This lesson is about how to structure a sentence or paragraph so that you discuss both sides of an argument.

Making concessions

Good writers often consider other arguments that are different, before presenting their own views.

For example:

  • Although some people would like to have a lot of children (concession) the cost of raising them has to be considered first (writer’s view).

The following expressions are useful when making concessions:

  • While / Although
  • Despite the fact that
  • Even though
  • It could be argued that
  • Admittedly / Certainly
  • but / However
  • It may be true that
     

For example:

  • State your position: It seems to me that television has few benefits for children.
  • Introduce the concession: While I agree that there are some good educational programmes.
  • Give more supporting detail for your position: Far too much advertising is targeted at children. This encourages them to  want expensive goods that the parents may not be able to afford to buy.

Note: A concession is often used when writing a conclusion, because it can sum up pros and cons.

Exercise

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