Despite vs Although: Same Meaning, Different Shape
Both answers show contrast. The fast decision comes from looking immediately after the blank. Find the shape anchor first, then choose.
Who or what + what happened = although
Choose despite
Choose despite when the words after the blank name the contrast in a compact way: a thing, a situation, or an action beginning with -ing.
Choose although
Choose although when the words after the blank tell you who or what is involved and what happened.
How to find the anchor
Do not translate first. Look directly after the blank and decide which of these two shapes you can see.
The product sold well ___ its high price.
Answer: despiteIts high price is the anchor. It names the contrast in a compact way, so despite fits.
The product sold well ___ the price was high.
Answer: althoughThe price was high is the anchor. It gives who or what plus what happened, so although fits.
The meaning is not the problem here—both answers show contrast. The words immediately after the blank decide the answer. Find the shape, choose, and move on.
What your result reveals
Your score shows whether you looked immediately after the blank and recognised either a compact thing, situation or -ing action, or who or what plus what happened. Use the Review to find the exact shape anchor before choosing between despite and although.
If despite caused problems
Review sentences where the contrast is shown in a compact way. Look for anchors such as the delay, the high price, several absences, being late, or working overtime.
If although caused problems
Review sentences where the words after the blank tell you who or what is involved and what happened: the shipment was delayed, the price was high, or several staff members were absent.
If false anchors or timing caused problems
You may be choosing from meaning alone or translating the full sentence. Both answers show contrast. Look immediately after the blank, identify the visible shape, then choose.
Use the Review in this order: check the correct answer, locate the exact anchor, read why that anchor points to a compact shape or a complete who/what + what happened idea, then compare the reusable pattern. Do not use the shortcut contrast = either answer. The words immediately after the blank control the decision.