STAAR 7th Grade R/E for Parallel Structure

Which revision improves the parallel structure in the following sentence?

"As a result, people have developed bad habits. They spend less time outside, get less sleep, and develop a shorter attention span."

• They spend less time outside, get less sleep, and have shorter attention spans.

• They spend less time outside, getting less sleep, and they are developing a shorter attention span.

Answer explanation

The correct choice, 'They spend less time outside, get less sleep, and have shorter attention spans,' maintains parallel structure by using consistent verb forms and plural nouns, enhancing clarity and rhythm in the sentence.

Which revision corrects the parallelism issue in the sentence below?

"Spending too much time in front of a screen can cause issues with your eyesight."

• Spending too much time in front of a computer screen can cause issues with your eyesight in front of other devices.

• Spending too much time on screens can cause issues.

Answer explanation

The correct choice improves parallelism by ensuring all phrases follow the same grammatical structure. 'Going outside' matches 'spending' in form, while 'outdoor time' maintains consistency, unlike the original sentence.

Identify the sentence with correct parallel structure:

• A) "Doctors suggest establishing a specific time of night when all devices must be turned off, stopping digital use before bedtime, and to avoid screens late at night."

• B) "Doctors suggest establishing a specific time of night when all devices must be turned off, stopping digital use before bedtime, and avoiding screens late at night."

Answer explanation

Choice B maintains parallel structure by using gerunds ('stopping' and 'avoiding') consistently, while choice A incorrectly mixes forms ('to avoid') which disrupts the flow.

Which sentence correctly maintains parallel structure?

• The goal is to use digital devices when they are needed but to spend some time away from them as well.

• The goal is to use digital devices when they are needed but spending time away from them as well.

Answer explanation

The correct choice maintains parallel structure by using the infinitive form "to use" and "to spend," ensuring both actions are presented consistently. The other options mix verb forms, disrupting the parallelism.

Which of the following sentences correctly follows parallel structure?

• Some of these benefits include better school performance, creativity improvement, and they are more fit.

• Some of these benefits include better school performance, increased creativity, and higher levels of fitness.

Answer explanation

The correct choice, B, maintains parallel structure by using three noun phrases: "better school performance," "increased creativity," and "higher levels of fitness." The other options mix different grammatical forms.

Which sentence correctly revises the faulty parallel structure in the sentence below?

"It can be difficult to have a meaningful conversation with friends when everyone is distracted by a cell-phone screen, checking notifications, and they are responding to messages."

• "It can be difficult to have a meaningful conversation with friends when everyone is distracted by a cell-phone screen, checking notifications, and responding to messages."

• "It can be difficult to have a meaningful conversation with friends when everyone is distracted by a cell-phone screen, they check notifications, and responding to messages."

Answer explanation

Choice A corrects the faulty parallel structure by ensuring all items in the list are in the same form: "checking notifications" and "responding to messages". This maintains consistency and clarity in the sentence.

Which sentence maintains parallel structure?

• They spend less time outside, get less sleep, and develop a shorter attention span.

• They spend less time outside, getting less sleep, and develop a shorter attention span.

Answer explanation

The correct choice, 'They spend less time outside, get less sleep, and develop a shorter attention span,' maintains parallel structure by using three verbs in the same form: 'spend,' 'get,' and 'develop.'

Which revision best improves the parallel structure in the sentence: "There are some healthy eating habits you can develop, and there are bad eating habits."

• C. "There are some healthy eating habits you can develop, and some bad eating habits."

• D. "There are some healthy eating habits you can develop, and you can develop some bad habits."

Answer explanation

Choice C improves parallel structure by maintaining a consistent format: "some healthy eating habits" and "some bad eating habits." This structure clearly contrasts the two types of habits without redundancy.

Identify the sentence that correctly uses parallel structure:

• A. "A digital diet helps promote developing healthy habits, reducing screen time, and to balance technology use."

• B. "A digital diet helps promote developing healthy habits, reducing screen time, and balancing technology use."

Answer explanation

Choice B correctly uses parallel structure with the gerund forms 'developing', 'reducing', and 'balancing', ensuring consistency in the list. Choices A and C disrupt this structure by mixing forms.

Which sentence lacks parallel structure?

• A. "Doctors suggest to stop device use, to turn off screens and avoid blue light before bedtime."

• C. "Doctors suggest stopping device use, turning off screens, and avoiding blue light before bedtime."

Answer explanation

Choice C lacks parallel structure because it mixes verb forms: "stopping," "turning off," and "to avoid." The correct structure should maintain the same form, as seen in choices B and D.