Using Contrast in IELTS Speaking & Writing: Advanced Grammar in IELTS

Using Contrast in IELTS Speaking & Writing shows your language range by helping you compare ideas clearly and effectively.. To achieve a high IELTS Band Score, you must demonstrate the parameters of coherence and cohesion as well as grammatical range and accuracy. Therefore, you must practice using the necessary tricks so that you build confidence while attempting to answer.

The topics of contrast in IELTS speaking & writing focuse on the grammatical structures while incorporating a few techniques which are needed to express contrasting ideas clearly and accurately. This resource will help you enhance your skills while making you present balanced and nuanced arguments.

Why is Using Contrast in IELTS Speaking & Writing Important?

By Using Contrast in IELTS Speaking & Writing, you can showcase how you use advanced grammar topics in your answers. This will not only enhance your band score but also make you acquire the skills to effectively respond to the question provided. The following are some of the important aspects which you must consider so that you can convey nuanced ideas.

• You can highlight the differences in your ideas
• You would be able to show opposing viewpoints
• Such topics in advanced grammar would add depth to your arguments
• Your answer in IELTS Speaking would sound more persuasive.
• The flow of your ideas will not be abrupt.

Even though using contrast in your answer is not directly linked to the parameter of grammatical range and accuracy, incorporating such language would definitely boost your band score.

Band 8+ Strategies to Use Contrast in IELTS Speaking & Writing

As you are preparing yourself for the IELTS Exam, it is vital that you use such advanced grammar topics in your answer. However, you need to seamlessly learn and put these learnt topics into practice so that you can get used to them. The following are certain strategies which can be incorporated while using contrast in IELTS Speaking & Writing.

• As you need to master a variety of contrasting words, you can make flashcards for the same. Along with that, you can also categorize them by formality and function.
• Create a book where you can note these words down so that you can use them later as you prepare or attempt to answer the questions.
• Try to use at least 3 contrasting words each day as you prepare your response. You can try several types of exercises to become familiar with the topics while improving your IELTS Grammar. Also, attempt to write and speak these phrases as you answer any mock tests.
• Record yourself speaking and listen back to the recording to check if you have used the contrast structures effectively.
• When you dive into the sample answers for both writing and speaking modules, do not just read them but also carefully analyze them. This will help you understand how contrasting words are being used in different contexts.
• It is recommended to combine learning these words as well as topic-specific IELTS Vocabulary words.

Curious to know what grammar errors you must avoid in IELTS Speaking? Look at the video below!

Diagnostic Test of Using Contrast in IELTS Speaking & Writing

Knowing how to apply contrast in speaking and IELTS Writing sections appropriately will help you in achieving a high band score of 8+. Therefore, you must first pinpoint the areas of improvement so that you can work towards success. With this diagnostic test, you can evaluate your current skill level and check if you are able to oppose viewpoints, compare ideas, and frame arguments with appropriate sentence structures. This will make you concentrate on sharpening the accuracy, range, and cohesion of your answers.

Let’s dive into the diagnostic now and try to identify if you are able to use these contrasting words in your answer or if you know the basics.

Diagnostic Test: Contrast

Example:

