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This lesson will focus on contrasting positive and negative information. The topic is controversy.
Introduction
In lessons 11 and 12, you worked on giving strong and weak opinions. However, the issues we have discussed are not black and white. Today we will work on contrasting points.
Warm Up
What kind of controversial topics have you heard about? Are there any on the news at the moment?
Language
Please consider each transition word or phrase. Your instructor has an example and a question regarding each one.
- Having said that/That (being) said — This means "however" or similar but is used for more complex topics.
- At the same time — This is used for an equal but opposite claim or piece of evidence.
- Despite the fact that — This is used when a piece of evidence is contrary to your claim but doesn't change your opinion.
- Contrary to popular belief/what most people think — This is used when your information seems opposite to popular opinion.
- Conversely — This is used for a somewhat surprising opposite.
- But then again — This means "however" or similar.
Practice
Now that you've had some practice using these transitions, try to answer some more questions. Use as many of the above words and phrases as you can.