Select the most appropriate option to fill in the blank.
________ being an officer, he lives in a very tiny apartment.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The correct answer is option 2, i.e., Despite.
Filler Concept: Choosing the correct preposition or conjunction based on contrast
Grammar Explanation:
Despite is used to show contrast between two ideas.
→ Despite being rich, he is humble.
The sentence shows contrast between his status as an officer and living in a tiny apartment, so despite fits best.
Incorrect options:
Except means excluding – doesn't fit the context.
Instead indicates a replacement – not suitable here.
Unlike compares two things – less natural for this construction.
Correct sentence: Despite being an officer, he lives in a very tiny apartment.
Conclusion: The correct word to fill the blank is Despite.