expressing concession exercises
WORDS EASILY CONFUSED CLAUSES OF CONCESSION
A. Look at the following extracts from the interview
that you heard in the listening section and decide
what each of them means. Choose a or b.
1. His car was seriously when he
crashed into a tree.
2. The teacher had warned the boys that they could
themselves by skateboarding
down the steps.
3. He the ball so hard it ended up
on the other side of the field.
4. Did you hear someone at the
door?
5. Global warming both plant and
animal life.
6. His words of advice had a powerful
on me.
7. The juice does not any sugar or
preservatives.
8. The new leisure centre of a
gym, sports hall, tennis court and swimming pool.
9. The field belongs to a farmer; it’s private
.
10. I arrived back at my hotel room only to discover that
all of my had been stolen.
11. The firefighters a mother and
her two children from the burning building.
12. We must all do whatever we can to
the environment.
13. It is a lawyer’s job to
his clients.
damage injure
knock hit
affect effect
consist contain
belongings property
B. Read the rules below and rewrite sentences 1-5
in two different ways using the words given.
1. The birds were covered with oil from the spill, but
the volunteeers expect them to survive.
Even though
In spite of
2. The tiger jumped out of its cage, but it was
recaptured.
Although
Despite
3. The beach was badly littered, but finally the
volunteers managed to clean it up.
Even though
In spite of
4. Whales are an endangered species, but people
continue to hunt them.
Although
In spite of
5. The residents are objecting to the pollution of the
river, but the owners of the factory are still dumping
waste into it.
Although
Despite
Use although, even though, in spite of and despite
to introduce an idea which is in contrast with the
idea which is expressed in the main clause.
although / even though + subject + verb
in spite of / despite + noun / the fact that... / what... /
-ing form
protect defend rescue
Grammar Reference
WRITING A LETTER (TO THE EDITOR) EXPRESSING AN OPINION
1. DISCUSS
• Is hunting a popular sport in your country?
• What is your opinion of hunting as a sport?
2. FOCUS ON CONTENT
Read the rubric below, the article and the sample letter. How does the writer feel about hunting?
The writer:
a. uses headings
b. uses a greeting
c. justifies his opinion
d. gives examples
e. expresses his opinion aggressively
f. refers to specific points made in the
newspaper article
You read this article in a local newspaper. Write a letter to the editor expressing your views on the proposed measure.
Yesterday morning, a press conference was held at the
City Hall regarding the proposal for a total ban on
hunting throughout the year. The measure will effectively
protect endangered species and other animals and is
expected to go into effect at the beginning of next year.
Many people have expressed their approval. Robert Miller,
a local businessman, said ‘I’m glad that something has
finally been done to protect wildlife.’ On the other hand, the
Hunters Association has stated that they are totally opposed
to the measure.
HUNTING BAN ON
3. FOCUS ON STYLE
A. Read the letter again paying attention to the
highlighted words and phrases.
Read the following statements and tick the
ones that apply to the sample letter.
4. FOCUS ON TEXT COHESION AND COHERENCE
What linking words or phrases does the writer use to:
a. give an example?
b. emphasise a fact?
c. express cause/result?
d. give his opinion?
e. express contrast?
f. sum up his opinion
For a list of linking words/phrases see Appendix I.
Dear Sir,
I am writing in response to the article in your
newspaper about the proposal concerning hunting.
I have a small farm near White Forest, which has
long been one of the most popular places in the
state for hunting birds.
To start with, I want to say that I agree that
endangered species have to be protected. White
Forest, for instance, has some rare and beautiful
eagles but, as a matter of fact, you hardly see any
nowadays. I believe this is due to hunting.
On the other hand, we must not overlook the fact
that hunting is popular with many people who
see it as a pastime that allows them to be close to
nature and keep a long tradition alive. For this
reason, I can understand those members of the
Hunters Association who are against a total ban on
hunting.
Taking everything into account, I am in favour of
a partial ban on hunting. I think that hunting
should be allowed under certain conditions and
that hunting laws should be strictly enforced.
Yours truly,
James Hill
90
B. Complete the text below with the linking words/
phrases in the box.
to sum up therefore firstly such as
secondly finally however in my opinion
5. OUTLINE
When writing a letter expressing an opinion:
write in an appropriate style
group related ideas together in paragraphs
list ideas in order of importance
state your opinion clearly
do not be aggressive or use offensive language
use linking words and phrases
When you’re writing a letter (to the editor of a
newspaper, etc.) expressing an opinion follow the
outline below.
