“Despite The Fact That” is a subordinating conjunction used to show contrast between two clauses, highlighting an unexpected outcome. It is a more formal and complex way of saying “although” or “even though”. Mastering this phrase can significantly enhance your writing and speaking scores, particularly aiming for a Band 7 or higher in the IELTS.
Let’s examine some examples of how “despite the fact that” functions within IELTS tasks:
Speaking Part 2: “Despite the fact that I had never run a marathon before, I decided to participate in the London Marathon last year. It was incredibly challenging, but the sense of accomplishment I felt at the finish line was immeasurable.”
Writing Task 2: “Some argue that the internet has led to a decline in social interaction. Despite the fact that online communication has increased, face-to-face interactions remain crucial for building strong relationships and a sense of community.”
Listening Section 3: (Within a lecture) “The company’s profits saw a significant increase in the second quarter. This is despite the fact that the global economy experienced a downturn during the same period.”
As demonstrated above, “despite the fact that” effectively connects contrasting ideas, showcasing your ability to use complex grammatical structures naturally and effectively.
Understanding “Despite the Fact That” for IELTS Success
“Despite the fact that” is a rather formal phrase, frequently appearing in academic writing and formal speech. In the context of the IELTS, understanding its proper usage can be advantageous, especially in the Writing and Speaking sections where demonstrating a wider range of grammatical structures contributes to a higher band score.
Constructing Sentences with “Despite the Fact That”
Here’s the grammatical structure for using “despite the fact that”:
Despite the fact that + Subject + Verb + …, Subject + Verb + … .
Example:
- Despite the fact that the weather was terrible, we decided to go for a walk.
In this structure:
- The first clause (introduced by “despite the fact that”) expresses the unexpected or contrasting situation.
- The second clause expresses the outcome or action taken despite the situation mentioned in the first clause.
Example of
Applying “Despite the Fact That” in IELTS Writing Task 2
This conjunction proves particularly valuable in constructing complex sentences for IELTS Writing Task 2, where you’re required to present arguments and counter-arguments effectively.
Example Question:
Many people believe that the benefits of tourism outweigh its drawbacks. To what extent do you agree or disagree?
Model Answer (excerpt):
Some argue that tourism can be detrimental to the environment. Despite the fact that this can be true in certain cases, responsible tourism initiatives are proving effective in mitigating negative environmental impacts.
In this example, the use of “despite the fact that” allows for the presentation of a counter-argument while simultaneously reinforcing the writer’s stance on responsible tourism.
Utilizing “Despite the Fact That” in IELTS Speaking
While less common in casual conversation, correctly using “despite the fact that” in the IELTS Speaking test demonstrates a strong command of grammar. It’s particularly useful in Part 2 when describing experiences or providing reasons.
Example (Speaking Part 2):
Describe a time you achieved something you thought was difficult.
“I’d have to say learning to play the guitar was a real challenge. Despite the fact that my fingers felt clumsy at first, and I struggled to learn chords, I persevered. After months of practice, I was able to play my favorite songs, and the feeling of accomplishment was incredible.”
Alternatives for Higher Band Scores
While “despite the fact that” is grammatically correct, diversifying your language impresses examiners. Consider these alternatives:
- Although
- Even though
- In spite of
- Notwithstanding
These conjunctions achieve a similar effect, showcasing your vocabulary range and grammatical flexibility.
Common Errors and How to Avoid Them
A common mistake is using “despite” and “in spite of” interchangeably with “despite the fact that.” Remember, “despite” and “in spite of” are followed by a noun phrase, not a clause with a subject and verb.
Incorrect: Despite the fact that it was raining, but we still went out.
Correct: Despite the rain, we still went out.
Correct: Despite the fact that it was raining, we still went out.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “despite the fact that” and its alternatives empowers you to articulate contrasting ideas effectively. This skill is invaluable for achieving a higher band score in the IELTS, particularly in the Writing and Speaking sections. Remember to practice implementing this conjunction in various contexts to improve your fluency and accuracy. For further insights into using contrasting language effectively, you can explore resources like this article on the IELTS website dedicated to this topic.
