<p><strong>Answer: </strong>(D) Despite the fact that</p>
<p><span style="font-size: 13.008px;">In this sentence, we need to show that even though the minimum wage has increased over the past 10 years, it is still below the poverty level in many countries. To express this contrast, we need to use a phrase that indicates opposition or contradiction.</span></p>
<p>Option (A) "When" is incorrect because it does not indicate opposition or contradiction.</p>
<p>Option (B) "If" is incorrect because it does not indicate opposition or contradiction.</p>
<p>Option (C) "That" is incorrect because it does not indicate opposition or contradiction.</p>
<p>Option (D) "Despite the fact that" is the correct choice because it introduces a contrasting clause that indicates opposition or contradiction. This phrase is commonly used to express a situation where something is true or has happened, but another fact or condition still exists.</p>