Discourse Markers - Linkers C1
John is afraid of spiders. He likes Noodles, my new pet tarantula. (contrast linker + gerund)
Despite/Inspite of being afraid of spiders John likes Noodles, my new pet tarantula.
Jamie is always the life and soul of the party. He's quite shy. (even though)
Even though Jamie is quite shy, he's always the life and soul of the party.
Linda's new job is very demanding. She makes sure she spends time with her family.(contrast linker + the fact....)
Despite/In spite of the fact that Linda's new job is very demanding, she makes sure she spends time with her family.