Level 4 — Upper Intermediate · Argument Writing
Task 27: Writing a Concession, Then Your Real Point
Write a sentence that concedes a fair point with although or despite, then pushes on to what you actually mean — the writing side of Lesson 27's comparison and concession patterns.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this task, you should be able to:
- Write an although/despite sentence where the concession and the real point are unmistakably different clauses
- Use whereas or in contrast to compare two things without accidentally conceding either one
- Choose rather than to state a genuine trade-off instead of a plain list
Introduction
Lesson 27 taught you to find which half of an "although X, Y" sentence the author is actually defending — the concession is never the point. Now you build that pattern yourself: say something fair about the other side, then land, unmistakably, on your own.
The Rule, for Writing
Core Concept
An although/despite sentence has two jobs done by two different clauses: the concession (something true you're willing to admit) and the main point (what you actually want the reader to take away). Put the weaker idea in the concession clause and the stronger one in the main clause — readers remember whichever clause comes last.
Example
Although the new scheduling software has a steep learning curve, it has cut missed shipments by half in its first quarter. The concession (steep learning curve) is real, but the sentence's actual point is the second half. Compare: Manual scheduling is simple, whereas the new software requires training — this is a plain comparison, no concession, no clear winner stated.
Your Turn
Your Turn
Write three or four sentences comparing two real options (two tools, two approaches, two routines — your choice). Use at least one although/despite sentence with a genuine concession followed by your real point, and at least one whereas or in contrast sentence that states a plain difference without conceding anything.
Vocabulary in Context
concessionnounformal
a point you admit is true even though it doesn't change your main position (স্বীকৃতি)
Often with make a concession, partial concession, concession before the main claim
“The proposal makes one concession, that costs will rise, before arguing the case.”
trade-offnounneutral
a situation where gaining one benefit means giving up another (বিনিময়/ছাড়)
Often with trade-off between, difficult trade-off, accept a trade-off
“Faster loading involves a trade-off with safety checks.”
Model Answer
Show a model answer
Despite its higher upfront cost, the new container-tracking system has already paid for itself in reduced search time. Manual logs are simple to maintain, whereas the digital system requires staff training before it saves anyone time. Rather than replacing the old system overnight, the terminal chose to run both in parallel for one full quarter.
Self-Check
Self-Check
- In your although/despite sentence, is it obvious which clause is the concession and which is your real point?
- Does your whereas/in contrast sentence state a plain difference, without quietly favoring one side?
- Did you avoid burying your real point in the first clause, where a reader's attention is weakest?
- Did you write directly in English, without translating a Bangla sentence first?
Next: Writing 28 — Modality, Stance & Author Position: writing sentences that are exactly as certain as your evidence actually allows.