Clause Types Part 3: Contrast Clauses
GRAMMAR-(B1-B2)
10/21/2025
Lesson Goal:
Learn to express opposition, unexpected results, and differences using contrast clauses.
1. Warm-Up (3 min)
🗣️ Discuss:
What do you do even when you’re tired?
Do you enjoy something that most people don’t?
Can you give an example of two people who are very different?
💬 Sample answers:
I go to the gym even though I’m tired.
I like cold weather although many people hate it.
While my sister is shy, I’m very outgoing.
🎯 Focus: Contrast clauses show opposition or unexpected differences.
2. Presentation (8 min)
A. Contrast with Clauses
Use when both sides have a subject + verb.
Common connectors:
although / though / even though
while / whereas
💬 Examples:
Although it was raining, we went out.
Even though he’s young, he’s very responsible.
While I enjoy cooking, my brother hates it.
Whereas she is calm, he gets stressed easily.
🧠 Tips:
Even though = stronger emotion or stronger contrast.
While / whereas = show clear differences between two facts.
B. Contrast with Nouns or -ing Forms
Use when the contrast is followed by a noun or -ing.
Common connectors:
despite
in spite of
💬 Examples:
Despite the rain, we went outside.
In spite of being tired, she finished the project.
Despite his age, he is very energetic.
🧠 Tip:
NOT “despite he was tired”
Correct: “despite being tired” or “despite his tiredness”.
3. Controlled Practice (5 min)
Choose the correct connector.
______ it was cold, they went swimming.
______ her fear of heights, she climbed the mountain.
He is very relaxed, ______ his brother is always stressed.
______ he studied hard, he didn’t pass the exam.
______ being tired, I finished my work.
She enjoys sports, ______ her sister prefers reading.
______ the noise, I managed to sleep.
______ they had little money, they travelled a lot.
Answers
Although
Despite
whereas / while
Even though
Despite
while / whereas
In spite of / Despite
Although / Even though
4. Transformation Practice (4 min)
Rewrite using the connector in brackets.
It was raining. We went for a walk. (although)
→ _______________________________________He didn’t study much. He passed the exam. (despite)
→ _______________________________________My job is stressful. My friend’s job is very relaxing. (whereas)
→ _______________________________________She is very tired. She continues working. (even though)
→ _______________________________________He was sick. He went to work. (in spite of)
→ _______________________________________
Sample Answers
Although it was raining, we went for a walk.
Despite not studying much, he passed the exam.
My job is stressful, whereas my friend’s job is very relaxing.
She continues working even though she is very tired.
In spite of being sick, he went to work.
5. Engaging Discussion (5 min)
Answer naturally using contrast clauses:
Describe two people who are very different.
What do you do even though you don’t feel like it?
What difficult thing have you done despite being afraid?
What is something you enjoy that others dislike?
Give an example of two places that are different.
💬 Example answers:
Although I don’t love running, I do it to stay healthy.
While my best friend loves parties, I prefer quiet nights.
Despite feeling nervous, I gave a presentation.
6. Extra Discussion (3–4 min)
Do you think people can be successful even though they face many challenges?
Describe a time you continued something despite feeling stressed.
How are you different from your family members?
7. Wrap-Up & Review (2 min)
🧾 Quick Recap
Contrast clauses show differences or unexpected results.
although / even though / though → followed by a clause.
while / whereas → show two different or opposite facts.
despite / in spite of → followed by a noun or -ing.
💬 Mini Challenge:
Say 3 sentences about your life using different contrast forms.
Example:
Although I was tired, I went to the gym.
While my friend loves sports, I prefer movies.
Despite being busy, I helped him.
