Identify the adjective clause and the word it modifies.

the tree whose branches had died had to be cut down.

adjective clause:
a. the tree whose branches
b. whose branches had died
c. whose branches had died had to be cut down
d. whose branches

word modified:
a. branches
b. died
c. trees
d. cut

Adjective clause: B. Whose branches had died    

Word Modified: C. Tree

Explanation:

An adjective clause is a dependent clause, meaning that it is a group of words that have at least a subject and a verb, but that can not stand on its own because it does not express a complete thought. The function of this clause is to modify nouns.

We can normally identify them because they tend to begin with a relative pronoun (who, whom, whose, that, or which) or a relative adverb (when, where, or why), and they often answer the questions How many? What kind? or Which one?

So, Whose branches had died is the adjective clause because it is dependent, it begins with a relative pronoun that is also the subject: whose, it has a verb: had died, and it modifies the noun The tree. Furthermore, it also answers to the Which one? question: Which three had to be cut down? The one whose branches had died.

i believe it is he has been given the drum as a joke.

this quote could be referring to the death penalty. it's questioning the morality of sentencing murderers to death as a punishment, because it seems hypocritical. this quote seems to be arguing for non-lethal punishment for killers.