GREETING
• Use a formal greeting.
OPENING PARAGRAPH
• Say why you are writing the letter.
• Refer to the topic/title of the article.
MAIN PART
• Focus on one or two aspects of the issue/problem.
• Give your opinion and provide justification and/or
examples.
CLOSING PARAGRAPH
• Summarise your points and end your letter politely.
SIGNING OFF
• Use an appropriate signature ending.
Sign underneath and print your full
name below your signature.
6. WRITING TASK
Read the article below concerning a proposed ban on
cars in the downtown area and the sponsoring of free
public transportation. Write a letter to the editor of the
newspaper expressing your views.
For the layout of formal letters see Appendix I.
BAN ON CARS
IN DOWNTOWN AREA
The local Department of Environmental Safety is
considering banning cars from the downtown area
and sponsoring free city-wide public transportation
for all residents. Special bicycle lanes will also be
created in order to encourage people to use bicycles
in the city. By doing this, the government is hoping
to encourage the use of public transportation and
bicycles while discouraging people from using their
cars unnecessarily. It is claimed that if the measure
is successful, the smog and other air pollution will be
reduced by at least twenty per cent within the next five
years. Moreover, it will make us less dependent on
toxic fossil fuels which harm the environment.
I t is a fact that our lifestyle and even our planet are
in danger because of climate change and pollution.
(1) , something must be done
to reduce the amount of fossil fuels that we use every day.
(2) , it is doubtful if the building
of more nuclear power stations is the solution to the
problem.
Some people argue that, in comparison with oil or coal,
nuclear power is a ‘clean’ or safe source of energy but,
(3) , the risks involved are great.
(4) , doctors say that the possibility
of illness, (5) cancer, caused by
living close to a nuclear power station is high.
(6) , nuclear waste is not at all easy to
dispose of and can be a serious threat to the environment.
All those dangers will be multiplied in the event of a
nuclear accident. (7) , if the economic
cost of building a nuclear power plant, keeping it safe and
disposing of the nuclear waste is taken into account, one
can see that nuclear power is not only dangerous but also
costly.
(8) , more nuclear power stations
should not be built because the risks to people’s health
and the environment are high. It is the use of other forms
of energy like solar or wind power that can provide a safe
and environmentally friendly alternative.
CITY-WIDE FREE PUBLIC
TRANSPORTATION
round-up
A. Choose the word or phrase that most appropriately
completes the sentence.
VOCABULARY & GRAMMAR
1. He made a(n) profit from selling his house.
a. vintage
b. handsome
c. entire
d. financial
2. Dangerous have been found in the lake.
a. toxins
b. damage
c. pollution
d. effects
3. Who’s charge of the company you work for?
a. on
b. as
c. with
d. in
4. My father gave an accurate of the burglar to
the police and as a result of this, he was caught the next
day.
a. solution
b. description
c. prediction
d. creation
5. The development of new roads is a serious threat
the environment.
a. for
b. on
c. in
d. to
6. I was late for work because there was a traffic
in the city centre.
a. block
b. stop
c. jam
d. problem
7. I some old photographs while cleaning the
basement.
a. turned into
b. broke down
c. ended up
d. came across
8. The eagle was kept in for three years before it
was set free.
a. captivity
b. environment
c. habitat
d. safety
B. Choose the word or phrase that produces a
grammatically correct sentence.
1. Over one thousand trees on the mountain
slope next month.
a. will be planted
b. will be planting
c. will plant
d. are being planted
2. The furniture company the bed late on
Saturday night.
a. was delivered
b. delivered
c. was delivering
d. will be delivered
3. Fahad a really good job as a marketing
manager.
a. was offering
b. is offered
c. offered
d. was offered
4. The animals’ habitat must .
a. protect
b. be protecting
c. being protected
d. be protected
5. Because of the bad weather, we were made at
the airport for five hours!
a. wait
b. to wait
c. waiting
d. waited
6. Jack responsible for setting fire to the
buiding.
a. thinks that
b. is thought
c. is thought to be
d. thinks to be
7. it was a sunny day, it was very cold outside.
a. Despite
b. In spite of
c. Although
d. Even
8. of being very tired after work, Saud still
volunteers every evening at a local homeless shelter.
a. Although
b. In spite
c. Despite
d. Even though
92
C. Read the text below and complete the gaps.
Use only one word in each gap.
