Here’s a lesson plan on Contrast and Concession for intermediate English learners. This lesson covers the basics of contrast and concession, their structures, and common conjunctions and phrases used in English. By the end, students should understand how to express contrasting ideas and make concessions in both writing and speaking.

---

Lesson Plan: Expressing Contrast and Concession

Level: Intermediate

Objectives:

• Understand the difference between contrast and concession.
• Identify and use common conjunctions and phrases for expressing contrast and concession.
• Practice forming sentences and paragraphs using contrast and concession effectively.

Outcomes:

• Students will be able to create sentences and short paragraphs that use contrast and concession to show complex relationships between ideas.
• Students will be able to improve coherence in their writing and speaking by using appropriate contrast and concession words.

Using contrast and concession in English

---

Lesson Outline:

1. Introduction to Contrast and Concession (10 mins)

• Contrast: Shows how two ideas are different from each other.
  • Example: I enjoy playing football, but my brother prefers basketball.
• Concession: Acknowledges a point or fact but presents an opposing view.
  • Example: Although I was tired, I stayed up to finish my homework.
  Quick Explanation:
• Contrast typically highlights a clear difference between ideas.
• Concession shows understanding of one idea while introducing a counterpoint.

---

2. Key Words and Phrases (15 mins)

Common Contrast Words:

• but, however, in contrast, whereas, while
  • She loves cold weather, but he prefers the summer heat.
  • John is very organized; however, his brother is quite messy.
  Common Concession Words:
• although, even though, though, despite, in spite of
  • Although it was raining, they went hiking.
  • Despite the high price, she bought the dress.
  Examples:
• Contrast: The book was long, but it was very interesting.
• Concession: Even though he was busy, he took time to help his friend.

---

3. Structure Practice (10 mins)

1. Using “but” and “however” for Contrast:
– She wanted to go to the party, but she had to study.
– He tried his best; however, he didn’t pass the exam.

2. Using “although” and “despite” for Concession:
– Although the weather was cold, they went swimming.
– Despite her fear of heights, she climbed the mountain.

Activity: Write sentences combining two ideas using contrast or concession words. Example pairs:
– It was raining. They went for a walk. → Although it was raining, they went for a walk.
– I love skiing. My sister loves the beach. → I love skiing, whereas my sister loves the beach.

---

4. Guided Practice with Examples (15 mins)

Provide example sentences with blanks for students to fill in the correct contrast or concession word.

Example Exercise:

• He wanted to go to the concert, _ he didn’t have a ticket.
  • (Answer: but)
• _ being very talented, he didn’t get the role in the play.
  • (Answer: Despite)
  Class Discussion: After filling in the blanks, discuss why each word is used and how it affects the meaning of the sentence.

---

5. Controlled Practice: Sentence Combining (10 mins)

Ask students to combine sentences using contrast or concession words. Provide pairs of sentences and have students write or speak the combined version.

Example Pairs:

• She studied all night. She didn’t pass the exam.
  • Combined: Although she studied all night, she didn’t pass the exam.
• I enjoy traveling by car. My friend prefers flying.
  • Combined: I enjoy traveling by car, whereas my friend prefers flying.

---

6. Free Practice: Short Paragraph Writing (15 mins)

Ask students to write a short paragraph using at least two contrast words and one concession word. For example:

Prompt: Write about two siblings who are very different from each other.

Sample Answer: My brother and I are very different. He loves sports, but I prefer reading. Although he enjoys being around people, I’m more comfortable with just a few friends. In contrast to my love for nature, he likes spending time indoors.

---

7. Speaking Practice (10 mins)

Divide students into pairs and ask them to discuss topics using contrast and concession. Provide prompts such as:

• Compare two vacation destinations (e.g., mountains vs. beach).
• Talk about two different hobbies (e.g., painting vs. playing sports). Encourage students to use phrases like “whereas,” “although,” and “despite.”

---

8. Review and Feedback (5 mins)

• Review key points from the lesson.
• Provide feedback on students’ use of contrast and concession in their sentences and paragraphs.
• Answer any questions and clarify any remaining doubts.

---

Homework:

• Write a paragraph about two seasons, showing how they are different. Use at least two contrast words and one concession word.
• Example: Summer is hot and full of activities, whereas winter is cold and often spent indoors. Although winter can be cozy, I enjoy summer more because of the outdoor fun.

---

By practicing these structures, students will improve their ability to express complex relationships between ideas, enhancing their speaking and writing skills.

165