This could help :

Whilst despite might be thought more formal than in spite of - it is, after all, one word rather than three - there is really very little difference in usage between the two:
'Despite the appalling weather, they succeeded in walking to the top of Ben Nevis.'
'They decided to get married in spite of the huge differences in their ages.'

Although, despite and in spite of are normally used as prepositions, they can also be used in adverbial constructions with -ing, thus:
'I managed to pass my exams, despite going out four times a week during the revision period.'
'In spite of feeling terribly sick, I went to work every day that week.'
'Despite being severely handicapped, he managed to complete the race.'

Source : https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learn ... tv41.shtml

confuse mind wrote:Can someone please explain me the GMAT acceptable rules for the usage of 'despite' in SC questions.

I have seen some examples having 'despite being' which raises a new question, whether I can use 'being' with despite or not.

Despite can go with a lot of words:

Despite having a flat tire......

Despite using only a toothbrush....

Despite being an only child......

You should focus on whether despite is used correctly in the context of MEANING, instead of specifically the word that comes after despite.

Generally, despite is used for portraying adverse conditions.

Chendawg has great advice here. "Despite being" can in fact be acceptable, and it's important to remember that context is key.

Here's an example of a "Despite being..." GMAT question: https://gmatclub.com/forum/despite-being ... 88352.html

VivianKerr wrote:Chendawg has great advice here. "Despite being" can in fact be acceptable, and it's important to remember that context is key.

Here's an example of a "Despite being..." GMAT question: https://gmatclub.com/forum/despite-being ... 88352.html

How the question you have quoted can be correct :

intial modifier

despite being a canivore, the diet of bear implies that the diet is carnivore. I Can not believe it is GMAT question. Could you please confirm.

You're correct. That sample question does have a modification error since obviously a diet cannot be a carnivore, but I cited it because the use of "Despite being" is correct.

A correct full version would be something like: "Despite being a carnivore, a bear eats..."