D. Read the text and complete the blanks with the correct
form of the words in capitals.
Pumalin Park in Chile is one of the
largest nature reserves in the world.
Pumalin means place of the pumas, and
the park covers an area of 650,000 acres,
70% of which are rainforests. It’s the
(1) place for nature lovers
with trails and bridges which were built by
the local inhabitants. Time seems to stand
still in this (2) park.
Among the many (3) are
waterfalls, streams and volcanoes as
well as the (4) amazing
rainforests where you can see the
magnificent alerce trees which are
protected by law; they grow up to 40
metres tall and live for up to 3000 years!
The (5) in the park
consists of small cabins, all of which have
(6) views. The nature
reserve was developed by the
multi-millionaire Doug Tompkins, who
turned to (7) work to
help preserve (8) wildlife
and ecosystems.
IDEA
USUAL
ATTRACT
TRUE
ACCOMMODATE
IMPRESS
ENVIRONMENT
THREATEN
E. Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first, using the word given. Do not change
the word given. You must use between two and five words, including the word given.
1. They should offer the new position to Ibrahim. be
Ibrahim the new position.
2. The pirates buried the treasure in a secret location. was
The treasure a secret location by the pirates.
3. Uncle Brad gave Tom a watch as a gift. given
A watch by Uncle Brad as a gift.
4. The local residents were cleaning the beach when the Mayor arrived. cleaned
The beach by the local residents when the Mayor arrived.
5. Scientists believe that eating plenty of fish can prevent health problems. believed
It plenty of fish can prevent health problems.
6. People think that allergies are made worse by pollution. thought
Allergies made worse by pollution.
7. Kate was exhausted last night, but she did all her homework before she went to bed. being
In spite , Kate did all her homework before she went to bed.
8. Despite the heavy rain, no flights were cancelled yesterday. raining
Even though , no flights were cancelled yesterday.
WORDS EASILY CONFUSED CLAUSES OF CONCESSION
A. Look at the following extracts from the interview
that you heard in the listening section and decide
what each of them means. Choose a or b.
1. His car was seriously when he
crashed into a tree.
2. The teacher had warned the boys that they could
themselves by skateboarding
down the steps.
3. He the ball so hard it ended up
on the other side of the field.
4. Did you hear someone at the
door?
5. Global warming both plant and
animal life.
6. His words of advice had a powerful
on me.
7. The juice does not any sugar or
preservatives.
8. The new leisure centre of a
gym, sports hall, tennis court and swimming pool.
9. The field belongs to a farmer; it’s private
.
10. I arrived back at my hotel room only to discover that
all of my had been stolen.
11. The firefighters a mother and
her two children from the burning building.
12. We must all do whatever we can to
the environment.
13. It is a lawyer’s job to
his clients.
damage injure
knock hit
affect effect
consist contain
belongings property
B. Read the rules below and rewrite sentences 1-5
in two different ways using the words given.
1. The birds were covered with oil from the spill, but
the volunteeers expect them to survive.
Even though
In spite of
2. The tiger jumped out of its cage, but it was
recaptured.
Although
Despite
3. The beach was badly littered, but finally the
volunteers managed to clean it up.
Even though
In spite of
4. Whales are an endangered species, but people
continue to hunt them.
Although
In spite of
5. The residents are objecting to the pollution of the
river, but the owners of the factory are still dumping
waste into it.
Although
Despite
Use although, even though, in spite of and despite
to introduce an idea which is in contrast with the
idea which is expressed in the main clause.
although / even though + subject + verb
in spite of / despite + noun / the fact that... / what... /
-ing form
protect defend rescue
Grammar Reference
WRITING A LETTER (TO THE EDITOR) EXPRESSING AN OPINION
1. DISCUSS
• Is hunting a popular sport in your country?
• What is your opinion of hunting as a sport?
2. FOCUS ON CONTENT
Read the rubric below, the article and the sample letter. How does the writer feel about hunting?
