9.5 Contrast

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.

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. Even though it’s hard to start a new life in a different country, many immigrants do it anyway. In speech and informal writing, still and anyway can be used in the main 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.

B: (Although/In spite of) I saw it a few years ago, I remember it well. (In spite of/In spite of the fact that) it was a

4. 5.

wonderful movie, it was very hard to watch the cruel way slaves were treated.

A: Do you think it was a realistic movie?

B: Unfortunately, it was. In fact, the reality was probably even worse than what we saw in the movie.

EXERCISE 10 Fill in the blanks with in spite of or in spite of the fact that.

1. In spite of the fact that the law says everyone has equal rights, some people are still suffering.

2. In spite of Thomas Jefferson’s declaration of equality for all, he owned slaves.

3. slavery ended in 1865, African Americans

did not receive equal treatment under the law until 1964.

4. The slave population continued to grow

Americans stopped importing slaves from Africa.

5. Many immigrants come to America

6. The Lost Boys did not lose hope for a bright future the difficulty of starting a new life.

the challenges they faced.

7. his busy schedule, Deng tries to help his village in South Sudan.

8. everything in America was new for them,

the Lost Boys have adapted well to life in the U.S.

9. Many people still believe in the American dream

life is not perfect in the U.S.

EXERCISE 11 Circle the correct words to complete the paragraph. If both choices are possible, circle both of them.

When I was 16 years old, I wanted to come to the U.S. (Even/Even though) I was very

1.

young, my parents gave me permission to leave home and live with my uncle in New Jersey.

(In spite of the fact that/In spite of) I was only in high school, I worked part time and saved money for

2.

college. (Although/In spite of) it was hard, I managed to finish high school and start college. My uncle

3.

always encouraged me to go to college (in spite of/even though) he is not an educated man. A lot of my

4.

friends from high school didn’t go to college (even though/in spite of) the opportunities they had. I decided

5.

to become an English teacher (even though/although) I still have a bit of an accent.

6.