1. though he has been absent frequently, he has managed to pass the test ( despite) 2. Mary didn't go to school yesterday because she was sick ( because of)

Công thức " mặc dù" : Although + S +V + O, S +V +O

--> In spite of/ despite + Ving/( the/ a/ an) + ( adj ) + N , S+ V + O

" bởi vì" : Because  +S + V + O, S + V + O

--> Because of + Ving/ ( the/ a/ an) + ( adj ) + N , S+ V + O

1, Despite being absent frequently, he has managed to pass the test

2, Because of being sick, Mary didn't go to school yesterday