How to Use Contrasting Ideas in IELTS Writing and Speaking

IELTS assesses a candidate's ability to listen, read, write and speak in English. As the speaking and writing section of the IELTS Test can be the most challenging skill to master, one needs to construct error-free sentences, think about the appropriate words, and also proper pronunciation. One also needs to use the right tone and present one's ideas in an organized manner.

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It is also essential to learn how to express opposing ideas in speech and writing in a convincing way. So, here are some useful ideas of utilitarianism to improve those skills. For better understanding, we have divided it into two segments-

A) By applying contrasting grammatical tactics
B) By using contrasting idiomatic expressions

Usage of Contrasting Grammatical Tactics

It is the most commonly used method in IELTS writing and speaking. Here are the detailed elaboration of contrasting grammatical tactics:

Adverbs

Example- Kolkata is different from Srinagar because it is much more populated.
Kolkata is different from Srinagar in that the climate is hotter (than Srinagar).
As the above statements denote something in the contrasting sense here we can use adverbs like really different/different/strikingly different/distinctly or hardly different.
Remember, if the difference is slight then we can use slightly different/ rather different/ subtly different

1) Similarly: in a similar sense/similar way/similarity between two events

Example- I love Indian food, similarly I'm really into Italian cuisine as well.
Or we can say that He loves cricket, similarly, he is a big fan of football too.

2) conversely: in an opposite or contrasting way. It is used in a statement where a sentence contrasts with the previous one and expresses a different interpretation.

Example- I'm really busy today but tomorrow, conversely I have lots of free time.

3) On the contrary: opposite in sense, when two things/persons are exactly opposite

Example- I have lots of work on Mondays, Saturdays, on the contrary, are much easier.

4) However/ Nevertheless: The two are used in the same sense.
Something that contrasts with what has just been said/presented. Sense of no matter how/although

Example- Nevertheless, on careful observation of these three successive stages, it will easily be seen that despite their difference in appearance and characteristics all have a common goal and purpose.
If you're worried about your problems all the time, you're only going to make matters worse, come and face the situation, however unpleasant it may be.

5) Regardless: it means despite the fact that....(what has been said/done)

Example- Regardless of what our administrator decides, I think he is the most suitable candidate for this position.

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Phrases

1) In spite of + verb+ing / In spite of + noun/pronoun : It means when someone/something surprisingly does not prevent something from being true.

Example- In spite of the traffic being heavy we reached the airport on time.

2) Apart from: except/ besides/aside from all/in other ways.

Example- The great philosopher once remarked the universe is inconceivable apart from our soul- that human existence denotes conscious spirits and the object of consciousness.

3) Much as/ as much as Much as+ subject,+ verb, it means two things are equal in sense/degree. It denotes with even though/ although/ albeit

Example- Much as he would like to accompany us, he is very busy today.

You need a healthy diet, sound sleep, and relaxation as much as possible.

4) Despite the fact that: despite the fact that+ clause+ verb/contrasting clause, it means something astonishing or unexpected.

Example- Despite the fact that the conclusions are wrong, we can use this as the product of a scientific experiment.

5) Even so: it means surprising facts, although it is true in a sense.

Example- The examinee had a severe headache, but even so he managed to complete the paper in time.

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Usage of Contrasting Idiomatic expressions

As we all know, idiomatic expressions are used in sentences to present complex ideas simply and lucidly as well as to add dynamism in writing. Such as:

1) World's apart/ Poles apart: means different/totally opposed

It denotes two people/ things that are strikingly different from each other.

Example- London and New Delhi are the world's apart/ poles apart.
It does not mean that they are on the opposite side of the world but what it means is that London and New Delhi are completely different from each other.

2) far cry from.... : different from in that reason (something/someone)

Example- The mansion is a far cry from the way it looked in the photo.
It means something notably different. Sometimes used when someone is disappointed by its difference.

3) chalk and cheese /apples and oranges: different, there is nothing common between them.

Example- My brother and sister are like chalk and cheese/ apples and oranges
It means my brother and sister are strikingly different from each other. They have nothing in common.

4) is in a different league: better than someone/something (for a reason)

Example- Our new manager is in a different league from the old one for his systematic approach.
Or we can say that-
As a businessman, he is definitely in a different league than anyone else in his field.
Here, it denotes someone to be superior/ popular to others of one's or its kind.

5) at loggerheads: Strongly disagreed/disapproved with each other.

Example- The new bank manager was at loggerheads with other staff in City Bank.

6) Lock horn: difference in opinions, especially when two equally similar opponents have a strong disagreement on something and become engaged in a fight.

Example- During his ten years of a teaching career, he has often locked horns with his colleagues as well as the school committee.
Thus to achieve a good score in the English language proficiency test one needs to use these IELTS grammatical and Idiomatic designs. Apart from this one needs to demonstrate one's ability to use English for complex purposes like developing an argument, contrasting opposite ideas, or convincingly changing a listener's opinion.