The writer:
a. uses headings
b. uses a greeting
c. justifies his opinion
d. gives examples
e. expresses his opinion aggressively
f. refers to specific points made in the
newspaper article
You read this article in a local newspaper. Write a letter to the editor expressing your views on the proposed measure.
Yesterday morning, a press conference was held at the
City Hall regarding the proposal for a total ban on
hunting throughout the year. The measure will effectively
protect endangered species and other animals and is
expected to go into effect at the beginning of next year.
Many people have expressed their approval. Robert Miller,
a local businessman, said ‘I’m glad that something has
finally been done to protect wildlife.’ On the other hand, the
Hunters Association has stated that they are totally opposed
to the measure.
HUNTING BAN ON
3. FOCUS ON STYLE
A. Read the letter again paying attention to the
highlighted words and phrases.
Read the following statements and tick the
ones that apply to the sample letter.
4. FOCUS ON TEXT COHESION AND COHERENCE
What linking words or phrases does the writer use to:
a. give an example?
b. emphasise a fact?
c. express cause/result?
d. give his opinion?
e. express contrast?
f. sum up his opinion
For a list of linking words/phrases see Appendix I.
Dear Sir,
I am writing in response to the article in your
newspaper about the proposal concerning hunting.
I have a small farm near White Forest, which has
long been one of the most popular places in the
state for hunting birds.
To start with, I want to say that I agree that
endangered species have to be protected. White
Forest, for instance, has some rare and beautiful
eagles but, as a matter of fact, you hardly see any
nowadays. I believe this is due to hunting.
On the other hand, we must not overlook the fact
that hunting is popular with many people who
see it as a pastime that allows them to be close to
nature and keep a long tradition alive. For this
reason, I can understand those members of the
Hunters Association who are against a total ban on
hunting.
Taking everything into account, I am in favour of
a partial ban on hunting. I think that hunting
should be allowed under certain conditions and
that hunting laws should be strictly enforced.
Yours truly,
James Hill
90
B. Complete the text below with the linking words/
phrases in the box.
to sum up therefore firstly such as
secondly finally however in my opinion
5. OUTLINE
When writing a letter expressing an opinion:
write in an appropriate style
group related ideas together in paragraphs
list ideas in order of importance
state your opinion clearly
do not be aggressive or use offensive language
use linking words and phrases
When you’re writing a letter (to the editor of a
newspaper, etc.) expressing an opinion follow the
outline below.
GREETING
• Use a formal greeting.
OPENING PARAGRAPH
• Say why you are writing the letter.
• Refer to the topic/title of the article.
MAIN PART
• Focus on one or two aspects of the issue/problem.
• Give your opinion and provide justification and/or
examples.
CLOSING PARAGRAPH
• Summarise your points and end your letter politely.
SIGNING OFF
• Use an appropriate signature ending.
Sign underneath and print your full
name below your signature.
6. WRITING TASK
Read the article below concerning a proposed ban on
cars in the downtown area and the sponsoring of free
public transportation. Write a letter to the editor of the
newspaper expressing your views.
For the layout of formal letters see Appendix I.
BAN ON CARS
IN DOWNTOWN AREA
The local Department of Environmental Safety is
considering banning cars from the downtown area
and sponsoring free city-wide public transportation
for all residents. Special bicycle lanes will also be
created in order to encourage people to use bicycles
in the city. By doing this, the government is hoping
to encourage the use of public transportation and
bicycles while discouraging people from using their
cars unnecessarily. It is claimed that if the measure
is successful, the smog and other air pollution will be
reduced by at least twenty per cent within the next five
years. Moreover, it will make us less dependent on
toxic fossil fuels which harm the environment.
I t is a fact that our lifestyle and even our planet are
in danger because of climate change and pollution.
(1) , something must be done
to reduce the amount of fossil fuels that we use every day.
(2) , it is doubtful if the building
of more nuclear power stations is the solution to the
problem.
Some people argue that, in comparison with oil or coal,
nuclear power is a ‘clean’ or safe source of energy but,
(3) , the risks involved are great.
(4) , doctors say that the possibility
of illness, (5) cancer, caused by
living close to a nuclear power station is high.
(6) , nuclear waste is not at all easy to
dispose of and can be a serious threat to the environment.
