Listen to your partner’s opinion and either add an additional point with the same point of view or look at the opposite side of something depending on the flip of a coin:
- Heads = addition (= adding another point on the same side)
- Tails = concession (contrasting, arguing against, etc)
Your partner will then flip and coin and continue talking about the same thing in the same way, but they must use a different connecting word. Continue in the same way about the same topic, using a different linking word each time, until someone gives up. Then choose another topic and play the same game. Your teacher will tell you if, when and how to use the phrases below to help.
Mixed concession and addition phrases
- also
- although
- and
- as well
- as well as
- but
- but on the contrary
- despite
- furthermore
- however
- in addition
- in addition to
- in complete contrast
- in contrast
- in spite of
- in the same way
- indeed
- moreover
- nevertheless
- nonetheless
- on the other hand
- similarly
- though
- to be specific
- too
- what is more
- whereas
- while
- whilst
When your teacher stops you, look at all of the language above and ask about any you are not sure about, using it to respond to your teacher’s opinions each time.
Brainstorming stage
First of all without looking above, brainstorm as many addition and concession phrases as you can into these two columns. Other phrases not above may also be possible.
| Addition | Concession |
| and | but |
Put all the words on the previous page above into one of those two columns.
Check as a class or with the suggested answers.
Suggested answers
Other answers are possible, so please check if you put different expressions in.
| Addition | Concession |
| also and as well as well as furthermore in addition in addition to in the same way in fact moreover similarly to be specific too what is more | although but but on the contrary despite however in complete contrast in contrast in spite of nevertheless nonetheless on the other hand though whereas while whilst |
Switch groups. Do the same coin game, but this time with different use of the suggested phrases (e.g. just the mixed phrases if that isn’t what you used before).
Use similar language as you have a freer debate on the topic set by your teacher.
Use similar language as you discuss looking at both sides questions from IELTS Speaking Part Three, IELTS Writing Task 2, etc.
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