In this lesson you’ll learn how to use ‘concession’ with linkers like ‘although’ and ‘though’.
There is a lot of confusion surrounding how to use ‘although’ and ‘though’ in a sentence.
Many social media posts say that these words can easily be replaced with other linking words like ‘but’ or ‘despite’ but this is not true.
How to use 'although' (concession) in a sentence
Look at the sentences below:
- Although he’s very rich, he lives a very simple life.
- Even though she’s in her 60s, she can run really fast.
These are examples of concession – sentences which begin with ‘although’ or ‘even though’ followed by an idea which suggests the opposite of what you expect from the main part of the sentence.
Can you think of an example about yourself?
e.g. Although I’m not a digital native, I’m quite good at using computers.
Although + [subject-verb-object], I [subject+verb+object].
Write your example in the comments.
How to use show concession in Speaking
You can use ‘although’ to show concession and make complex but natural sentences in your IELTS Speaking Test e.g.
Part 1/2 Questions about yourself
- ‘Although I’ve lived there for a long time, I don’t have many friends’.
- ‘Even though I’ve never been to Japan, I can speak Japanese really well’.
Part 3: Opinions
- ‘Even though most people distrust politicians, I think they do a great job’ (?!)
- ‘Although I agree that plastic should be banned, I think this will be very difficult to achieve’.
How to use ‘although’ for concession in IELTS writing
Look at how Yogita shows concession in the Task 2 Conclusion below (IELTS Writing Task 2 Question: whose responsibility is it to transport children to school?):
In conclusion, although there may be additional costs involved in providing a school bus service, I think that this option has a number of benefits for both parents and children.
You can show concession in Task 2:
- When you want to say that the other side may be right or has a good point (but you don’t agree with it!).
Or
- When you see an advantage, but you think overall it’s negative.
Or
- When you see a disadvantage, but you think overall it’s positive.
It is an advanced and sophisticated way to sum up an essay and to show the examiner that you have considered both sides of the argument (even if you disagree with one of them) and that you are aware of the issues.
What other concession linkers can replace ‘although’?
Many ‘contrast’ words can be used instead of ‘although’, but they all have different grammar patterns. For example
- Despite the significant costs of school transport, I believe it is the best option.
- School transport is expensive. However, I am of the opinion that it is the best option for both families and the environment.
- Transporting children to school by bus is undoubtedly a huge financial cost. Nevertheless, I would argue that it is by far the most environmentally-friendly option.
How to show concession in Writing Task 1
Look at the examples below:
Academic Task 1
- Although sales improved slightly during the first half of the period, this trend did not continue.
General Training Letter of Complaint
- Although I have made several calls to your help desk, I have yet to receive a an apology/ refund/ response.
How to show concession in the Task 2 conclusion
Watch the video below to see how we practised using concession to write CONCLUSIONS.
You can follow the same pattern to write your own conclusion to any Task 2 question:
To conclude, although (show the other point of view first), I believe (show your point of view + reason).
Common mistakes with 'although'
What do you think is wrong in these sentences?
- Although there may be additional costs involved in providing a school bus service. I think that this option has a number of benefits.
- Although there may be additional costs involved in providing a school bus service. However, I think that this option has a number of benefits.
- Although there may be additional costs involved in providing a school bus service, but I think that this option has a number of benefits.
- Although, there may be additional costs involved in providing a school bus service, I think that this option has a number of benefits.
- There are TWO separate sentences. There should be only one sentence (with 2 clauses, separated with a comma)
- As above.
- There are TWO linking words (Although/but). You only need ONE linking word.
- No comma after ‘although’
Correct version:
Although/Though there may be additional costs involved in providing a school bus service, I think that this option has a number of benefits.
How to use ‘Despite’ and ‘In spite of’ (YouTube video)
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Thanku mam,
I was very upset about my writing skills.now I find you ..I think that I choose a right mentor now.
Hi Aziz. Many thanks for your comment. IELTS Writing is tough! I’m glad you find my materials easy to follow and I hope they will be useful for you. All the best, Fiona.