Adult Literacy Intermediate Quiz: Parallel Structure
10 questions · exam conditions
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Parallel StructureQuestion 1 of 10

A community center is describing the goals of a financial workshop. Participants will learn about bills, service plans, and monthly budgets.

Which sentence states the three goals with parallel structure?

The workshop helps residents understand bills, compare service plans, and prepare monthly budgets.
The workshop helps residents understand bills, comparing service plans, and to prepare monthly budgets.
The workshop helps residents to understand bills, compare service plans, and preparing monthly budgets.
The workshop helps residents understand bills, to compare service plans, and monthly budgets are prepared.
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Adult Literacy Intermediate Quiz

Adult Literacy Intermediate Quiz: Parallel Structure

Practice Parallel Structure in Adult Literacy Intermediate with focused quiz questions that help you check what you know, review explanations, and build confidence with test-style prompts.

What this quiz covers

This quiz focuses on Parallel Structure, giving you a quick way to practice the rules, question types, and explanations that matter most for Adult Literacy Intermediate.

How to use this quiz

Try each quiz question before looking at the correct answer. Use the explanations to review missed ideas, then come back to similar questions until the pattern feels familiar.

All questions

Question 1

A community center is describing the goals of a financial workshop. Participants will learn about bills, service plans, and monthly budgets.

Which sentence states the three goals with parallel structure?

  1. The workshop helps residents understand bills, compare service plans, and prepare monthly budgets. (correct answer)
  2. The workshop helps residents understand bills, comparing service plans, and to prepare monthly budgets.
  3. The workshop helps residents to understand bills, compare service plans, and preparing monthly budgets.
  4. The workshop helps residents understand bills, to compare service plans, and monthly budgets are prepared.
Explanation: When a sentence lists multiple actions, they need to be expressed in the same grammatical form — this is called parallel structure. Think of it like a matching set: if you start a list with one type of verb form, every item in that list must use the same type. In this question, the sentence uses the pattern "helps residents [verb]..." which means each item in the list should be a plain base verb (also called an infinitive without "to"). Look for the answer where all three list items follow that same pattern. Answer A is correct because all three goals use the same base verb form: understand bills, compare service plans, and prepare monthly budgets. Each item matches perfectly — that's parallel structure working exactly as it should. Answer B breaks the pattern by mixing forms: "understand" (base verb), "comparing" (–ing form), and "to prepare" (infinitive with "to"). These three forms don't match, so the list is unbalanced. Answer C has a similar problem. It starts with "to understand," shifts to "compare" (base verb), then jumps to "preparing" (–ing form). Three different forms in one list — none of them parallel. Answer D is the most broken of the three wrong choices. The third item completely abandons the verb list and replaces it with an entirely new clause: "monthly budgets are prepared." That clause doesn't even connect to the structure of the original sentence correctly. Tip: When checking for parallel structure, underline each item in the list and label its form. If the labels don't all match, the sentence isn't parallel — keep looking for the answer where every item wears the same grammatical "uniform."

Question 2

The application instructions currently say: "Applicants may either submit the completed form online or mailing it to the records office."

Which replacement for "mailing it to the records office" makes the alternatives parallel?

  1. the form can be mailed to the records office
  2. by mail through the local records office
  3. mail it directly to the records office (correct answer)
  4. to mail it directly to the records office
Explanation: When a sentence offers two or more alternatives using "either...or," both options must follow the same grammatical pattern — this is called parallel structure. Think of it like a balance scale: whatever form appears on one side must match the other. Look at the original sentence: "Applicants may either submit the completed form online or mailing it to the records office." The first alternative uses the base verb "submit," so the second alternative must also use a base verb to stay parallel. Choice C — "mail it directly to the records office" — uses the base verb "mail," which perfectly mirrors "submit." The sentence becomes: "Applicants may either submit the completed form online or mail it to the records office." Both sides of the "either...or" construction now share the same verb form. That's your correct answer. Choice A fails because it introduces a new subject and verb ("the form can be mailed"), turning the second option into a separate clause rather than a parallel alternative. Choice B drops the verb entirely, leaving a prepositional phrase ("by mail through the local records office") that doesn't grammatically complete the "either...or" structure. Choice D adds "to" before "mail," creating an infinitive phrase, which doesn't match the base verb "submit" used in the first alternative. A useful strategy: whenever you spot "either...or," "both...and," or "not only...but also" in a sentence, immediately identify the grammatical form of the first element — then check that every other element matches it exactly. That single habit will catch most parallel structure errors on this exam.

Question 3

Employees tested two ways of reporting their work time: a phone application and paper forms.

Which completion makes the comparison parallel? "Most employees said that entering their hours in the phone app was easier than  ."

