TOEIC Part 5: Despite In Spite Of — Rule, Examples, and 20 Practice Questions

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Understanding the Rule

Despite vs. In Spite Of

| Structure | Examples | |----------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Despite | Despite the traffic, we arrived on time. | | | Despite studying hard, she failed the exam. | | In spite of| In spite of the traffic, we arrived on time. | | | In spite of studying hard, she failed the exam. |

Both 'despite' and 'in spite of' mean 'although' and introduce a contrast. However, 'despite' is more common in formal writing and academic contexts, which is why it appears more frequently on TOEIC Part 5.

Key Differences

• Preposition: 'Despite' is a preposition and does not require 'of'. 'In spite of' is a prepositional phrase and always includes 'of'.
• Formality: 'Despite' is more formal and preferred in academic writing.
• Usage: Both can be followed by a noun or gerund (verb + -ing).

Model Answers at Different Score Levels

Score Level 6 (180-240)

Question: Despite/In spite of _______ the bad weather, they enjoyed their trip.

Answer: Despite the bad weather, they enjoyed their trip.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Grammar: Correct use of 'despite' with a noun.
• Vocabulary: Appropriate word choice.
• Coherence & Cohesion: Logical sentence structure.
• Task Achievement: Fully answers the question.

Score Level 7 (290-340)

Question: In spite of/Despite _______ the heavy traffic, she arrived early.

Answer: In spite of the heavy traffic, she arrived early.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Grammar: Correct use of 'in spite of' with a noun.
• Vocabulary: Precise word choice.
• Coherence & Cohesion: Clear and coherent.
• Task Achievement: Fully answers the question.

Score Level 8 (370-430)

Question: Despite/In spite of _______ working long hours, John managed to finish his project on time.

Answer: Despite working long hours, John managed to finish his project on time.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Grammar: Correct use of 'despite' with a gerund.
• Vocabulary: Advanced word choice.
• Coherence & Cohesion: Excellent flow.
• Task Achievement: Fully answers the question.

Score Level 9 (450-500)

Question: In spite of/Despite _______ numerous challenges, the team succeeded in their mission.

Answer: Despite numerous challenges, the team succeeded in their mission.

Scoring Breakdown:

• Grammar: Correct use of 'despite' with a noun.
• Vocabulary: High-level word choice.
• Coherence & Cohesion: Exceptional clarity.
• Task Achievement: Fully answers the question.

20 Practice Questions

1. Despite/In spite of _______ the time difference, they managed to attend the meeting.
2. In spite of/Despite _______ his fear of heights, he climbed the mountain.
3. Despite/In spite of _______ the noise, she concentrated on her work.
4. In spite of/Despite _______ the terrible food, the service was excellent.
5. Despite/In spite of _______ the cost, they decided to buy the house.
6. In spite of/Despite _______ his busy schedule, he found time to help.
7. Despite/In spite of _______ the warnings, they ignored the advice.
8. In spite of/Despite _______ the heavy rain, the match went ahead.
9. Despite/In spite of _______ the difficulty, she persevered.
10. In spite of/Despite _______ the language barrier, they communicated effectively.
11. Despite/In spite of _______ the risk, he took the job.
12. In spite of/Despite _______ the competition, they won the contract.
13. Despite/In spite of _______ the criticism, she continued her work.
14. In spite of/Despite _______ the distraction, he finished his assignment.
15. Despite/In spite of _______ the delay, the project was completed on time.
16. In spite of/Despite _______ the complexity, the solution was straightforward.
17. Despite/In spite of _______ the distance, they visited every weekend.
18. In spite of/Despite _______ the pressure, he remained calm.
19. Despite/In spite of _______ the error, the system functioned correctly.
20. In spite of/Despite _______ the setbacks, they achieved their goal.

Vocabulary Highlights

Despite/In Spite Of Collocations

• Despite the fact that (e.g., Despite the fact that it was raining, we went out.)
• In spite of the fact that (e.g., In spite of the fact that it was raining, we went out.)
• Despite having (e.g., Despite having a cold, she went to work.)
• In spite of having (e.g., In spite of having a cold, she went to work.)
• Despite being (e.g., Despite being tired, he continued working.)
• In spite of being (e.g., In spite of being tired, he continued working.)
• Despite all (e.g., Despite all the difficulties, they succeeded.)
• In spite of all (e.g., In spite of all the difficulties, they succeeded.)
• Despite everything (e.g., Despite everything, she remained optimistic.)
• In spite of everything (e.g., In spite of everything, she remained optimistic.)
• Despite this (e.g., Despite this, he decided to go ahead.)
• In spite of this (e.g., In spite of this, he decided to go ahead.)
• Despite that (e.g., Despite that, she was happy.)
• In spite of that (e.g., In spite of that, she was happy.)
• Despite such (e.g., Despite such challenges, they succeeded.)
• In spite of such (e.g., In spite of such challenges, they succeeded.)
• Despite these (e.g., Despite these problems, the project was completed.)
• In spite of these (e.g., In spite of these problems, the project was completed.)
• Despite those (e.g., Despite those warnings, he ignored them.)
• In spite of those (e.g., In spite of those warnings, he ignored them.)

Common Mistakes

1. Using 'in spite' without 'of'** (e.g., Incorrect: In spite the rain, we went. Correct: In spite of the rain, we went.)
2. Using 'despite of' (e.g., Incorrect: Despite of the rain, we went. Correct: Despite the rain, we went.)
3. Using 'despite' with a clause (e.g., Incorrect: Despite it was raining, we went. Correct: Despite the rain, we went.)
4. Using 'in spite of' with a clause (e.g., Incorrect: In spite of it was raining, we went. Correct: In spite of the rain, we went.)
5. Misusing 'although' and 'though' (e.g., Incorrect: Despite he was tired, he went. Correct: Although he was tired, he went.)

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