychology, as well as parapsychology. Much patience is needed to help these children so that they can accept their uniqueness, be more spiritually explorative and share their gift with people around them instead of keeping it to themselves. To do this, they need to feel secure, not threatened. They need their parents to help them mingle in society, not hide from it.

            When asked to share some tips on raising an indigo child properly,  Jacqueline’s father just laughed and turned to his wife. She smiled and said that the key word is patience. “Without it, don’t except any miracles! You should also respect your child. Your child is just a kid whom you can treat as you please. And, honestly is the best policy. Be true to your words. Jacqueline always knows when we lie to her.”

            People should realize that children like Jacqueline do exist. Instead of misjudging their unique character, people should accept these children for what they are and help them grow into wonderful beings as they are supposed to. If given the chance, so much can be discovered, invented and passed on by these indigos! 

Adverbial Clause

An adverbial clause is a clause that functions as an adverb. In other words, it contains subject (explicit or implied) and predicate, and it modifies a verb.

§  I saw Joe when I went to the store. (explicit subject I)

§  He sat quietly in order to appear polite. (implied subject he)

According to Sidney Greenbaum and Randolph Quirk, adverbial clauses function mainly as adjuncts or disjuncts. In those functions they are like adverbial phrases, but in their potentiality for greater explicitness, they are more often like prepositional phrases (Greenbaum and Quirk,1990):

§  We left after the speeches ended. (Is it an adverbial clause, adverbial phrase or preposition phrase?)

§  We left after the end of the speeches.(Is it an adverbial clause, adverbial phrase or preposition phrase?)

Contrast adverbial clauses with adverbial phrases, which do not contain a clause.

§  I like to fly kites for fun.

Kinds of adverbial clauses

kind of clause	common conjunctions	function	example
time clauses	when, before, after, since, while, as, as long as, until,till, etc. (conjunctions that answer the question "when?"); hardly, scarcely, no sooner, etc.[1]	These clauses are used to say when something happens by referring to a period of time or to another event.	Her father died when she was young.
conditional clauses	if, unless	These clauses are used to talk about a possible situation and its consequences.	If they lose weight during an illness, they soon regain it afterwards.
purpose clauses	in order to, so that, in order that	These clauses are used to indicate the purpose of an action.	They had to take some of his land so that they could extend the churchyard.
reason clauses	because, since, as, given	These clauses are used to indicate the reason for something.	I couldn't feel anger against him because I liked him too much.
result clauses	so..that	These clauses are used to indicate the result of something.	My suitcase had become so damaged on the journey home that the lid would not stay closed.
concessive clauses	although, though, while	These clauses are used to make two statements, one of which contrasts with the other or makes it seem surprising.	I used to read a lot although I don't get much time for books now
place clauses	where, wherever, anywhere, everywhere, etc. (conjunctions that answer the question "where?")	These clauses are used to talk about the location or position of something.	He said he was happy where he was.
clauses of manner	as, like, the way	These clauses are used to talk about someone's behaviour or the way something is done.	I was never allowed to do things the way I wanted to do them.
clauses of exclamation	what a(an), how, such, so	Exclamations are used to express anger, fear, shock, surprise etc. They always take an exclamation mark (!).	What horrible news! How fast she types! You lucky man!

These focuses on adverb clauses which are often called "time clauses" in English grammar books and follow specific patterns. Take a look at the chart below to study the various usage of different time expressions.

Punctuation

When an adverb clause begins the sentence use a comma to separate the two clauses. Example: As soon as he arrives, we will have some lunch.. When the adverb clause finishes the sentence there is no need for a comma. Example: He gave me a call when he arrived in town.

Adverb Clauses with Time

When

·         He was talking on the phone when I arrived.

·         When she called, he had already eaten lunch.

·         I washed the dishes when my daughter fell asleep.

·         We'll go to lunch when you come to visit.

'When' means 'at that moment, at that time, etc.'. Notice the different tenses used in relationship to the clause beginning with when. It is important to remember that 'when' takes either the simple past OR the present - the dependent clause changes tense in relation to the 'when' clause.

Before

·         We will finish before he arrives.

·         She (had) left before I telephoned.

'Before' means 'before that moment'. It is important to remember that 'before' takes either the simple past OR the present.

After

·         We will finish after he comes.

·         She ate after I (had) left.

'After' means 'after that moment'. It is important to remember that 'after' takes the present for future events and the past OR past perfect for past events.

While, as

·         She began cooking while I was finishing my homework.

·         As I was finishing my homework, she began cooking.

'While' and 'as' mean 'during that time'. 'While' and 'as' are both usually used with the past continuous because the meaning of 'during that time' which indicates an action in progess.

By the time

·         By the time he finished, I had cooked dinner.

·         We will have finished our homework by the time they arrive.

'By the time' expresses the idea that one event has been completed before another. It is important to notice the use of the past perfect for past events and future perfect for future events in the main clause. This is because of the idea of something happening up to another point in time.

Until, till

·         We waited until he finished his homework.

·         I'll wait till you finish.

'Until' and 'till' express 'up to that time'. We use either the simple present or simple past with 'until' and 'till'. 'Till' is usually only used in spoken English.

Since

·         I have played tennis since I was a young boy.

·         They have worked here since 1987.

'Since' means 'from that time'. We use the present perfect (continuous) with 'since'. 'Since' can also be used with a specific point in time.

As soon as

·         He will let us know as soon as he decides (or as soon as he has decided).

·         As soon as I hear from Tom, I will give you a telephone call.

