Parallel Structure in Balanced Contrasts

Start with Which Version Is Parallel? so students hear the pattern. Then use the thesis statement sheet before an argument essay and the outline sheet before a research report.

Judge balanced contrasts like not X but Y in a student leader's speech and fix the ones that break. A balanced contrast sets two ideas side by side in the same grammatical form, as in not X but Y or X rather than Y. The directions on the page read: Each line comes from a student leader's speech. Circle Parallel or Not parallel. On the line, rewrite the second half so it matches the first, or write No change. An answer key is included.

Yes, both. We made it for 8th grade sentences, and it works the same at home or at school. At home, a student can work through it alone and then go over it with you, which shows quickly what is solid and what needs another look. In class it works as independent practice, homework or a warm-up, and you can print one copy or a full set.

Find the item that breaks the pattern and rewrite it in the same form as the others. In Mateo earns money mowing lawns, to trim hedges and sweeping walks, to trim hedges becomes trimming hedges.

Three reasons in the same form are easier to follow and remember. Parallel Structure in Thesis Statements has eight theses with at least one reason that breaks the pattern, and students rewrite each one.

A balanced contrast sets two ideas side by side in the same form, as in not to complain but to solve problems. Students decide whether each line from a student leader's speech is parallel and fix the ones that are not.