020 - Contrasting Ideas

020 - Contrasting Ideas

Listening

Contrasting Ideas
http://study.com/academy/lesson/how-to-compare-contrast-ideas-in-a-reading-selection.html

Writing

Topics for Writing
http://grammar.about.com/od/topicsuggestions/a/causeff07topics.htm

Reading
- Contrasting Ideas
http://www.multimedia-english.com/grammar/how-to-express-contrast-40

- Various Rules
http://speakspeak.com/resources/english-grammar-rules/various-grammar-rules

Flashcard Practice
- Opposing Ideas
https://quizlet.com/99120303/expressing-contrast-flash-cards/

Writing Assessment
Write a brief research paper on a controversial topic showing to perspectives that antagonize each other. Follow the following steps:

1. Pick a topic where two clear sides collides.
Example: Gun Control - Abortion - Legalization of Drugs - Conflict in the middle east - The use of frakking in oil extraction - Clean Energy - The Peace Treaty in Colombia - Gender Equality - Diets

2. Create a Venn's Diagram or a Mind Map to state two main differences between the points of view chosen.

3. Write an essay using the following format to contrast the perspectives chosen.

A. Introduction: Explain what your topic is about, describe the what, where and why of the situation and point out how it is relevan by saying how it affects our world. (About 30 words)

B. Contrasting Idea 1: Explain one conflicting ideas between the struggling parties. Express their views and their reasons for acting. (About 40 words, use linkers of contrast).

C. Contrasting Idea 2: Same as B, but describing a second conflincting idea. (About 40 words, use linkers of contrast).

D. Possible Solution: Look for a way this situation could be solved or its negative effects reduced. If there is any common ground between the points of view, try to capitalize on that to come up with an answer. (About 30 words)

Grammar Practice

Using the formula given, give your own examples.

Formula	Example	Explanation
main statement, but contrasting statement	I'd really like to come to the film, but I have to study tonight.	Use a comma or semi colon (;) with 'but'. 'But' is the most common way to show contrasting ideas.
main statement, in spite of contrasting statement OR in spite of contrasting statement, main statement	They continued on their journey, in spite of the pouring rain.	Use 'in spite of' plus a noun, noun phrase or gerund
main statement, despite contrasting statement OR Despite contrasting statement, main statement	They continued on their journey, despite the pouring rain.	Use 'despite' plus a noun, noun phrase or gerund
main statement, althoughcontrasting statement OR Althoughcontrasting statement, main statement	ngerous.	Use 'although' with a subject and a verb.