Concession and contrast
Although, despite, whereas, however — acknowledge the other side precisely.
Why it matters
Strong Task 2 answers acknowledge opposing views before rejecting them. Concession structures make this possible and are a clear marker of a developed position — and they have strict grammar patterns that candidates often mix up.
The rules
Although / even though + clause.
Although it is expensive, it is worth it.
Despite / in spite of + noun or -ing (not a clause).
Despite the cost, it is worth it. Despite being expensive…
However / nevertheless start a new sentence, followed by a comma.
It is expensive. However, it is worth it.
Whereas / while compare two contrasting facts in one sentence.
Men favoured football, whereas women preferred tennis.
Model sentences
- Despite the initial costs, renewable energy is cheaper in the long run.
- Admittedly, some students thrive online. Even so, most benefit from face-to-face teaching.
- While exports rose steadily, imports fluctuated throughout the period.
Common mistakes
Incorrect: Despite it is cheap, few people use it.
Correct: Despite being cheap, few people use it. / Although it is cheap…
'Despite' can't take a clause.
Incorrect: Despite of the rain…
Correct: Despite the rain… / In spite of the rain…
No 'of' after despite.
Incorrect: It is cheap, however it is slow.
Correct: It is cheap; however, it is slow.
'However' needs a full stop or semicolon before it.
Band tip
Check yourself
Rewrite with despite: 'Although he was tired, he finished the race.'
Despite being tired, he finished the race. / Despite his tiredness…
Join with whereas: 'Country A spent more. Country B saved more.'
Country A spent more, whereas Country B saved more.
Fix: 'In spite of it was raining, we went out.'
In spite of the rain, we went out. / Although it was raining…