Understanding Sentence Connectors for Contrast

The question asks us to combine two sentences using a phrase or connector that must appear at the beginning of the combined sentence, while keeping the original meaning intact. The two sentences are:

Sentence 1: He has failed many times and almost all his plans have seen little success.

Sentence 2: He still hopes to succeed one day.

These two sentences express a contrast. Despite the failures and lack of success mentioned in the first sentence, the person maintains hope, as stated in the second sentence. We need a connector that shows this "despite" or "although" relationship.

Analyzing the Connector Options

Let's examine each given phrase/connector and see how it fits at the start of the combined sentence:

(i) Although he hopes...

Using this connector, the combined sentence would be: Although he hopes to succeed one day, he has failed many times and almost all his plans have seen little success.

This structure places the hope part first and the failure part second. While "although" indicates a contrast, placing the hope first implies that the failures happen *despite* the hope, which doesn't quite match the original meaning where the hope persists *despite* the failures. The original sentences imply that hope is the contrasting element against the background of failure, not the other way around.

(ii) While he has failed...

Using this connector, the combined sentence would be: While he has failed many times and almost all his plans have seen little success, he still hopes to succeed one day.

The word "while" can be used to introduce a contrasting idea, similar to "although" or "despite the fact that". This sentence structure correctly places the failures first and the hope second, showing that the hope exists in contrast to or despite the failures. This maintains the meaning of the original sentences.

(iii) In spite of the fact that...

Using this connector, the combined sentence would be: In spite of the fact that he has failed many times and almost all his plans have seen little success, he still hopes to succeed one day.

The phrase "in spite of the fact that" explicitly expresses concession or contrast. It means "despite the fact that". This structure clearly states that his hope continues "in spite of" his many failures and lack of success. This also accurately reflects and maintains the meaning of the original sentences.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis, connectors (ii) "While he has failed..." and (iii) "In spite of the fact that..." both effectively combine the two sentences while preserving the original meaning of hope persisting despite failures. Connector (i) "Although he hopes..." reverses the implied relationship between hope and failure in the original context.

Therefore, both options (ii) and (iii) are suitable.