Building an argument

English course · B2 · Upper intermediate · 6 short videos

Goal — I can build a clear argument with linking words.

Grammar — although, however, despite, whereas, firstly, moreover, despite + noun / -ing

Words — salary, far, opportunity, risk, scared, planes, independent, clean, convinced, firstly, moreover

The videos of this unit

New York: yes or no?

Leo So, New York. Are you going?

Mia Although the salary is better, I'd be far from everyone.

Leo However, it's a huge opportunity.

Mia True. Despite the risks, I think I want to try.

Leo Whereas I'd stay here forever.

Mia That's because you're scared of planes.

Useful expression Although the salary is better, I'd be far from everyone. — Use “although” to show two sides of an idea.

Cats or dogs? The final answer.

Priya Firstly, cats are independent.

Priya Moreover, they're clean and quiet.

Ben However…

Priya …OK. I'm convinced.

Compare two things in one sentence.

Word whereas /weərˈæz/ — While, on the other hand. It shows a contrast between two facts.

Stop saying “despite of”.

Common mistake ~~Despite of the rain, we went out.~~ → Despite the rain, we went out. / In spite of the rain, we went out.

Why: “Despite” has no “of”. “In spite of” has “of”. After both: a noun or -ing.

The other TH sound.

Word though /ðəʊ/ / dough /dəʊ/

Astuce (though) : For “though”, your tongue touches your teeth and your voice vibrates.
Astuce (dough) : For “dough”, your tongue touches behind your teeth.

Linkers quiz: 4 questions!