COMPREHENSION Based on the reading, write T for true or F for false. 1.
The U.S. Constitution did not count slaves as part of the population.
2.
Thomas Jefferson owned slaves.
3.
When the slaves were freed, they gained equality.
THINK ABOUT IT Discuss the questions with a partner or in a small group. 1. Does the information about Thomas Jefferson surprise you? Why or why not? 2. Can laws truly reduce discrimination? Give reasons for your opinion, and share some examples if possible.
9.5 Contrast EXAMPLES
EXPLANATION
Even though I know slavery existed, I cannot believe it was possible. Although the U.S. Constitution guaranteed freedom, many African Americans weren’t free. In spite of the fact that Jefferson wrote about equality, he owned slaves.
For an unexpected result or contrast of ideas, we use a clause beginning with even though, although, or in spite of the fact that.
In spite of the difficulties, the Lost Boys started a new life in the U.S.
We use in spite of + a noun (phrase) to show contrast.
Although the Lost Boys are happy in the U.S., they still miss their country. In speech and informal writing, still Even though it’s hard to start a new life in a different country, many and anyway can be used in the main immigrants do it anyway. clause to emphasize the contrast. Notes: 1. Informally, even though and although can be shortened to though. Though it was difficult, I adjusted to life in a new country. 2. In speech, though is often used at the end of a statement to show contrast with the preceding statement. (We don’t use even though and although at the end of a statement.) I adjusted to life in a new country. It was difficult, though. 3. While is also used to show contrast. (Remember: While can also be a time word. The context tells you whether it shows time or contrast.) While leaving your home can be difficult, many are forced to do it.
EXERCISE 9 Circle the correct words to complete the conversation. If both choices are possible, circle both of them. A: Are you surprised by slavery in the U.S.? B: (Even though /In spite of) I’ve read about it and seen movies about it, it’s hard for me to understand. I’ve 1.
always thought of the U.S. as a land of freedom and opportunity, (although/in spite of) I know it’s not perfect. 2.
But slavery was so terrible. How could that have happened in the U.S.? A: I rented a movie recently about an African American man in the North who was kidnapped in the 1800s and taken to the South. (In spite of the fact that/Even though) he was a free man, he was sold into slavery. The 3.
name of the movie is 12 Years a Slave. continued Connecting Ideas Copyright 2021 Cengage Learning. All Rights Reserved. May not be copied, scanned, or duplicated, in whole or in part. Due to electronic rights, some third party content may be suppressed from the eBook and/or eChapter(s). Editorial review has deemed that any suppressed content does not materially affect the overall learning experience. Cengage Learning reserves the right to remove additional content at any time if subsequent rights restrictions require it.
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