EnglishLinking ideas in persuasive arguments
Sort the relationship
Say the category for each linker: contrast, addition, or result.
Linker | Category |
|---|---|
however | |
although | |
despite | |
whereas | |
moreover | |
furthermore | |
therefore | |
as a result |
Say one short sentence with a contrast linker and one with a result linker.
The form map
Relationship | Linker | What follows? | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
Contrast | although / though | a full clause | Although the plan is expensive, it could save time. |
Contrast | despite / in spite of | a noun phrase or -ing form | Despite the cost, we bought it. |
Contrast | however / nevertheless | a complete idea before and after | The plan is expensive. However, it could save time. |
Contrast | whereas / while | a full clause | Whereas online meetings are convenient, face-to-face meetings feel personal. |
Contrast | on the other hand | a different side of an argument | It is cheap. On the other hand, it may not last. |
Addition | moreover / furthermore | an extra supporting point | Moreover, the proposal is easy to implement. |
Result | therefore / consequently / as a result | a consequence | Costs increased. Therefore, prices rose. |
Building contrast clearly
Join concessions to their main ideas
Connect each opening with the best ending.
Connect each concession with its main idea.
- Although the software is expensive,
- it could reduce staff workload.
- Though the weather was poor,
- the event attracted many visitors.
- Although the deadline is close,
- the team can still finish the project.
- Though the proposal seems risky,
- it may bring long-term benefits.
Link two complete ideas
Choose the contrast continuation that makes a clear two-sentence argument.
Connect each first idea with the best contrasting continuation.
- The train is slower.
- However, it is much cheaper.
- The evidence is limited.
- Nevertheless, the committee approved the plan.
- The apartment is small.
- However, it is close to the city centre.
- The task was difficult.
- Nevertheless, the team completed it on time.
Compare two sides
Connect the first clause with the contrasting clause.
Connect each clause with its contrasting comparison.
- Whereas online shopping is convenient,
- local shops offer personal advice.
- While some employees prefer working from home,
- others need the social contact of an office.
- Whereas the old system is familiar,
- the new system is faster.
- While public transport is cheaper,
- driving can be more flexible.
Complete the argument
Read each sentence aloud after completing it.
- [___] the plan is expensive, it could save time.
- [___] the high cost, the company bought it.
- [___] working late, she finished the report.
- The city is crowded; [___] , it is safe.
- [___] online meetings are convenient, face-to-face meetings feel more personal.
Checking form and meaning
Decide if each statement is accurate
Choose the form that fits
- [___] the advertisement is persuasive, customers need more evidence.
- [___] the traffic, we arrived on time.
- The initial cost is high. [___] , the investment may be worthwhile.
- The product is affordable; [___] its main competitor is much more expensive.
Check addition and result
Spot the persuasive purpose
Quick argument check
Keep these three rules
- Although / though + clause: Although it is costly, it is effective.
- Despite / in spite of + noun phrase or -ing: Despite the cost, it is effective.
- However / nevertheless link complete ideas: It is costly. However, it is effective.
Connect form with function
Connect each linker group with its function.
- although / though
- contrast before a full clause
- despite / in spite of
- contrast before a noun phrase or -ing form
- however / nevertheless
- contrast between complete ideas
- moreover / furthermore
- addition of a supporting point
- therefore / consequently / as a result
- result or consequence
Say your choices
- Choose: Although / Despite the long journey, the meeting was useful.
- Choose: However / In spite of the evidence was limited, the team made a decision.
- Choose: The campaign was clear and memorable. Moreover / Whereas, it reached a large audience.
- Choose: The company ignored customer feedback. As a result / While, sales fell.
Final persuasive response
Choose a familiar issue. Give a two-sentence opinion using:
- one contrast linker; and
- one addition or result linker.
