Contrasting Linkers

In both writing tasks – The Report (Task 1) and The Discursive Essay (Task 2) – you will need to
make effective use of contrasting linkers.

In Task 1 - to compare the information presented in the graphs and/or charts.

In Task 2 - to present opposing ideas in a written argument.

It is important to use a range of linking words and expressions but even more importantly, you need to
be able to use them correctly, with the appropriate grammatical structure.

This exercise looks at how to construct grammatically correct sentences using the following linkers:

although even though despite in spite of however on the other hand nevertheless

There are 2 basic structures you need to remember:

1. (Linker) _________X___________, _________Y___________

E.g. Although it rained all day, we had a good time.

2. _________X___________. (Linker), _________Y___________

E.g. It rained all day. However, we had a good time.

Note: Despite/In spite of use the 1st structure, but they are both followed by a gerund (verb + ing) or a
noun phrase:

In spite of the rain, we had a good time. (noun)

Despite raining all day, we had a good time. (gerund)

Exercise 1

Look at the following sentence beginnings (1-10) and choose the correct endings from the drop-
down menus. Note the position of the linking word(s) in bold.

1. Sales figures were below average in June.

Please select

2. Although there was a rise in unemployment last month,

Please select

3. Despite the company’s decision to cut costs in all departments,

Please select

4. The government has increased student grants by 20%.

Please select

5. In spite of reaching all of their targets this quarter,

Please select

6. The number of adult smokers has reduced dramatically in recent years.

Please select

7. Even though people have much higher standards of living these days,

Please select
Exercise 2

Contrasting linkers can be used in different positions in the sentence.

Decide which linkers can only be used in PATTERN 1, and which linkers can be used in
BOTH PATTERNS:

PATTERN 1 = CLAUSE 1 + LINKER + CLAUSE 2

PATTERN 2 = LINKER + CLAUSE 1 + CLAUSE 2

although even though despite in spite of however on the other hand nevertheless

Pattern 1 Both

Nevertheless

Although

Despite

However

Even though

On the other hand

In spite of

If you’re not sure, check the answers to exercise 1 below:

1. However, there was a slight improvement in July.

2. the Government is proposing several measures to help people back to work.
3. there has been no talk of redundancies yet.
4. Nevertheless, young people are still worried about university fees.
5. the sales department did not receive any bonuses.
6. On the other hand, 25% of 14-15 year olds admitted to taking up smoking.
7. it is believed that they have a poorer quality of life.
Exercise 3

Complete the following sentences by choosing the correct linker from the drop-down menu.

Please select
1. ________________ I don’t play any sport these days, I still try to keep fit by walking to
work every day.

Please select
2. I have never taken much interest in politics before. ________________ , I will definitely
be voting in this election.

Please select
3. I don’t really agree with the principle of private education. ________________ , I do think
parents should be able to choose where their children are educated.

Please select
4. ________________ leaving school at quite a young age, my grandfather became a very
successful businessman.

_______________
5. The weather conditions for this year’s marathon were really terrible. Please select
every participant managed to finish the race.

6. ________________
Please select the heavy congestion on the roads, commuters still prefer to drive to work
than rely on public transport.
Exercise 4

Complete the following sentences in your own words.

1. Despite not going to university, …

2. Although the company made huge profits last year, …

3. The job offer in New York is very tempting. However, …

4. Exams are an important part of education. On the other hand, …

5. In spite of the global economic slump, …

6. Even though my ambition is to go traveling around the world, …

7. He has been an excellent Prime Minister for over a decade. Nevertheless, …

Now have a look at the suggested answers