Parallel structures - Grade 6 Assessment

True or False: Using parallel structure in a sentence can make a list of ideas sound more balanced and rhythmic.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

Correct! Parallel structure creates a pattern that makes sentences flow smoothly and is easier for the reader to follow.

Which sentence shows correct parallel structure?

• On Saturday, I have to do my chores, my homework, and then I'll go to soccer practice.

• My favorite after-school snacks are apples, pretzels, and drinking a glass of milk.

• To play the game, you need to be clever, quick, and patient.

• She likes to read fantasy books and watching science fiction movies.

Answer explanation

This is the correct choice because all the items in the list (clever, quick, patient) are adjectives, which creates a parallel structure.

To use parallel structure correctly, all the items in a series or list must have the same grammatical (a)   .

Answer explanation

That's right. The items need to be in the same grammatical form, like all being nouns, or all being verbs ending in '-ing'.

True or False: The sentence 'The dog ran across the yard, jumped over the fence, and was chasing a squirrel' uses correct parallel structure.

• True

• False

Answer explanation

This is false because the first two verbs are simple past tense ('ran', 'jumped'), but the last one ('was chasing') is a different verb form. It breaks the parallel pattern.

Which option best completes the sentence with parallel structure? 'My little brother enjoys building with LEGOs, drawing pictures, and ______.'

• to play outside

• playing outside

• he likes to play outside

• when he plays outside

Answer explanation

The list starts with two '-ing' verbs (gerunds): 'building' and 'drawing'. To keep the structure parallel, you need to use another '-ing' verb, which is 'playing'.

To maintain parallel structure, fill in the blank with an appropriate adjective: 'The roller coaster was fast, loud, and (a)   .'

Answer explanation

Any adjective like 'scary,' 'exciting,' or 'fun' would work here. The sentence already has two adjectives ('fast,' 'loud'), so adding another one keeps the list parallel.

To fix the faulty parallelism in this sentence, what word should replace the underlined part? 'My dad told me to clean my room, to take out the trash, and *do* the dishes.'

(a)  

Answer explanation

The list uses the infinitive form 'to clean' and 'to take out'. To make the third item parallel, you need to use the same 'to + verb' form, which is 'to do'.

Which choice best rewrites this sentence using correct parallel structure? 'At the talent show, Sarah sang a song, David performed a magic trick, and a dance was done by Chloe.'

• At the talent show, Sarah sang a song, David performed a magic trick, and Chloe was dancing.

• At the talent show, Sarah sang a song, David was performing a magic trick, and Chloe did a dance.

• At the talent show, Sarah sang a song, David performed a magic trick, and Chloe danced.

• At the talent show, Sarah was singing, David performed a magic trick, and Chloe did a dance.

Answer explanation

This is the best answer because it uses the same simple past tense verb structure for each person: 'Sarah sang...', 'David performed...', and 'Chloe danced...'. This makes the sentence balanced and clear.

This famous line uses parallel structure to compare two opposite ideas. Fill in the blank to complete it: 'That's one small step for a man, one giant (a)   for mankind.'

Answer explanation

This completes the famous quote from Neil Armstrong. It uses a parallel structure ('one small step... one giant leap...') to create a memorable and powerful contrast.

Identify the sentence that has faulty, or incorrect, parallel structure.

• We can either go to the park or go to the movies.

• He is not only a great student but also a talented musician.

• The manager wants to hire someone who is responsible, who works hard, and has a positive attitude.

• She spent the afternoon reading a book, listening to music, and sipping lemonade.

Answer explanation

This sentence has faulty parallelism. The list starts with two clauses ('who is responsible', 'who works hard'), but the last item is a phrase ('has a positive attitude'). To fix it, you could say 'and who has a positive attitude'.