This lesson will focus on contrasting positive and negative information. The topic is controversy.
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.
Controversy just means things that the student has heard differing opinions about. It doesn't have to actually be controversial in the divisive sense. Another word would be arguable.
What kind of controversial topics have you heard about? Are there any on the news at the moment?
Steer clear of anything too hot to handle. Common topics might be:
- Which is better: rice or pasta?
- What is your opinion of nuclear power?
- Is your government leader doing a good job?
- Should education be free through the age of 21?
There may be issues in the news that have controversy associated with them. Try to ask these two questions:
How do you feel about it?
Can you see the other side of the issue?
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.
Spend as long or as short as necessary on each word or phrase, but make sure the student can use it smoothly before moving on.
- For struggling students, elicit the adjectives/sentences from the student before adding the transition word or phrase.
- For some students, you can skip the practice.
- For higher levels, you may be able to skip right to the question.
1. Having said that/That (being) said
E.g.: Casinos really boost the economy and they bring in foreign money. Having said that, casinos also tend to draw criminals.
Practice: Please add "having said that/that being said" to this: Casinos are popular with tourists, but they can have a negative effect on some local people who get addicted to gambling.
Question: What do you think of casinos?
*Note: You can have the student choose which version of the phrase is easiest for them to remember and use (having said that/that being said/that said).
2. At the same time
E.g.: A lot of travel in Tokyo is done by bicycle—about 14 percent of all trips. But at the same time, the government has not supported cycling. There are just about 10 kilometers of bike lanes in a city of nearly 10 million people!
Practice: Please add "at the same time" to this: Cycling is good for your health and the environment. But it can be dangerous, especially for kids.
Question: Can you think of positive and negative evidence for using bicycles (or trains/cars)?
3. Despite the fact that
E.g.: I'm in favor of nuclear energy despite the fact that it's considered dangerous. Nuclear is more reliable than solar, and it's cleaner than coal, so it's the best choice for now.
Practice: Please add "despite the fact that" to this sentence: I'm against the use of nuclear energy. It is reliable, but I think it's too dangerous.
Question: What do you think of nuclear energy (or solar/wind power)?
4. Contrary to what most people think/popular belief
E.g.: Contrary to what most people think, I believe that our economy is going to be just fine. Sure, the global ranking might fall, but employment rates are good, and our companies are quite stable.
Practice: Running isn't that healthy. It's really hard on your knees and can cause foot problems, too.
Question: Can you think of an opinion you have that's uncommon?
NOTE: Easy answers would be about places, music, or food.
5. Conversely is for perfect opposites. It is an adverb, so it can be used like "so".
E.g.: He usually votes for Republicans, but she conversely votes for Democrats.
OR: He usually votes for Republicans. Conversely, she votes for Democrats.
Practice: Living in the countryside can be boring, but living in the city can be stressful!
Question: Can you think of two opposing views for politics in your country?
6. But then again
E.g.: We think you'll like this restaurant, but then again, not everyone does.
Practice: I think this movie will be good. It has gotten some bad reviews.
Question: Can you make a prediction and add "but then again"?
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.