Business Contrast Discourse Markers BE - Exercise Worksheet

Business English · BusinessWhat France Can Teach You About Workclassplan.aiGrammar

GrammarBusiness · Contrast & Discourse Markers

Contrast & Discourse Markers

Article excerpt · target grammar marked

France consistently ranks among the world's most productive nations per hour worked, despite a legal 35-hour working week. Whereas outsiders see a society pressing pause, the French see a culture honouring its priorities.

Grammar Reference · Contrast & Discourse Markers

Despite + noun/gerund

Use despite to introduce a concession. Despite working fewer hours, France remains highly productive. Never use despite + subject + verb.

However — punctuation

However links two contrasting clauses. She was nervous. However, she answered clearly. Always use a comma after however at the start of a clause.

Whereas — comparisons

Whereas introduces a direct comparison. Whereas some candidates oversell, others understate. Use at the start of the first clause only.

Common error

Do not combine two contrast markers in one clause. Although she prepared, but she failed. ✗ → Although she prepared, she failed. ✓

01Exercise 1 — Form · Write the Correct Form

Contrast & Discourse Markers

1. working a shorter week, French employees produce more per hour than many longer-working counterparts.

2.The candidate was well prepared. , she did not get the role.

3. some professionals answer emails at midnight, French workers typically switch off at 6 p.m.

4.He had excellent qualifications. , the recruiter wanted someone with more client experience.

5. the long interview process, she remained calm and confident throughout.

6.Many companies demand long hours. , research shows that output does not always increase as a result.

02Exercise 2 — Find and Correct the Error

find the error · rewrite the sentence

1.Despite she was nervous, she answered every question with confidence.

2.Although the salary was low, but she accepted the offer.

3.He is hardworking. However he sometimes misses deadlines.

4.Whereas authenticity is important in interviews, however performance also plays a role.

5.In spite of she had five years of experience, she did not make the shortlist.

6.The interview went well. Nevertheless it was not enough to secure the position.

7.Despite of the short working week, France remains competitive globally.

8.Although she prepared well, but nerves got the better of her on the day.

03Exercise 3 — About You

in your notebook

Personalise: complete five sentences about yourself using the target grammar.

Contrast & Discourse Markers01classplan.ai