Casa ESL · B2 Upper Intermediate · Unit 8 of 20 · Step 1
Concession & Contrast
Name
Date
Vocabulary
carbon footprint
nounThe total amount of greenhouse gases produced by human activities, measured in carbon dioxide equivalents.
"Switching to public transport can significantly reduce your carbon footprint."
biodiversity
nounThe variety of plant and animal life in a particular habitat or ecosystem.
"Deforestation threatens biodiversity in tropical regions."
emission
nounThe release of gases, especially greenhouse gases, into the atmosphere.
"The factory's emissions exceeded the legal limit."
renewable
adjectiveRelating to an energy source that is not depleted when used, such as solar or wind.
"Investment in renewable energy has doubled over the past decade."
deforestation
nounThe large-scale clearing of forests, usually for agriculture or development.
"Deforestation in the Amazon has accelerated in recent years."
mitigation
nounAction taken to reduce the severity or impact of something harmful.
"Climate mitigation strategies include reducing emissions and increasing green spaces."
ecosystem
nounA biological community of interacting organisms and their physical environment.
"Coral reefs are among the most fragile ecosystems on Earth."
fossil fuel
nounA natural fuel such as coal, oil, or gas formed from the remains of ancient organisms.
"Burning fossil fuels is the primary driver of climate change."
Grammar Focus
Concession and contrast connectors
Concession (acknowledging a point that contrasts with the main argument): 'although / even though + clause', 'despite / in spite of + noun/-ing', 'however / nevertheless / nonetheless' (between sentences). Contrast (showing difference): 'whereas / while + clause' (comparing two different situations), 'on the other hand / in contrast / by contrast' (between sentences). Key distinction: 'although' introduces a subordinate clause; 'however' connects two independent sentences; 'despite' is followed by a noun or gerund, never a clause.
Although renewable energy is growing rapidly, fossil fuels still dominate the global energy mix.
Despite investing heavily in solar power, the country remains dependent on coal.
Emissions have increased in developing nations; however, per capita figures remain far below those of industrialised countries.
Whereas Europe has embraced wind energy, many Asian economies continue to expand coal capacity.
Exercises
Exercise 1
Complete each sentence with the correct concession or contrast connector.
1. the government's pledges to reduce emissions, pollution levels have continued to rise.
2. Solar energy is becoming cheaper every year. , many countries have been slow to adopt it.
3. Denmark generates most of its electricity from wind, neighbouring Poland still relies heavily on coal.
4. the evidence is overwhelming, some politicians continue to deny climate change.
5. Electric vehicles are better for the environment; , they remain too expensive for many consumers.
Exercise 2
Choose the correct connector to complete each sentence.
1. ___ investing billions in green technology, the country's emissions have barely decreased.
2. Some nations have cut emissions dramatically, ___ others have seen sharp increases.
3. The policy was well-intentioned. ___, its implementation was deeply flawed.
Reading
The Climate Paradox
Although the scientific consensus on climate change has never been stronger, global carbon emissions continue to rise. Despite decades of international agreements and ambitious targets, fossil fuels still account for over 80% of the world's energy supply. Renewable energy sources such as wind and solar have grown rapidly; nevertheless, they have not yet displaced coal and gas at the scale required. Whereas wealthy nations have the resources to invest in green infrastructure, developing countries often face a painful trade-off between economic growth and environmental protection. In spite of these challenges, there are reasons for optimism. The cost of solar panels has fallen by over 90% since 2010, and electric vehicle adoption is accelerating worldwide. However, experts warn that technological progress alone will not be sufficient. What is needed, they argue, is a fundamental shift in consumption patterns, energy policy, and international cooperation. While the path forward is uncertain, the consequences of inaction are becoming increasingly clear.
1. What is the central paradox described in the passage?
2. What do experts say is needed beyond technological progress?
Speaking
Discuss these questions with a partner or your teacher.
Writing
Write 5–8 sentences about an environmental issue you care about. Use at least four different concession or contrast connectors (e.g., although, despite, however, whereas).
Example: Although many cities have introduced recycling programmes, a significant proportion of waste still ends up in landfill. Despite growing public awareness, single-use plastics remain ubiquitous. Whereas some European countries have banned plastic bags entirely, others have yet to take meaningful action. However, there are encouraging signs: consumer demand for sustainable packaging is rising, and innovative materials are beginning to replace traditional plastics.
Answer Key — For Teacher Use
Exercise 1
1. Despite · 2. Nevertheless · 3. Whereas · 4. Although · 5. however
Exercise 2
1. Despite · 2. whereas · 3. However
Reading Comprehension
1. Despite overwhelming scientific consensus and decades of international agreements, global carbon emissions continue to rise and fossil fuels still dominate the energy supply. · 2. Experts argue that a fundamental shift in consumption patterns, energy policy, and international cooperation is needed — technological progress alone will not be sufficient.