7 Which sentence in each pair contains a concessive
clause?
1 a Kim used to love playing the cello, even
though he wasn’t very good!
b Even if you aren’t sure you can come to the
concert, please buy a ticket.
2 a Ellen can play the tenor saxophone as well as
the flute.
b Much as I’ve tried, I can’t master the correct
breathing technique for the clarinet.
Some linking words can be used in front of an -ing
form, or a noun or adjective group without a verb,
to make concessions.
Despite practising regularly, I made little progress on
the piece.
It was an uneven concert, although quite a lively one.
Though fairly straightforward to play, the guitar needs
careful tuning.
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8 Choose the correct ending (a–f) for sentences 1–6.
1 I really enjoyed Todd Rundgren’s live concert,
although
2 You should keep practising the guitar even if
3 The pianist played all the pieces perfectly, despite
4 Violins and violas are held against the chin, whereas
5 CDs are often on sale at around £15, while
6 Everyone enjoyed going to the jazz club in spite of
a cellos and double basses are played upright.
b having no printed music in front of her.
c you can download a whole album for half of that.
d the band you’re in isn’t performing at the moment.
e its smoky atmosphere and high prices.
f the quality of the sound wasn’t very good.
9 The following sentences show common errors that
IELTS candidates have made with linking words.
Correct them either by replacing the linking word
or by changing what follows it.
1 The music classes were satisfactory, despite there
was not any individual tuition.
2 Nobody likes jazz more than I do, but although
its promising title, this is a disappointing album.
3 The concert was supposed to last for at least an
hour, while it was only forty minutes.
4 In spite of I’ve been playing the trumpet for three
years, I found this piece too difficult.
5 As can be seen from the chart, despite the USA
has the highest percentage employed in this area,
only 10% are women.
6 There was a general feeling that inspite the
friendly atmosphere the entertainment was
rather dull.
7 In conclusion, even though, there are some
advantages the problems are too great.
8 My daughter is not allowed to watch TV after
8.30 in spite of that some programmes would be
interesting for her.
10 Rewrite 1–5 as single sentences with a concessive
clause, using the linking words in brackets and
making any other changes necessary. There may be
more than one possible answer.
EXAMPLE: The singer was excellent. The backing
group was poor. (while)
While the singer was excellent, the backing
group was poor.
1 I’m not keen on the band’s latest CD. I love their
earlier ones. (although)
2 With a guitar the hand movement is downwards.
With a sitar you also pull the strings. (whereas)
3 The musician lives in New York. He performs
mainly in Europe. (despite)
4 Orchestral concerts involve many performers.
Not every performer is needed throughout the
concert. (even though)
5 The song is over 100 years old. The song is still
popular today. (in spite of)
Speaking Part 3
11 In preparation for Part 3 of the Speaking Module,
have a class debate on the following statement.
Every child should know how to play a musical
instrument by the age of 10.
Decide whether you agree or disagree by thinking
about these questions. Discuss your ideas with a
partner. Then join in the debate.
Is there enough time in the primary school
curriculum to introduce music?
Does every school have the
financial resources to support
such a programme?
What are the benefits of
learning a musical instrument
at a young age?
What are the challenges in
teaching music to young
children?
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