Using Contrasting Clauses for IELTS Writing

It is important to know how to express opposing ideas in IELTS writing and speech. This would help a candidate to score higher in IELTS. Words such as ‘Despite’, ‘Regardless’, ‘ However’, etc., if used properly, helps to express opposing ideas with clarity. A proper usage will help build the language capability and impress the IELTS examiner.

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Usage of Contrast Clauses

Contrast clauses are used when two statements are made where one is contrasting to the other or appears to be unexpected or surprising. In the below given article we would look into some of the examples that are useful for IELTS writing.

Although

‘Although’ or ‘Even Though’ helps to show contrasting ideas and fits brilliantly while writing articles and essays.

Example
Although: Although people still believe that money cannot buy happiness, it has been proven that money does form an important component for happiness.

Although…prefer… : Although higher educational qualification is considered to be desirable for higher understanding of the work, I prefer people who have greater experience in the industry as that helps to wade off real life troubles more efficiently.

Read More About- Uses of Relative Clause in IELTS Writing

Despite the the fact that

It is a very useful phrase for fluency. The phrase can be used to add a clause in a sentence where the grammar forces you to use a noun.

Example
Despite the fact that: Despite the fact that the online pre-recorded courses are considered to be designed more scientifically for full understanding, replacing the personal touch of physical classes is difficult.

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Nevertheless

A clause used while saying something contrasting.

Example
Nevertheless: Waking up early in the morning has been a difficult task for most of the people, nevertheless, its positive effect on health has been a proven fact.

In Spite of

It is used to show the happening of an unexpected event.

Example
In Spite of: In Spite of the benefits that can be reaped from investing in stocks, a lot of people are still sceptical about the concept.

Regardless of

Without taking into account of.

Example
Regardless of: Regardless of how society rushes you up, you will achieve success in life when the time is right.

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Albeit

Although it is often used to introduce adjectival or adverbial phrases to make a concession about the preceding noun or verb.

Example
Albeit: Albeit all the efforts from Reverend’s side, Charlie did not give up his habit of gambling at evenings.

Read More About- Connectors Used For IELTS Writing - Task 1 and Task 2

Having said that

The phrase is used to signal that a contrasting statement would be made compared to what that was said before.

Example
Having said that: Surely, raising kids is a herculean task, having said that, raising kids is still one of a kind of experience that very few have luck to experience.

At the same time

The phrase is used to mention something that must be considered in addition to what was said before.

Example
At the same time: It is true that the pressure of making it big in the society is surmounting and that all efforts have to be made towards it, at the same time we also have to take into consideration the toll it takes on the mental health of the people.

Notwithstanding

In spite of something. It is used in the same way as ‘Despite’.

Example
Notwithstanding: Notwithstanding the fact that investing into stocks can be risky, it is advisable to start early with the same to secure a brighter future.

Much as clause

Even though or very strong form of although.

Example
Much as clause: Much as I have learnt a lot during my tenure in the organization, I was happy to leave the toxic work environment that prevailed within.