Theory:

There are many different kinds of linking elements used in English, with different fuctions, but here we will only be looking at the linking expressions most widely used in the fCE to show contrast.

Looking then specifically at the following linking elements:

Although

Even though

Despite

In spite of

All four have similar meanings and are used for similar reasons, but they need different structures in the sentences they are used with.

After IN SPITE OF and DESPITE we use a noun or a pronoun. That includes a verb in the noun form which ends in ING (the gerund):

IN SPITE OF the rain, we played the match.

DESPITE the rain, we played the match.

DESPITE BEING tired, we played the match.

Sometimes the phrase THE FACT THAT is used with DESPITE and IN SPITE OF:

IN SPITE OF THE FACT THAT it was raining, we played the match.

DESPITE THE FACT THAT it was raining, we played the match.

After ALTHOUGH and EVEN THOUGH we use a subject and a verb.

ALTHOUGH IT WAS RAINING, we played the match.

EVEN THOUGH IT WAS RAINING, we played the match.

Looking at them together in the same context:

ALTHOUGH he was rich, he wasn't happy.

EVEN THOUGH he was rich, he wasn't happy.

DESPITE being rich, he wasn't happy.

IN SPITE OF being rich he wasn't happy.

DESPITE THE FACT THAT he was rich, he wasn't happy.

IN SPITE OF THE FACT THAT he was rich, he wasn't happy.

Notice all these contrasting elements compare BEING RICH with BEING HAPPY.

These linking words and phrases are widely used in the FCE sentence transformation exercises.