1. I’m Gemini even though my mother is Capricorn
2. My partner enjoys adventure holidays, whereas I prefer to laze on a beach.
3. But they’d travelled around the world, they had little experience of their own country.
4. Although the watch looked just like a Rolex, it had cost only $50 in a market in Hong Kong
5. The girl was released from prison, she had served although only a fraction of her sentence
6. Even although there was a Force 9 gale, the ship remained stable.
7. Visitors to tropical resorts still stay out in the sun too long, even they have had plenty of warning about the dangers of the sun’s rays.
8. These exclusive villas are only a five-minute walk from the busy centre of the resort. They are a haven of peace and tranquillity yet.
9. Her face, although deathly pale, was a stern as ever.
10. Ideal the house may appear, at first sight, be sure to have a full structural survey.
11. In spite of he had a full course of driving lessons, he failed the test four times.
12. Despite she was a woman, Marie Curie made a successful career for herself in a male-dominated world.
13. Despite having to do it in the dark, we managed to pitch the tent without problems.
14. Although the machine was under guarantee, the company refused to replace it.
15. We had a really horrible flight back – it was terrifying. The plane was all over the place and people were throwing up everywhere and screaming. Nonetheless, we got back safely.
16. However, a dog may be a good companion for the elderly, the need to take it for walks may be a disadvantage.
17. Australian wines have long impressed European wine lovers. Australian, by contrast, champagne is a relative newcomer.
18. Most people appreciate the damage being done to the environment by cars. They won’t stop using their own vehicles, however.
19. The new designs are not as innovative as the competition. They will certainly be popular as they are realistically priced, still.
20. The plumber charged $100 for an hour’s work. He did a good job, mind you.

Answers of the Diagnostic Test: Contrast

Did you attempt the test? Was it easy to find the answer or did you find it difficult? Now that you have attempted the questions, let’s compare your answers with the right ones to check the areas you need to work on.

Grammar Explanation While Using Contrast in IELTS Speaking & Writing

English can express contrasts such as with conjunctions, adverbs, and prepositions. Knowing exactly how to use each type of contrast is one of the more advanced points of English. This unit looks at the most common ways of contrasting information.

1. Conjunctions of Contrast

i. Expressing Difference

• A contrast between two clauses can be one of the differences between the ideas expressed in them. The most common way of expressing a simple difference in English is with but:

• Other conjunctions that express simple differences are while, whereas and whilst. While is more informal than whereas; whilst is very formal:

• We can put a clause starting with while, whilst or whereas either before or after the main clause, but a clause starting with but has to come second:

The clause introduced by the conjunction is usually the one that carries more emphasis or introduces something new to the discourse. Note that you tend to always separate clauses with a ‘while, whereas and whilst’ with a comma. This is not usually necessary when we use ‘but’.

ii. Expressing Opposition or Surprise

• There is another type of contrast in English, where the idea of one clause is in some way opposing the idea of the other, and which often expresses an element of surprise. For example, we may feel that it is surprising to pay a lot of money for a meal in a restaurant and to find that the food is awful, or to fail an exam after studying hard:

• We use the conjunctions but, (al)though and even though to introduce the fact or idea in opposition to information in the main clause. Note that the subordinate clause can precede the main clause:

• Remember that but does not introduce a subordinate clause and that a clause starting with but cannot precede the other clause in the sentence:

• It is often possible to start either clause in a sentence with a conjunction, depending on which clause has the information we consider ‘surprising’ and which we want to focus on. Compare these examples:

• In the first example, the writer probably feels that it is surprising that a lot is known about the artist’s later life when little is known about his early life. But in the second, it is the lack of knowledge about the artist’s early life which is surprising.

• ‘Even though’ adds emphasis to the subordinate clause:

• Do not use even although or even by itself:

• Do not confuse even though and even if.

• A more formal conjunction of contrast is yet.

iii. Other patterns with Although, Even though and Though

• We can use these conjunctions with an adjective instead of a clause:

• We can use though after an adjective, with verbs such as be, look, seem:

• Compare this with the use of although as a conjunction:

• We can use though at the end of a sentence to contrast with the sentence that precedes it

2. Prepositions of Contrast

• We can use the prepositions despite and in spite of to express contrast. They are more formal than (al)though:

• As these are prepositions, they do not introduce clauses:

• These prepositions can be followed by a noun or an -ing form:

• To introduce a clause with despite or in spite of, we have to add the fact that:

3. Adverbs of Contrast

i. Formality

• We can use sentence adverbials, e.g. however, nevertheless, still, on the other hand, on the contrary, to contrast sentences, but mainly in more formal speech and writing:

• Nevertheless/ nonetheless is more formal than however.