  1. the paper forms used for the same work hours
  2. they had used paper forms for those hours
  3. to record the same hours on paper forms
  4. recording the same hours on paper forms (correct answer)
Explanation: When a sentence compares two actions, both sides of the comparison must use the same grammatical form — this is called parallel structure. Think of it as a balancing act: whatever form appears on one side of "than" must be mirrored on the other side. In this sentence, the first side of the comparison is "entering their hours in the phone app" — a gerund phrase (a verb ending in -ing used as a noun). So the second side also needs a gerund phrase. That's exactly what D gives you: "recording the same hours on paper forms." Both sides now use the -ing form, creating a clean, balanced comparison: entering vs. recording. Here's why the other choices don't work. A offers a noun phrase ("the paper forms used for the same work hours"), which compares an action to a thing — like saying "swimming is easier than the pool." That's an apples-to-oranges comparison. B shifts into a full clause ("they had used paper forms"), which changes the subject entirely and breaks the sentence's flow — you're no longer comparing two actions, but an action to a past event with a different subject. C uses "to record," an infinitive form, which doesn't match the gerund "entering" on the other side. While infinitives and gerunds can sometimes be swapped, here the parallel structure demands consistency, and mixing them creates an awkward mismatch. Your strategy tip: whenever you see a comparison with "than" or "as," immediately identify the grammatical form on one side, then check that the other side matches it exactly. Same form = parallel structure = correct answer.

Question 4

At closing, the supervisor counts the register cash, checks the signed receipts, and  .

Which completion correctly continues the series of actions performed by the supervisor?

  1. the daily records are stored in the safe
  2. stores the daily records in the safe (correct answer)
  3. storing the daily records in the safe
  4. to store the daily records in the safe
Explanation: When a sentence lists actions performed by the same subject, all the verbs in that list must match in form — this is called parallel structure. Think of it like a recipe: if your steps say "mix, pour, and bake," every step follows the same pattern. In this sentence, the supervisor "counts" and "checks," so the third action must also be a simple present-tense verb that fits the same pattern. Choice B, "stores the daily records in the safe," is correct because "stores" matches the form of "counts" and "checks." All three verbs are active, present-tense verbs with the same subject (the supervisor), creating a smooth, balanced list. Choice A, "the daily records are stored in the safe," breaks the pattern by switching to passive voice — suddenly there's no clear subject doing the action, and the sentence loses its consistent rhythm. Choice C, "storing the daily records in the safe," uses a present participle (-ing form), which would require a helping verb to function properly here; on its own, it doesn't complete the sentence the way "counts" and "checks" do. Choice D, "to store the daily records in the safe," uses an infinitive form, which is typically used to express purpose or intention, not to continue a parallel list of actions. Quick tip: Whenever you see a fill-in-the-blank that involves a list of actions, identify the verb form already used in the sentence and match it exactly. Ask yourself: "Do all the actions in this list look and sound the same?" If they do, you've found parallel structure — and likely the right answer.

Question 5

Before operating the copier, remove any paper clips, check the page size, and that the paper tray is full.

Which revision of the final part creates a parallel series of instructions?

  1. the paper tray should also be full
  2. make sure the paper tray is full (correct answer)
  3. making sure the paper tray is full
  4. to make sure the paper tray is full
Explanation: When a sentence lists actions in a series, each item should follow the same grammatical pattern — this is called parallel structure. Think of it like a checklist: every item should be built the same way so the list flows smoothly and clearly. Look at the original sentence: "remove any paper clips, check the page size, and that the paper tray is full." The first two items use the base verb form (remove, check), which is the command structure. The third item breaks that pattern by switching to a clause ("that the paper tray is full"), which is why the sentence feels awkward. The fix is to match that same base verb command structure. Choice B — "make sure the paper tray is full" — uses the base verb "make," which perfectly aligns with "remove" and "check." Your revised sentence reads: "remove any paper clips, check the page size, and make sure the paper tray is full." Every item in the list now uses the same form. That's parallel structure, and B is the correct answer. Choice A ("the paper tray should also be full") is a statement, not a command, so it breaks the pattern. Choice C ("making sure the paper tray is full") uses the "-ing" verb form, which doesn't match the base verb commands. Choice D ("to make sure the paper tray is full") uses the infinitive form ("to make"), which also doesn't match. A good study tip: when you spot a list in a sentence, quickly check that each item starts with the same verb form. If one item looks different from the others, that's your clue that parallel structure needs fixing.

Question 6

Enrollment notice: Bring a current photo ID, a utility bill showing your address, and  .

Which completion best maintains the pattern of noun phrases in the list?

  1. a recent pay stub showing your income (correct answer)
  2. showing your income with a recent pay stub
  3. your income should appear on a recent pay stub
  4. to show your income with a recent pay stub
Explanation: When a sentence contains a list, all items in that list should follow the same grammatical structure — this is called parallel structure. When you spot a list in a sentence, identify the pattern of the first items and match every new item to that pattern. Look at the two items already in the list: "a current photo ID" and "a utility bill showing your address." Both follow the same pattern: article + adjective + noun + (optional modifier). They are noun phrases — groups of words built around a noun. Your job is to find the answer choice that follows that exact same blueprint. Choice A, "a recent pay stub showing your income," is built identically: article (a) + adjective (recent) + noun (pay stub) + modifier (showing your income). It slots into the list seamlessly, making A the correct answer. Choice B flips the structure by opening with the modifier first — "showing your income with a recent pay stub" — which breaks the noun-phrase pattern and creates an awkward, dangling phrase. Choice C turns the item into a full independent clause ("your income should appear on a recent pay stub"), which is a complete sentence, not a noun phrase, and disrupts the list entirely. Choice D begins with an infinitive ("to show your income"), which is a verb phrase, not a noun phrase — a completely different grammatical category. Quick tip: Whenever you see a list, underline the first two items and label their structure. Then check each answer choice against that template — the one that matches wins every time.

