WRITING
Grammatical Range: Using while, although and however to combine contrasting views
While & Although
You can use the adverbs while and although to combine two contrasting ideas into one sentence. This is particularly useful in two situations:
1. In your essay introduction, to summarise two contrasting main ideas
For example:
Global warming is an existential threat that is currently facing the world. Some countries have taken a number of measures to combat this problem, but the question remains whether all nations should do the same. From my perspective, while all countries need to be involved in reducing global warming, richer countries must take the lead in promoting the use of sustainable practices and technologies.
Note that while the writer partially agrees with two points of view, he still shows a preference for one of them, namely, that richer countries ‘must take the lead’.
2. In your body paragraphs, to show an alternative point of view.
For example:
Global warming is caused by the burning of fossil fuels in countries around the world. As a result, action by a few countries to limit carbon emissions is not enough to have a major impact. Although poorer countries may find it difficult to meet the cost of using alternative sources of energy, these countries must also reduce their dependence on fossil fuels in order to fight global warming effectively. Action by a few richer countries will not be sufficient.
Showing an ability to look at the alternative point of view is a great way to score a high band in IELTS. By using these contrast adverbs you can make a 'concession statement' which recognises an alternative point of view, while still highlighting that you support the other side.
However
You can also use however to show contrast between two ideas in the same way as while and although. But, however must go between the two contrasting ideas and when we use however, we usually begin a new sentence.
Example:
All countries need to be involved in reducing global warming. However, richer countries must take the lead in promoting the use of sustainable practices and technologies.
NB: you should always put a comma after however.
Exercise 1:
Combine the two ideas into one sentence by using 'while' or 'although'
Example: to be effective, all countries need to fight against global warming/ richer countries should do more to develop new sustainable technologies
Answer: while all countries need to be involved in reducing global warming, richer countries must take the lead in promoting the use of sustainable practices and technologies
1. reducing pollution will hurt the world economy/ it is necessary to protect the planet for future generations
2. solar power is very effective in places with a lot of sunshine/ in less sunny climates it is very inefficient
3. humanity needs to become less reliant on fossil fuels/ fossil fuels are the cheapest form of energy
4. every government has important problems to fix at home/ governments must direct more funds towards the international fight against climate change
5. there is a need for more housing for the growing world population/ we must protect areas of natural beauty so that they can be enjoyed by future generations
Exercise 2:
Combine the sentences in 1 - 3 in exercise 1, but this time, use 'however'.
Activity:
Brainstorm some ideas for and against the statements in the IELTS questions below. Then, for each question, write a thesis statement that combines your opinion with a contrast statement. Remember, you can only do this if you give contrasting points of view in the thesis statement.
Example Question: Some countries are making serious efforts to reduce global warming. Do you believe that all countries should do the same?
Answer: From my perspective, while all countries need to be involved in reducing global warming, richer countries must take the lead in promoting the use of sustainable practices and technologies.
1. While many people believe that carbon emissions is the most serious environmental problem currently, others think that deforestation causes more damage to the planet. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
2. The need for housing for growing populations means that public parks and green spaces should be used for building residential areas. To what extent do you agree?
3. Governments spend large amounts of money on protecting the environment, when this money could be better spent on solving fundamental problems in society such as poverty and homelessness. What is your opinion?
4. Some people believe that only governments can address environmental issues while others believe that it is the responsibility of the individual to tackle these problems. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.
5. Global environmental problems can only be dealt with internationally rather than domestically. To what extent do you agree?
Exercise Answer Key:
Exercise 1:
1. While/ Although reducing pollution will hurt the world economy, it is necessary to protect the planet for future generations.
2. While/ Although solar power is very effective in places with a lot of sunshine, in less sunny climates it is very inefficient.
3. While/ Although humanity needs to become less reliant on fossil fuels, they are the cheapest form of energy.
4. While/ Although every government has important problems to fix at home, governments must direct more funds towards the international fight against climate change.
5. While/ Although there is a need for more housing for the growing world population, we must protect areas of natural beauty so that they can be enjoyed by future generations.
Exercise 2:
1. Reducing pollution will hurt the world economy. However, it is necessary to protect the planet for future generations.
2. Solar power is very effective in places with a lot of sunshine. However, in less sunny climates it is very inefficient.
3. Humanity needs to become less reliant on fossil fuels, However, they are the cheapest form of energy.