All those dangers will be multiplied in the event of a
nuclear accident. (7) , if the economic
cost of building a nuclear power plant, keeping it safe and
disposing of the nuclear waste is taken into account, one
can see that nuclear power is not only dangerous but also
costly.
(8) , more nuclear power stations
should not be built because the risks to people’s health
and the environment are high. It is the use of other forms
of energy like solar or wind power that can provide a safe
and environmentally friendly alternative.
CITY-WIDE FREE PUBLIC
TRANSPORTATION
round-up
A. Choose the word or phrase that most appropriately
completes the sentence.
VOCABULARY & GRAMMAR
1. He made a(n) profit from selling his house.
a. vintage
b. handsome
c. entire
d. financial
2. Dangerous have been found in the lake.
a. toxins
b. damage
c. pollution
d. effects
3. Who’s charge of the company you work for?
a. on
b. as
c. with
d. in
4. My father gave an accurate of the burglar to
the police and as a result of this, he was caught the next
day.
a. solution
b. description
c. prediction
d. creation
5. The development of new roads is a serious threat
the environment.
a. for
b. on
c. in
d. to
6. I was late for work because there was a traffic
in the city centre.
a. block
b. stop
c. jam
d. problem
7. I some old photographs while cleaning the
basement.
a. turned into
b. broke down
c. ended up
d. came across
8. The eagle was kept in for three years before it
was set free.
a. captivity
b. environment
c. habitat
d. safety
B. Choose the word or phrase that produces a
grammatically correct sentence.
1. Over one thousand trees on the mountain
slope next month.
a. will be planted
b. will be planting
c. will plant
d. are being planted
2. The furniture company the bed late on
Saturday night.
a. was delivered
b. delivered
c. was delivering
d. will be delivered
3. Fahad a really good job as a marketing
manager.
a. was offering
b. is offered
c. offered
d. was offered
4. The animals’ habitat must .
a. protect
b. be protecting
c. being protected
d. be protected
5. Because of the bad weather, we were made at
the airport for five hours!
a. wait
b. to wait
c. waiting
d. waited
6. Jack responsible for setting fire to the
buiding.
a. thinks that
b. is thought
c. is thought to be
d. thinks to be
7. it was a sunny day, it was very cold outside.
a. Despite
b. In spite of
c. Although
d. Even
8. of being very tired after work, Saud still
volunteers every evening at a local homeless shelter.
a. Although
b. In spite
c. Despite
d. Even though
92
C. Read the text below and complete the gaps.
Use only one word in each gap.
D. Read the text and complete the blanks with the correct
form of the words in capitals.
Pumalin Park in Chile is one of the
largest nature reserves in the world.
Pumalin means place of the pumas, and
the park covers an area of 650,000 acres,
70% of which are rainforests. It’s the
(1) place for nature lovers
with trails and bridges which were built by
the local inhabitants. Time seems to stand
still in this (2) park.
Among the many (3) are
waterfalls, streams and volcanoes as
well as the (4) amazing
rainforests where you can see the
magnificent alerce trees which are
protected by law; they grow up to 40
metres tall and live for up to 3000 years!
The (5) in the park
consists of small cabins, all of which have
(6) views. The nature
reserve was developed by the
multi-millionaire Doug Tompkins, who
turned to (7) work to
help preserve (8) wildlife
and ecosystems.
IDEA
USUAL
ATTRACT
TRUE
ACCOMMODATE
IMPRESS
ENVIRONMENT
THREATEN
E. Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first, using the word given. Do not change
the word given. You must use between two and five words, including the word given.
1. They should offer the new position to Ibrahim. be
Ibrahim the new position.
2. The pirates buried the treasure in a secret location. was
The treasure a secret location by the pirates.
3. Uncle Brad gave Tom a watch as a gift. given
A watch by Uncle Brad as a gift.
4. The local residents were cleaning the beach when the Mayor arrived. cleaned
The beach by the local residents when the Mayor arrived.
5. Scientists believe that eating plenty of fish can prevent health problems. believed
It plenty of fish can prevent health problems.
6. People think that allergies are made worse by pollution. thought
Allergies made worse by pollution.
7. Kate was exhausted last night, but she did all her homework before she went to bed. being
In spite , Kate did all her homework before she went to bed.
8. Despite the heavy rain, no flights were cancelled yesterday. raining
Even though , no flights were cancelled yesterday.
إرسال تعليق