A-Level Spanish — Advanced Discursive & Stylistic Devices

Front

Por un lado... por otro lado...

Back

**Translation:** On one hand... on the other hand... **Context:** The standard structure for presenting a balanced argument or contrasting two viewpoints in an essay. **Note:** Ensure the verb conjugations following these phrases match the subject of the respective clause.

Front

En otras palabras

Back

**Translation:** In other words / To put it another way. **Context:** Used to clarify a complex point or to paraphrase an argument to ensure the reader understands. **Pronunciation:** [en oh-tras pa-la-bras]

Front

Al fin y al cabo

Back

**Translation:** When all is said and done / At the end of the day. **Context:** An excellent idiom for a concluding sentence, summarizing the ultimate reality or the most important factor despite previous arguments. **Note:** Use to signal a definitive judgment.

Front

Estar hecho un zurrapa

Back

**Translation:** To be exhausted / worn out (literally: to be made of scraps). **Context:** An idiomatic expression useful for describing personal state or the state of an object/system in a discursive context. **Pronunciation:** [es-tar e-cho un thur-ra-pa]

Front

No tiene sentido común

Back

**Translation:** It makes no sense / It lacks common sense. **Context:** Used to criticize a policy, situation, or argument effectively in the 'evaluation' section of an essay.