IN SPITE OF - DESPITE

Examples from Cambridge Dictionary on line.http: http://dictionary.cambridge.org/  
Notice that "in spite of" is a preposition so it must be followed by a noun (with article if necessary). In case of a verb it must be an "ing" form (running, climbing, etc). This "ing" form is equivalent to a noun so if it needs a subject it should be a possessive adjective, because it is before a noun. But the objective forms of the pronoun (me, you, him, her, etc) have become very popular, and that is what you here almost everywhere, which does not mean that the possessives (my, your, his, etc) are wrong; even more, it's the very proper way of writing/saying it.
Please, pronounce "ins - pite" joining the "in" and the "s" not "in espite" (terrible)

WRITTEN TRANSFORMATION DRILLS

IN SPITE OF                                                                                                                                    

A) Rewrite the following sentences using “in spite of”. You can check your answers below.

1. They left early in the morning but they arrived late anyway.
2. My sister was the best in the competition but she couldn’t win.
3. The rope team climbed in foul weather all the time but they managed to reach the top as planned.
4.  Although he didn’t have the driving license, John drove his father all the way to hospital.
5. Although the robber carried a gun, the security guard managed to subdue him with good words.
6.  Although she carried an umbrella with her, my sister got absolutely soaked.
7.  Although she arrived late, they waited for her.
8. Although he spoke very slowly and clearly, the tourist didn’t understand a word.

 DESPITE                                                                                                                                       

 B) Rewrite the following sentences using “despite”. You can check your answers below.

      Notice there's no "of" after "despite".

1. It was very expensive, but they bought it anyway. 
2. They hurried to the station, but they missed the train anyway.
3. Although there were jet-speed winds blowing up there, they climbed to the top.
4. Although she insisted and insisted, he would say "no".
5. Although he worked hard he couldn't finish on time.
6. No matter how expensive it is, I'll buy it.
7. Although he shouted, the deaf man couldn't hear him.
8. You want to borrow it, but I won't lend it to you.

 A) ANSWERS                                                                                                                              

1.   In spite of leaving early in the morning, they arrived late.// In spite of the fact that they left early………   (“their” is  not necessary  before “leaving” because the subject is mentioned in the main clause “they arrived late”.
2.   In spite of being the best in the competition, my sister couldn’t win.// In spite of the fact that my sister…
3.   In spite of climbing in foul weather, the rope team managed to reach the top as planned.// In spite of the fact.
4.   In spite of not having the driving license, John drove his father….// In spite of the fact that he didn’t….
5.   In spite of the robber/robber’s carrying a gun, the security guard managed to…./ In spite of the fact that the robber   carried……
6.  In spite of carrying an umbrella with her, my sister….// In spite of the fact that…  
7.   In spite of her arriving late, they waited for her.// In spite of the fact that …
8.   In spite of his speaking very slowly and clearly, the tourist didn’t… /In spite of the fact that he…..

 B) ANSWERS                                                                                                                            

1.  Despite being very expensive, they bought it. //Despite the fact that it was very.....
2. Despite hurrying to the station, they missed the train.// Despite the fact that they....
3. Despite the jet-speed winds blowing up there, they climbed to the top. // Despite the fact that there were...
4. Despite her insisting and insisting, he would say "no". // Despite the fact that she insisted...
5. Despite his working hard, he couldn't finish on time. // Despite the fact that he worked...
6. Despite its being very expensive, I'll buy it.//Despite the fact that it was....
7. Despite his shouting, the deaf man couldn't hear him.//Despite the fact that he shouted...
8. Despite your wanting to borrow it, I won't lend it to you. // Despite the fact that you want...