Casa · C1 Advanced · Lesson 16 of 20 · Step 2

Human Rights

Advanced Concession (Much as, Granting that, For all that, Albeit)

Use a range of advanced concessive structures in formal writing and discussion
Distinguish between different concessive connectors and their appropriate contexts
Discuss human rights issues using nuanced, balanced argumentation

Words · tap a card to see it used

Grammar

Advanced concession: much as, granting that, for all that, albeit

Advanced concessive structures acknowledge a counter-argument while maintaining the writer's main position. 'Much as' (+ clause): 'Much as I sympathise with their position, the evidence does not support it.' 'Granting that' (+ clause): 'Granting that economic pressures are real, they do not justify violations of basic rights.' 'For all that' (= despite everything): 'The system has its critics. For all that, it remains the most effective mechanism available.' 'Albeit' (+ adjective/adverb/phrase, more formal): 'Progress has been made, albeit slowly.' These create balanced, sophisticated arguments.

Much as one might wish to resolve the conflict diplomatically, the evidence suggests that sanctions may be necessary.

Granting that national sovereignty is important, it cannot be invoked to justify the persecution of civilians.

The tribunal has its limitations. For all that, it represents a significant advance in international justice.

The reforms have produced results, albeit modest ones.

Exercises · type, then check

1. Complete each sentence with the appropriate concessive expression: much as / granting that / for all that / albeit.

1. the law was well-intentioned, its implementation has been deeply flawed.

2.Progress has been achieved, at a painfully slow pace.

3. I respect the court's authority, I must express reservations about this ruling.

4.The system has been criticised from all sides. , no viable alternative has been proposed.

5. cultural relativism raises valid questions, it cannot justify the denial of fundamental rights.

2. Choose the sentence that uses the concessive expression correctly.

1. Which uses 'albeit' correctly?

2. Which uses 'much as' correctly?

3. Which uses 'for all that' correctly?

0 of 8 answered · nothing you type leaves this device

Reading

The Unfinished Project of Human Rights

Much as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights represented a historic achievement, its promise remains unevenly fulfilled more than seven decades later. Granting that the post-war international order created institutions and norms that had not previously existed, the enforcement of human rights continues to be undermined by political interests and power imbalances. The International Criminal Court, established with great optimism, has been criticised for focusing disproportionately on cases from the Global South, albeit with some justification given the severity of the atrocities investigated. For all that, the court represents an important step towards ending impunity for the most serious crimes. Much as governments invoke sovereignty to resist external scrutiny, the principle that certain rights are inalienable and universal has gained ground. Granting that cultural differences must be respected, the persecution of individuals on the basis of their identity or beliefs cannot be justified on cultural grounds. Progress has been made — albeit unevenly — in areas such as the abolition of the death penalty, the protection of refugees, and the recognition of LGBTQ+ rights. For all that remains to be done, the framework of international human rights law provides an indispensable foundation upon which further advances can be built.

1. What criticism of the International Criminal Court does the passage mention?

2. How does the passage balance the arguments of cultural relativism and universal rights?

Speaking · say it out loud, with a partner or alone

1Discuss a human rights issue you feel strongly about. Present both sides of the argument using 'much as', 'granting that', 'for all that', and 'albeit' to create a balanced discussion.

2Debate: 'Much as we value freedom of speech, it should have limits.' Use advanced concessive structures to argue your position while acknowledging the other side.

Writing

Write a formal paragraph (6–8 sentences) discussing a human rights dilemma. Use all four concessive structures (much as, granting that, for all that, albeit) at least once.

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Finished?

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