“Despite the fact that” is a useful phrase for expressing contrast and concession in English. It is a more formal and complex way of saying “although” or “even though”. Using a variety of conjunctions and transition words like this is a great way to demonstrate your range of grammar and vocabulary on the IELTS exam, which is essential for achieving a band score of 7 or higher.
Let’s take a look at a few examples of how “despite the fact that” can be used in different parts of the IELTS:
Speaking Part 3:
Examiner: “Some people argue that technology is making our lives more stressful. What do you think?”
Candidate: “Despite the fact that technology has made our lives easier in many ways, I agree that it can also be a source of stress. For example, social media can create a lot of pressure to present a perfect image to the world.”
Writing Task 2:
“Despite the fact that there are some drawbacks to online learning, such as the lack of face-to-face interaction, the benefits clearly outweigh the disadvantages. “
Listening Section 2:
You might hear a speaker say something like: “Despite the fact that the weather was terrible, we still had a great time on our holiday.”
Understanding “Despite the Fact That”
“Despite the fact that” is used to connect two clauses that express contrasting ideas. It is followed by a subject and a verb, forming a complete clause.
Here’s the basic structure:
Despite the fact that + Subject + Verb, + Independent Clause.
This structure highlights that although the first clause is true, the second clause is also true and perhaps even more important or surprising.
Now, let’s explore how to utilize this structure effectively in various sections of the IELTS.
Using “Despite the Fact That” in Your IELTS Exam
Grammatical Structure and Application:
Formal Writing: “Despite the fact that” is more common in written English, particularly in formal writing. You can use it in essays, reports, and academic papers.
Speaking: While acceptable in speaking, it is more common in formal settings like Part 3 of the IELTS Speaking exam where you are expected to discuss more complex topics.
Example Usages in IELTS:
1. Writing Task 1 (Describing Trends):
- “Despite the fact that there was a slight decrease in car sales in 2015, the overall trend over the past decade has been upward.”
2. Writing Task 2 (Opinion Essay):
- “Some people believe that children should be allowed to use smartphones without any restrictions. However, I disagree with this view despite the fact that these devices can provide educational benefits.”
3. Speaking Part 3 (Discussion):
- “Well, I think it’s important for people to travel and experience different cultures. This is true despite the fact that travel can be expensive and time-consuming.”
Elevating Your Score: Tips for Effective Use
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Formal Tone: Remember that “despite the fact that” is generally more formal than “although” or “even though.” Choose the most appropriate conjunction depending on the tone of your writing or speaking.
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Complex Sentences: Using “despite the fact that” allows you to create more complex sentences, which can demonstrate your grammatical range to the examiner. Aim for a mix of simple, compound, and complex sentences in your writing and speaking.
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Clear Contrast: Ensure a clear contrast between the two clauses you are connecting. This makes the use of “despite the fact that” more impactful and highlights your understanding of concession and contrast.
Common Errors to Avoid
1. Incomplete Clauses: Remember that “despite the fact that” must be followed by a complete clause (subject + verb).
Incorrect: “Despite the fact that the high cost.”
Correct: “Despite the fact that the cost is high, many people are still buying electric cars.”
2. Redundancy: Avoid using “despite the fact that” in conjunction with other words that express contrast, such as “but” or “however.”
Incorrect: “Despite the fact that he studied hard, but he still failed the exam.”
Correct: “Despite the fact that he studied hard, he still failed the exam.”
Conclusion
Mastering the use of “despite the fact that” can significantly enhance your IELTS writing and speaking. By understanding its grammatical structure, formal tone, and application in various contexts, you can express contrast and concession effectively. Remember to practice using this phrase in your writing and speaking to build fluency and confidence. Good luck!