• We use commas to separate these adverbials from the sentence. We use even so in the same way, often to express a particularly surprising contrast:

• More informal adverbs of concession are still, all the same, and mind you:

ii. Position

• All of the adverbs of contrast can be placed at the beginning of the contrasting sentence:

• We can also put them after the subject or verb of the contrasting sentence:

• The adverb though can be put at the end of the contrasting sentence:

• Nevertheless and nonetheless are not commonly used at the end of a sentence; we tend to use them at the beginning of the sentence. But we often use even so at the end of a sentence. Look at these examples:

The informal adverb still can appear at the beginning of the sentence, but not the end, and all the same and mind you are common at both the beginning and the end:

Practice Exercise of Using Contrast in IELTS Speaking & Writing

Now that you are aware of the grammar explanation of using contrast in IELTS Speaking & Writing, it is time to practice it. Remember that just learning its definition and a few examples might not help you completely. Therefore, attempt the practice exercises so that you know how to use these words according to the context and meaning of the sentence.

A

1. Many people believe that capital punishment is a deterrent to serious crime.
2. We usually consider it healthy to eat lots of fruit.
3. I enjoy having people to stay.
4. The main medium of communication on the Internet is English.
5. lain Banks’s early novels were considered quite strange.
6. I tend to drink more white wine.
7. Global warming is often considered the main factor in current climate fluctuations

B

1. Many web sites now operate in other languages. (although)
2. Too much can produce an excess of acid in the stomach. (but)
3. Climate change has long been a feature of the Earth’s development. (yet)
4. It actually makes little difference to the crime rate. (on the contrary)
5. My husband prefers red. (whereas)
6. I always appreciate the peace when they have gone. (though)
7. His later books are more mainstream and accessible. (while)

1. even though                                                          

• Very little of the remaining stock sold, despite the low prices in the sale.

2. although                            

• The ailing magazine tried introducing several new features. Nevertheless, circulation continued to drop.

3. though     

• Although this may seem difficult now, you’ll soon wonder why it caused so many problems.

4. fact     

• In spite of her insistence that all was well, I knew that something was wrong.

5. despite     

• The Scots won the battle, even though they had a far smaller force.

6. despite

• Despite the fact that the critics hated it, Archer’s latest book was well received by the public.

1. I think that I did quite well in the computing exam. It was more difficult than though I expected.
2. We were expecting a basic but pleasant apartment. On the contrary, what we got was little more than a hovel.
3. Strictly no pets are allowed in the hotel rooms. Guide dogs for the blind may be permitted with prior permission from the management, mind you.
4. Julian’s just had a shocking cold. It didn’t last long, still.
5. Office supplies may be ordered as necessary. However, all orders must be copied to the Accounts Department.
6. I know you’d like us to be godparents to little Emily. We’d rather all the same not.
7. That new kid at the nursery is a right little pain. He gets on your nerves. Nevertheless, we’ve got to do our best by him.
8. Writing more than the required number of words will not attract a higher mark. You may be penalized for failing to follow on the other hand the rules.

1.

1. Despite the awful weather, the parade was a success.
2. Although the weather was awful, the parade was a success,

                                                Same  □                 Different  □

2.

1. Brilliant as he is, he can’t find a suitable job.
2. Though he is brilliant, he can’t find a suitable job.

                                                Same  □                 Different  □

3.

1. Even though I went to the party, I didn’t see her.
2. Even if I went to the party, I wouldn’t see her.

                                               Same  □                 Different  □

4.

1. The new museum is extremely popular. It hasn’t made any money yet.
2. The new museum is extremely popular, yet it hasn’t made any money.

                                               Same  □                 Different  □

5.

1. This ice cream is very sweet and rich, though it’s not very fattening.
2. This ice cream is very sweet and rich. It’s not very fattening, though.

                                               Same  □                 Different  □

6.

