BERLIN: EAST MEETS WEST
CONTRASTING IDEAS • SENTENCE CONNECTORS • B1–C1
YOUR TASK: Combine the two clauses into a connected
sentence or a two-part statement. Use the connector shown in parentheses.
Check punctuation, word order and capitalization.
WHILE / WHEREAS
Contrast two facts in one sentence.
While East Berlin was part of the GDR, West Berlin had a different political status.
ON THE ONE HAND … ON THE OTHER HAND
Present two contrasting aspects of an issue.
On the one hand, Berlin has a difficult history. On the other hand, it is known for its creative energy.
HOWEVER
Introduce a contrasting idea, usually after a full stop or semicolon.
The city has preserved many historic buildings. However, it continues to change.
Contrast two facts in one sentence.
While East Berlin was part of the GDR, West Berlin had a different political status.
ON THE ONE HAND … ON THE OTHER HAND
Present two contrasting aspects of an issue.
On the one hand, Berlin has a difficult history. On the other hand, it is known for its creative energy.
HOWEVER
Introduce a contrasting idea, usually after a full stop or semicolon.
The city has preserved many historic buildings. However, it continues to change.
PART 1 — EAST BERLIN AND WEST BERLIN
1.
East Berlin was part of the German Democratic Republic.
West Berlin had a different political status.
(while)
2.
East Berlin developed monumental socialist boulevards.
West Berlin promoted a different approach to urban planning.
(whereas)
3.
East Berlin was governed by the socialist GDR government.
West Berlin was closely connected to West Germany.
(while)
4.
Karl-Marx-Allee featured monumental buildings and a broad boulevard.
Hansaviertel showcased modernist architecture and open urban spaces.
(whereas)
5.
The Berlin Wall restricted movement between East and West.
Many people hoped to cross the border freely.
(while)
PART 2 — HISTORY, ARCHITECTURE AND CHANGE
6.
The TV Tower became a major symbol of East Berlin.
The Brandenburg Gate became a symbol of a reunited city.
(whereas)
7.
The Wall divided families and communities.
Its fall allowed many people to reconnect.
(while)
8.
Some historic buildings were carefully restored.
Other parts of Berlin were transformed by modern development.
(whereas)
9.
Berlin has a difficult twentieth-century history.
The city is also known for its creative energy today.
(on the one hand … on the other hand)
10.
The Berlin Wall fell in November 1989.
Germany was not officially reunified until October 1990.
(however)
PART 3 — NEIGHBORHOODS AND CAFÉ CULTURE
11.
Prenzlauer Berg is known for its cafés and creative atmosphere.
Karl-Marx-Allee is known for its monumental socialist architecture.
(whereas)
12.
The Barn emphasizes carefully sourced specialty coffee.
Some large coffee chains focus on standardized products.
(while)
13.
A café can be a place to enjoy high-quality coffee.
It can also be a place to meet friends and exchange ideas.
(on the one hand … on the other hand)
14.
Tourists often visit famous landmarks.
Some travelers prefer discovering small neighborhood cafés.
(whereas)
15.
Berlin has preserved many reminders of its past.
The city continues to change and develop.
(however)
PART 4 — MUSIC, PEOPLE AND IDEAS
16.
Scorpions became internationally famous for hard rock and power ballads.
Milky Chance became known for a blend of folk, pop and electronic sounds.
(whereas)
17.
Wind of Change was released in 1990.
The song is often remembered as a musical symbol of the changes of 1989.
(however)
18.
Music can reflect political and social change.
Music can also offer comfort and bring people together.
(on the one hand … on the other hand)
19.
Some people remember Berlin mainly for the Wall and its division.
Others associate it with freedom, art and nightlife.
(whereas)
20.
Berlin's history includes conflict, division and political restrictions.
The city is now a meeting place for many cultures and ideas.
(while)
TCR ENGLISH • BERLIN LANGUAGE HUB • CONTRASTING IDEAS