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WorksheetYear 9Level 2 · Standard

Free Year 9 Parallel Structure: Keeping Lists and Comparisons Balanced Worksheet

Students learn that items joined in a list, a comparison or a pair such as not only... but also should take the same grammatical form. They spot faulty parallelism, rewrite unbalanced sentences so that every item matches, use parallel structure in pairs and comparisons, and explore how speakers and writers use balanced sentences for rhythm and persuasive power.

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Year
Year 9
Subject
English
Topic
Sentences & Clauses
Difficulty
Level 2 · Standard
Estimated time
25 minutes
Curriculum
New Zealand Curriculum
Questions
14
Answers
Included, with working
Format
PDF (A4), print or complete online

Students will practise

  • identifying parallel and faulty parallel structure
  • matching grammatical forms in lists
  • using parallel structure with paired conjunctions
  • balancing comparisons
  • using parallelism for rhythm and effect

Curriculum: New Zealand Curriculum. We show specific outcome codes only where they have been verified against the official curriculum document.

What's next?

Completed: Parallel Structure: Keeping Lists and Comparisons Balanced

Ready for more? Move on to Year 10 English.

How to use this worksheet

  1. Print the PDF or complete it on screen. Write the student's name and date at the top.
  2. Read the instructions for each part together before starting. Encourage working to be shown.
  3. Mark with the answer sheet. Use the model answers and success criteria as a guide rather than a single right answer.
  4. Record the score, celebrate what went well, then follow the "What's next" suggestion.

Common questions

Who is this worksheet for?

Year 9 students (typically ages 13–14) working on sentences & clauses. It is pitched at level 2 · standard.

Are the answers included?

Yes. The PDF includes a full answer sheet with model answers and success criteria where there is more than one good answer. You can also view the answers online.

How long does it take?

About 25 minutes for 14 questions. Short, regular sessions work best: two or three a week beats one long one.

Do I need to sign up to download?

No. Click Download Free PDF and it opens immediately. It is free for personal, classroom and homeschool use.

What should we do next?

Explore more Year 9 english resources.

Preview

Success TutoringWorksheetsYear 9 · English · Sentences & Clauses

Parallel Structure: Keeping Lists and Comparisons Balanced

Name

Date

Score /

Match the shapes: if the first item is an -ing word, a phrase or a clause, make the others the same.

Part A: Balanced or not?

Items joined by and, or, but or by pairs such as either... or and not only... but also should have the same grammatical form.

1.Which sentence has parallel structure?
  1. AShe likes swimming, to hike and riding her bike.
  2. BShe likes swimming, hiking and riding her bike.
  3. CShe likes to swim, hiking and to ride her bike.
2.Which sentence has parallel structure?
  1. AThe coach told us to warm up, to stretch and that we should drink water.
  2. BThe coach told us to warm up, stretching and drink water.
  3. CThe coach told us to warm up, stretch and drink water.
3.Which sentence has parallel structure?
  1. AThe new library is bright, spacious and has comfortable chairs.
  2. BThe new library is bright, spacious and comfortable.
  3. CThe new library is bright, has space and is comfortable.
4.Which sentence has parallel structure?
  1. AHe was not only talented but also worked hard.
  2. BHe was not only talented but also hardworking.
  3. CNot only was he talented, but also he was working hard and with dedication.

Part B: Fix the sentence

Rewrite each sentence so that the items match.

5.Make it parallel: "Our goals are to improve fitness, building teamwork and have fun." (answer space)
6.Make it parallel: "The job requires patience, being careful and that you can work in a team." (answer space)
7.Make it parallel: "You can get there by bus, by train or you can walk." (answer space)
8.Make it parallel: "Either we leave now or staying until the end." (answer space)
9.Make the comparison parallel: "Reading a book is more relaxing than to watch a film." (answer space)
10."She was tired, hungry and wanted to go home" has faulty parallel structure. ☐ True   ☐ False

Part C: Parallelism for effect

11.A famous saying runs: "Easy come, easy go." Explain how parallel structure makes it memorable. (answer space)
12.Why might a speech writer use a sentence such as "We will work together, learn together and succeed together"? (answer space)
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Preview — the PDF contains the full resource and answer sheet.

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About this resource

Created by
Success Tutoring
Last reviewed
1 October 2026
How it was made
Written by our team

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