A balanced opinion

Should homework be banned?

Give one reason for and one against.

Should homework be banned?: Give one reason for and one against.

FOR: Homework can cause stress.
AGAINST: Homework can help students practise.

A strong argument recognises both sides before giving a conclusion.

Linking ideas clearly

however [/haʊˈevə/]: contrast; used between two complete ideas; Russian: однако
It is useful. However, it is expensive.
although [/ɔːlˈðəʊ/]: contrast; followed by a subject and verb; Russian: хотя
Although it is useful, it is expensive.
though [/ðəʊ/]: contrast; followed by a subject and verb; Russian: хотя
It is useful, though it is expensive.
despite [/dɪˈspaɪt/]: contrast; followed by a noun or -ing form; Russian: несмотря на
Despite the cost, I bought it.
in spite of [/ɪn ˈspaɪt əv/]: contrast; followed by a noun or -ing form; Russian: несмотря на
In spite of being tired, she worked.
whereas [/weərˈæz/]: comparison between two contrasting facts; Russian: тогда как
Anna agrees, whereas Tom disagrees.
while [/waɪl/]: comparison between two contrasting facts; Russian: в то время как
Some agree, while others disagree.
nevertheless [/ˌnevəðəˈles/]: strong contrast between complete ideas; Russian: тем не менее
It is difficult; nevertheless, we should try.
on the other hand [/ɒn ði ˈʌðə hænd/]: introduces the opposite side of an argument; Russian: с другой стороны
It saves time. On the other hand, it costs money.
moreover [/mɔːrˈəʊvə/]: adds another supporting point; Russian: более того
It is cheap; moreover, it is effective.
furthermore [/ˌfɜːðəˈmɔː/]: adds an extra formal point; Russian: кроме того
Furthermore, it is easy to use.
as a result [/æz ə rɪˈzʌlt/]: introduces an effect or consequence; Russian: в результате
It rained. As a result, we stayed home.
consequently [/ˈkɒnsɪkwəntli/]: introduces a logical consequence; Russian: следовательно
He missed the bus; consequently, he was late.
therefore [/ˈðeəfɔː/]: introduces a conclusion or result; Russian: поэтому
The evidence is weak; therefore, I disagree.

Patterns for clear arguments

Function	Linker	Pattern	Board example
Contrast	however / nevertheless	Complete sentence. Linker, complete sentence.	The rule is strict. However, it is fair.
Contrast	although / though	although/though + subject + verb, main clause	Although it is strict, the rule is fair.
Contrast	despite / in spite of	despite/in spite of + noun, pronoun, or -ing	Despite being strict, the rule is fair.
Comparison	whereas / while	clause, whereas/while + clause	Some students agree, whereas others object.
Addition	moreover / furthermore	Complete sentence. Linker, complete sentence.	It is fair. Moreover, it is practical.
Result	therefore / consequently / as a result	Cause. Linker, result.	The data is clear. Therefore, we should act.

Contrast patterns

Linker	What follows?	Example
although / though	subject + verb	Although the app is popular, some parents worry.
despite / in spite of	noun, pronoun, or -ing form	Despite the app’s popularity, some parents worry.
however / nevertheless	a complete new sentence	The app is popular. Nevertheless, some parents worry.
whereas / while	a contrasting clause	Some students enjoy it, whereas others dislike it.

Addition and result

Purpose	Useful linkers	Example
Add a supporting point	moreover, furthermore	The plan is affordable. Furthermore, it is easy to implement.
Show an effect	therefore, consequently, as a result	The evidence is weak. Therefore, I disagree.

Common mistakes

Incorrect	Better form	Why?
Despite it was cold.	Despite the cold.	Despite does not take a full clause.
Despite it was cold.	Although it was cold.	Although takes subject + verb.
Although the rain, we went out.	Despite the rain, we went out.	Use despite before a noun.
However it was expensive, I bought it.	Although it was expensive, I bought it.	However links complete ideas, not this type of clause.

Russian equivalents can help with meaning: хотя often means although/though; несмотря на means despite/in spite of; однако means however; поэтому often means therefore. The English grammar pattern changes with each linker.

Choose the right connection

Connect each linker with its function

Connect each linker with its function.

however: contrast
moreover: addition
therefore: result

Complete the contrasting ideas

Connect each sentence beginning with the best ending.

Although the app is popular,: many parents worry about it.
Despite the high price,: many people buy it.
Some students prefer books,: whereas others prefer videos.

Select the best linker

Choose a linker that matches both the meaning and the grammar.

The proposal is expensive. [___] it could save lives.
[___] the weather was bad, the event continued.
Online lessons are flexible; [___] some learners miss face-to-face contact.

Produce the linker

Use the grammar clue after the gap.

[___] being tired, Mia finished her report.
[___] the report was long, it was easy to understand.
The bus was cancelled. [___] we arrived late.
Leo supports a ban, [___] Nina prefers stricter rules instead.

Debate in the news

Should social media be banned for under-16s?

Many parents support a ban because online platforms can distract students and expose them to harmful content. Moreover, some teenagers compare themselves with influencers and feel worse about their appearance. As a result, supporters argue that a ban could protect mental health. However, other people believe that a complete ban is unfair. Although social media has risks, it also helps young people stay in touch, find communities, and learn new skills. Whereas some users spend hours scrolling, others use platforms to create art or organise local events. Furthermore, a ban may be difficult to enforce: teenagers could simply use false birth dates. Therefore, critics suggest teaching digital safety instead. On the other hand, supporters say education alone is not enough. Despite these disagreements, both sides agree that children need clearer rules and adult guidance online. Consequently, the debate continues in schools, families, and government offices.

Underline the linkers. Mark each one: C for contrast, A for addition, or R for result.

Why do some parents support a ban on social media for under-16s?
What effect can comparing themselves with influencers have on teenagers?
How can social media be useful for young people, according to critics of a ban?
Why might a complete ban be difficult to enforce?

State which position seems more convincing. Use evidence from both sides.

Difficult words

harmful content — online material that can cause damage or distress
influencers — popular social-media users whose posts affect other people
appearance — the way someone looks
enforce — make sure that a law or rule is obeyed
false birth dates — incorrect dates of birth
digital safety — safe and responsible use of the internet
adult guidance — help and direction from adults

Your argument toolkit

Key patterns

however / nevertheless: contrast between complete ideas.
although / though: followed by a subject + verb clause.
despite / in spite of: followed by a noun, pronoun, or -ing form.
whereas / while: compare two contrasting facts.
moreover / furthermore: add a supporting point.
therefore / consequently / as a result: show a result or conclusion.

Debate words

ban — officially stop something
harmful content — damaging online material
mental health — emotional and psychological wellbeing
enforce — make people obey a rule
digital safety — safe internet use
evidence — facts that support an argument
supporters — people who agree with an idea
critics — people who disagree with an idea

Final speaking prompt

Give a short balanced response: