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Sprint 1.5: Which Idea Deserves The Main Clause

Learner puts the idea they want the reader to accept in the main clause, and the idea they are conceding or explaining in the subordinate clause.

7 micro-lessons

Preview · progress not saved — Chapter 1 is free

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Which Side Is This Writer On?

Six sentence pairs. Both versions are correct in every item.

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You are arguing FOR the policy. Which sentence helps you?

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The Main Clause Is the Loud One

Same ideas, opposite arguments, and how to choose.

Same ideas, opposite arguments

Although the policy is expensive, it saves lives.
Although the policy saves lives, it is expensive.

Two facts. Two sentences. Nothing wrong in either.

The first supports the policy. The second attacks it.

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Foreground and Background

Two objects, two panels, and only the emphasis moves.

Two sentences with the same facts. In each, the main half is dark and underlined and the leaning half is grey; one is labelled SUPPORTS THE POLICY, the other ATTACKS THE POLICY.

Click to zoom

Nothing moved. Only which one you are looking at.

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Which Position Does This Support

Twelve sentences, six idea pairs, each appearing both ways.

Sort each item into the correct category

Supports the policy

Opposes the policy

Unassigned

Although the policy is expensive, it saves lives.

Although the policy saves lives, it is expensive.

While the scheme is unpopular, it works.

While the scheme works, it is unpopular.

Although the cost is high, the benefit is greater.

Although the benefit is greater, the cost is high.

Even though take-up is slow, results are improving.

Even though results are improving, take-up is slow.

Although some problems remain, the scheme is new.

Although the scheme is new, some problems remain.

While funding is limited, coverage has widened.

While coverage has widened, funding is limited.

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Argue the Other Way

Six sentences that argue against their stated position. Rewrite each.

Each sentence currently argues AGAINST the stated position. Rewrite it to support that position, using the same two ideas. Write the whole sentence.

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Position: support free transport. Although free transport cuts congestion, it is expensive to run.

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Position: oppose longer school days. Although longer days tire children, they raise test scores.

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Position: support remote work. While remote work saves commuting time, it weakens teamwork.

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Position: oppose the new road. Although the road will damage farmland, it will cut journey times.

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Position: support exams. Although exams are fair, they cause stress.

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Position: oppose tuition fees. Although fees deter poorer students, they fund universities.

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Concede and Claim

A stated position, and two sentences that concede and still support it.

State a position on one Task 2 topic, then write two sentences supporting it. Each sentence must concede something in its leaning half.

Choose one:

Should city centres be closed to private cars? Should university education be free?

First, state your position in one short sentence.

Then write two sentences that support it. Each one should concede something to the other side in its leaning half.

Your position*

One sentence.

Two sentences supporting it*

One per line. Each concedes something.

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What Did You Put in the Quiet Half

Name the idea you left as background.

Learners can ask follow-up questions and keep the thread going.

Read one of your sentences back.

Which idea did you leave in the leaning half?

Are you happy for the reader to treat that idea as settled and move on? One or two sentences.

just now

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