1.  The waiters in this restaurant are notoriously rude. However, customers keep coming back.
2. The waiters in this restaurant are notoriously rude. Even so, customers keep coming back.

                                               Same  □                 Different  □

7.

1. Even as we complained, the noise continued.
2. Even though we complained, the noise continued.

                                               Same  □                 Different  □

8.

1. We were at the Norfolk Hotel, while the rest of the group was at the Grange.
2. While we were staying at the Norfolk Hotel the rest of the group moved to the Grange.

                                               Same  □                Different  □

9.

1. Though delighted at her sister’s success, Vicky couldn’t help feeling somewhat envious.
2. Despite her delight at her sister’s success, Vicky couldn’t help feeling somewhat envious.

                                               Same  □                 Different  □

10.

1. Men usually have good spatial awareness, whereas women’s linguistic skills are often better.
2. Whereas men usually have good spatial awareness, women’s linguistic skills are often better.

                                              Same  □                 Different  □

11.

1. ‘Mary threatened to leave last night. She’s still here now.’
2. ’Mary threatened to leave last night. Still, she’s here now.’

                                             Same  □                 Different  □

12.

1. Chickenpox is much milder in children than in adults. It’s still not pleasant, mind you.
2. Chickenpox is much milder in children than in adults. All the same, it’s still not pleasant.

                                             Same  □                 Different  □

The Elgin Marbles

The Elgin Marbles are statues which date back to the 5th century BC. (0)__Although__they were created in Greece and were located there until the late 18th century, they are now exhibited in the British Museum, London.

The statues used to be in Athens (1)____they were bought in 1799 by the Englishman Lord Elgin, who wanted to bring them back to Britain as part of his personal art collection. (2)____on the sea voyage back to England, the ship carrying them was sunk and the ‘Marbles’ were temporarily lost. It would be an incredibly expensive operation to recover them.

(3)____ Elgin did so, and (4)____ he was a very rich man, he placed himself in enormous debt. (5) ____ his own desires, he had to sell the Marbles to the British Government to recover his losses and they were housed in the British Museum, where they have remained ever since.

In recent times, (6)____, the statues have become the subject of debate between Britain and Greece and, indeed, among British historians and archaeologists. (7)____the Greek authorities have requested the return of the Marbles on many occasions, the request has always been refused. There are arguments on both sides. Some people believe that it would be foolish to return them, valid (8)____ the Greek request maybe, because of the pollution that is affecting the Parthenon and the possibility of earthquakes in Greece. Restored to the Parthenon, the Marbles could be exposed to damage, (9)____ they are safe in the British Museum.

Of course, there are equally compelling arguments for their return, especially on the moral level. It cannot be denied, (10)____ the material safety the statues enjoy in Britain, that they are part of the Greek heritage. Many people also refute the argument that Athens would not be a safe place for them. (11)____ , they claim that if the statues were returned to Greece, a new state-of-the-art building would be constructed to house them, where they would be both safe and in their rightful environment. Furthermore, the British authorities have long used the argument that works of art should not be subject to ‘ownership’, but should be kept where they are accessible to most people. (12)____ in the past they have returned a number of cultural artefacts from other civilizations to their origins.

The argument continues and is likely to do so for some time in the future.

Answer Key for Practice Exercise

Did you nail it? Was it easy? Remember to analyze the correct answer so that you can check the areas of improvement and work on it. With this dedicated practice, you will be able to elevate your preparation level. Let’s check out the answer key now!

EXERCISE 1.

EXERCISE 2.              

EXERCISE 3.

EXERCISE 4.

EXERCISE 5.

Using Contrast in IELTS Speaking & Writing is an invaluable resource for mastering the grammar topics in your IELTS exam. By learning and applying these advanced grammar structures, you’ll be able to present balanced and well-argued responses in both writing and speaking tasks. Practice these techniques to improve your performance and achieve a higher IELTS score.

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