Giáo án A Closer Look 2

Ss recall the meaning of connectors used to show reason, result and contrast, and see how they link to career choices.

T shows three sentences on the board and asks Ss to decide whether each one shows reason, result or contrast, and which connector it uses:

• It was raining, so we stayed at home.
• We stayed at home because it was raining.
• Although it was raining, we went out.
  Then T asks: Which clause gives the reason, the result or the contrast?
  S answers with the connector and the meaning.

Ss identify: sentence 1 shows a result (so); sentence 2 shows a reason (because); sentence 3 shows a contrast (although). Ss state the key idea: although introduces a contrast, because introduces a reason, and so introduces a result.

Ss understand the form and meaning of although/even though + clause and despite/in spite of + noun or V-ing, and can explain why one structure cannot replace the other.

T presents the sentence: ___ the work is demanding, she enjoys it. Ss think about the intended meaning (contrast) and identify the subject and verb in the clause that follows. Ss work in pairs with Worksheet 1 to fill in the missing words and decide: Does the blank need a complete clause or a noun phrase?
T then shows: Despite the demanding work, she enjoys it. Although the work is demanding, she enjoys it. Despite the fact that the work is demanding, she enjoys it.

Ss write the answer: Although the work is demanding, she enjoys it. Ss record the rule: although + subject + verb (complete clause); despite/in spite of + noun or V-ing; despite the fact that + complete clause. Ss note the key error: Although ... but is wrong, and despite the work is wrong (despite must be followed by a noun phrase or V-ing, not a complete clause without 'the fact that').

Ss understand how because gives a reason and so gives a result, and can choose the correct connector from the intended meaning.

T presents the sentence: He studies hard ___ he wants to qualify. (because / although). T asks Ss to decide which clause gives the reason and which connector fits the meaning. Then T shows the sentence: The course was useful, so I joined another one, and asks Ss to identify the cause and the result.
T draws a two-column chart on the board: Reason (because + clause) and Result (so + clause). T explains that the two connectors cannot be paired with although or but in the same two-clause construction.

Ss complete the answer: He studies hard because he wants to qualify. The second clause gives the reason. Ss complete the summary chart:

• Because + clause = reason (why something happens)
• So + clause = result (what happens because of the first clause)
• Do not write: Because I was tired, so I stayed home. (use one connector only)

Ss apply the rules of concession, reason and result to choose the correct connector and identify correct and incorrect sentences.

Ss complete the following exercises from the textbook:

1. ___ the work is demanding, she enjoys it. A. Although B. Because of C. Despite D. So
2. He studies hard ___ he wants to qualify. (because / although)
3. She wants to help people, ___ she is exploring nursing. A. because B. so C. although D. despite
4. Choose the correct sentence. A. Although it is difficult, but I will try. B. Because I am interested, so I will ask. C. Although it is difficult, I will try. D. Despite it is difficult, I will try.
5. Check connectors: a) I asked because I was curious. b) Despite the challenge, I continued. Mark each sentence as correct (Đ) or incorrect (S) and explain why.

Answer key:

1. A. Although + complete clause expresses concession.
2. because. The second clause gives the reason.
3. B. So introduces the result.
4. C. Although it is difficult, I will try. (Do not pair although with but.)
5. a) correct, because takes a clause. b) correct, despite takes a noun phrase.

Ss combine clauses with although and so and rewrite sentences without changing the meaning.

Ss complete the following tasks (Worksheet 2):

1. Build a concessive sentence from the words: Although / my interests may change / I can explore this career now.
2. Combine with although: The job is demanding. She enjoys it.
3. Rewrite without changing the meaning, using so: Because the course was useful, I joined another one.

Answer key:

1. Although my interests may change, I can explore this career now.
2. Although the job is demanding, she enjoys it.
3. The course was useful, so I joined another one. (The order changes from reason to action to cause to result.)

Ss use the target grammar and career vocabulary to talk about their own career interests and give reasons and contrasts.

Ss write three sentences about a career they are interested in (for example, nurse, electrician, teacher, engineer). Each sentence must use one of: although / even though, despite / in spite of, because, so. Ss must use at least two of the vocabulary items: career path, qualification, responsibility, practical skill.
Example frame: Although a nurse has many responsibilities, I want to become one because I enjoy helping people.
After writing, Ss share their sentences with a partner, and the partner checks the connector.

Each S writes three correct sentences, such as:

• Although I am not good at science now, I want to be an engineer because I like building things.
• Despite the long training, an electrician needs practical skills and qualifications, so many students choose this path.
• A career path can change over time, so I will keep learning new skills.