'As soon as' means 'when something happens - immediately afterwards'. 'As soon as' is very similar to 'when' it emphasizes that the event will occur immediately after the other. We usually use the simple present for future events, although present perfect can also be used.

Whenever, every time

·         Whenever he comes, we go to have lunch at "Dick's".

·         We take a hike every time he visits.

'Whenever' and 'every time' mean 'each time something happens'. We use the simple present (or the simple past in the past) because 'whenever' and 'every time' express habitual action.

The first, second, third, fourth etc., next, last time

·         The first time I went to New York, I was intimidated by the city.

·         I saw Jack the last time I went to San Francisco.

·         The second time I played tennis, I began to have fun.

The first, second, third, fourth etc., next, last time means 'that specific time'. We can use these forms to be more specific about which time of a number of times something happened.

These type of clauses show an unexpected or non self-evident result based on the dependent clause. Example: He bought the car even though it was expensive. Take a look at the chart below to study the various usages of adverb clauses showing opposition.

Punctuation

When an adverb clause begins the sentence use a comma to separate the two clauses.Example: Even though the it was expensive, he bought the car.. When the adverb clause finishes the sentence there is no need for a comma. Example: He bought the car even though it was expensive.

For more information about how to use these words click on the link for an explanation of the usage.

Adverb Clauses Showing Opposition

Even though, though, although

·         Even though it was expensive, he bought the car.

·         Though he loves doughnuts, he has given them up for his diet.

·         Although he course was difficult, he passed with the highest marks.

Notice how 'though, even though' or 'although' show a situation which is contrary to the main clause to express opposition. Even though, though and although are all synonyms.

Whereas, while

·         Whereas you have lots of time to do your homework, I have very little time indeed.

·         Mary is rich, while I am poor.

'Whereas' and 'while' show clauses in direct opposition to each other. Notice that you should always use a comma with 'whereas' and 'while'.

These type of clauses are often called "if clauses" in English grammar books and follow conditional sentence patterns. Take a look at the chart below to study the various usage of different time expressions.

Punctuation

When an adverb clause begins the sentence use a comma to separate the two clauses.Example: If he comes, we will have some lunch.. When the adverb clause finishes the sentence there is no need for a comma. Example:He would have invited me if he had known.

More information on the correct tense usage for the conditionals

If

·         If we win, we'll go to Kelly's to celebrate!

·         She would buy a house, if she had enough money.

'If' clauses express the conditions necessary for the result. If clauses are followed by expected results based on the condition. More information on the correct tense usage for the conditionals

Even if

·         Even if she saves a lot, she won't be able to afford that house.

In contrast to sentences with 'if' sentences with 'even if' show a result that is unexpected based on the condition in the 'even if' clause. Example: COMPARE: If she studies hard, she will pass the exam AND Even if she studies hard, she won't pass the exam.

Whether or not

·         They won't be able to come whether or not they have enough money.

·         Whether they have money or not, they won't be able to come.

'Whether or not' expresses the idea that neither one condition or another matters; the result will be the same. Notice the possibility of inversion (Whether they have money or not) with 'whether or not'.

Unless

·         Unless she hurries up, we won't arrive in time.

·         We won't go unless he arrives soon.

'Unless' expresses the idea of 'if not' Example: Unless she hurries up, we won't arrive in time. MEANS THE SAME AS: If she doesn't hurry up, we won't arrive in time. 'Unless' is only used in the first conditional.

In case (that), in the event (that)

·         In the case you need me, I'll be at Tom's.

·         I'll be studying upstairs in the event he calls.

'In case' and 'in the event' usually mean that you don't expect something to happen, but if it does... Both are used primarily for future events.

Only if

·         We'll give you your bicycle only if you do well on your exams.

·         Only if you do well on your exams will we give you your bicycle.

'Only if' means 'only in the case that something happens - and only if'. This form basically means the same as 'if'. However, it does stress the condition for the result. Note that when 'only if' begins the sentence you need to invert the main clause.

These type of clauses explain the reasons for what happens in the main clause. Example:He bought a new home because he got a better job.. Take a look at the chart below to study the various usages of different expressions of cause and effect. Note that all of these expressions are synonyms of 'because'.

Punctuation

When an adverb clause begins the sentence use a comma to separate the two clauses.Example: Because he had to work late, we had dinner after nine o'clock.. When the adverb clause finishes the sentence there is no need for a comma. Example: We had dinner after nine o'clock because he had to work late.

Adverb Clauses of Cause and Effect

Because

·         They received a high mark on their exam because they had studied hard.

·         I'm studying hard because I want to pass my exam.

·         He works a lot of overtime because his rent is so expensive

Notice how because can be used with a variety of tenses based on the time relationship between the two clauses.

Since

·         Since he loves music so much, he decided to go to a conservatory.

·         They had to leave early since their train left at 8.30.

'Since' means the same as because. 'Since' tends to be used in more informal spoken English. Important note: "Since" when used as a conjunction is typically used to refer to a period of time, while "because" implies a cause or reason.

As long as

·         As long as you have the time, why don't you come for dinner?

'As long as' means the same as because. 'As long as' tends to be used in more informal spoken English.

As

·         As the test is difficult, you had better get some sleep.

'As' means the same as because. 'As' tends to be used in more formal, written English.

Inasamuch as

·         Inasmuch as the students had succesfully completed their exams, their parents rewarded their efforts by giving them a trip to Paris.

'Inasmuch as' means the same as because. 'Inasmuch as' is used in very formal, written English.

Due to the fact that

·         We will be staying for an extra week due to the fact that we haven not yet finished.

'Due to the fact that' means the same as because. 'Due to the fact that' is generally used in very formal, written English.