UNIT 13:

FAMOUS
Success
and Fame!
 Language Focus: Discourse Markers Showing Contrast
Discourse markers are words or phrases like anyway, right, okay, as I say, to begin with. We use
them to connect, organise and manage what we say or write or to express attitude:

A: So, I’ve decided I’m going to go to the bank and ask for a car loan.
B: That sounds like a good idea.
C: Well, you need a car.
B: Right.
A: Anyway, I was wondering if either of you would teach me how to drive.

The discourse markers in this extract have a number of uses:

● “So” marks the beginning of a new part of the conversation.
● “Well” marks a change in the focus (from getting a car loan to needing a car).
● “Right” marks a response (B is agreeing with C).
● “Anyway” marks a shift in topic (from buying a new car to having driving lessons).

We use different discourse markers in speaking and writing. So, well, right, anyway, are typically
used in speaking. It is unlikely to use these in formal writing situations.
 Language Focus: Discourse Markers Showing Contrast
Some markers specifically signal contrast, highlighting differences between
two ideas or propositions.

Functions of contrastive markers:

● Introduce a contrasting idea: "I like cats, however, I'm allergic to them."
● Acknowledge an opposing viewpoint: "Although some believe AI is
dangerous, I see it as a tool for good."
● Qualify a previous statement: "The movie was good, still, the ending
felt rushed."
● Present an alternative: "We could go hiking, instead of staying home."
 Language Focus: Discourse Markers Showing Contrast
Despite/In Spite Of:
● Both have the same meaning but "despite" is slightly more common.
● Used when something unexpected or surprising happens despite an opposing factor.
● Often followed by noun phrases or gerunds.
Examples:
● "Despite the rain, we had a wonderful picnic.“ (The rain is a noun phrase)
● "In spite of studying hard, she didn't pass the exam.“ (Studying hard is a gerund)

Although/Even Though:
● Both have the same meaning and are interchangeable.
● Used to acknowledge a challenge or obstacle but emphasize that something
happened anyway.
● Often followed by clauses.
Example:
● "Although he was tired, he finished the race.“ (He was tired is a clause.)
● "Even though we lost, we played well.“(We lost is a clause.)
 Language Focus: Discourse Markers Showing Contrast
However/Nonetheless/Nevertheless:
● All have similar meanings but differ slightly in formality and emphasis:
● “However” is the most common and neutral.
● “Nonetheless” and “nevertheless” are more formal and add a stronger sense of contrast.
● Used to introduce a contrasting idea after a previous statement.
● Often placed after a period (.) or semicolon (;).
● Often followed by clauses or complete sentences
Examples:
● "I love coffee. However, I can't drink it before bed.“
● "The project faced many challenges; nonetheless, it was completed on time."

Key Differences:
● "Despite/In Spite Of" emphasize surprising outcomes despite obstacles.
● "Although/Even Though" acknowledge challenges but focus on what happened anyway.
● "However/Nonetheless/Nevertheless" introduce contrasting ideas later in the sentence.
Further Examples of Discuss Markers Showing Contrast
 Activities

Coursebook
In pairs or groups of three,
complete the activity from pages
188-190, numbers 1-3. Do this
activity on a piece of paper.
Workbook
Complete the workbook
activities from pages 126-128,
Language Focus section,
numbers 1-5
 WRITING ASSESSMENT - ESSAY
Write an essay which consists of a minimum of 150 words using the
following instructions:

Discuss a famous or successful person whom you know and like, and
provide an explanation of this person in terms of their life, achievements,
etc. Provide as much detail as you can!

In writing this short essay, you must include a single example of the
following and underline them:

● Non-defining relative clauses.

● Discourse markers showing contrast.