Question 7

A supervisor is revising a guide for home health aides.

Which completion maintains parallel structure in the comparison? "For an aide, arriving at each home on time is as important as  ."

  1. to record each visit with complete accuracy
  2. an accurate record is made for each visit
  3. the accurate records from every daily visit
  4. recording each visit with complete accuracy (correct answer)
Explanation: Parallel structure means that when you're comparing two things in a sentence, both sides of the comparison need to use the same grammatical form. This question tests whether you can recognize and apply that rule in a real workplace document. Look at the sentence: "arriving at each home on time is as important as  ." The first part of the comparison uses a gerund — a verb ending in -ing that functions as a noun ("arriving"). For the sentence to be parallel, the blank must also use a gerund. That's why D, "recording each visit with complete accuracy," is correct. "Recording" matches "arriving" in form, and the comparison flows naturally: arriving ... is as important as recording. The other choices break that parallel structure in different ways. A uses an infinitive ("to record"), which is a different verb form — even though infinitives can sometimes act like nouns, mixing them with gerunds in a direct comparison creates an imbalance. B shifts into a full clause ("an accurate record is made"), turning the second half into a statement with its own subject and verb, which doesn't match the -ing noun on the left. C uses a noun phrase ("the accurate records from every daily visit"), which has no verb action at all — it's a thing, not an activity, so it doesn't pair logically with "arriving." As a study tip, whenever you see an "as important as" or "not only...but also" comparison on the exam, immediately identify the grammatical form of the first element — then eliminate any answer that doesn't match that exact form.

Question 8

A training program offers evening classes and provides child care. Both services are important to working parents.

Which sentence uses "not only ... but also" with parallel structure and preserves the intended meaning?

  1. The program offers not only evening classes but also provides child care for working parents.
  2. The program not only offers evening classes but also child care is provided for working parents.
  3. The program not only offers evening classes but also provides child care for working parents. (correct answer)
  4. The program not only offers evening classes but also arranges child care for the working parents.
Explanation: The "not only ... but also" construction demands parallel structure: whatever grammatical form follows "not only" must be matched by the same form after "but also." In the correct sentence, "not only offers evening classes" is balanced by "but also provides child care" — both are verb + object phrases, and the passage's meaning that the program supplies two services stays intact. One option places "not only" after the verb "offers," so it pairs a bare noun ("evening classes") with a full verb phrase ("provides child care"). The two sides no longer match, breaking parallel structure. Another option starts correctly with "not only offers," but then switches to passive voice: "child care is provided." A verb phrase on one side and a passive clause on the other are not the same grammatical form, so the pair is unbalanced. The last option looks parallel and reads smoothly — "offers evening classes" and "arranges child care" match — but "arranges" changes the meaning. The passage says the program provides child care itself, not merely sets it up, so it fails to preserve the intended meaning. Whenever you meet "not only ... but also," label the phrase after each half and check two things: do the grammatical forms match, and does the sentence still say what the original meant?

Question 9

A warehouse manager is preparing an orientation notice. The notice must explain the supply area, the process for damaged goods, and the deadline for weekly reports.

Which sentence presents those three topics in parallel structure?

  1. The notice explains where supplies are stored, how damaged goods get reported, and the weekly report deadline that must be met.
  2. The notice explains the supply storage location, how damaged goods are reported, and when the weekly reports are due to arrive.
  3. The notice explains where supplies are stored, that damaged goods must be reported, and when the weekly reports are due to arrive.
  4. The notice explains where supplies are stored, how damaged goods are reported, and when the weekly reports are due. (correct answer)
Explanation: The three topics should all be listed in the same grammatical form. The best answer uses three matching clauses that each begin with a question word and follow the same pattern: "where supplies are stored," "how damaged goods are reported," and "when the weekly reports are due." Because all three share that structure from start to finish, the list is parallel. The choice that pairs "where supplies are stored" and "how damaged goods get reported" with the noun phrase "the weekly report deadline that must be met" breaks the pattern: the last item is a noun phrase, not a matching clause. Another choice opens with the noun phrase "the supply storage location" before switching to two question-word clauses, so its first item does not match. A third choice looks close but shifts in the middle: "where supplies are stored" and "when the weekly reports are due" are question-word clauses, but "that damaged goods must be reported" is a different kind of clause, so the three are not consistent. To check parallel structure yourself, label the form of each listed item. Only when all three labels match is the sentence truly parallel.

Question 10

Closing checklist: The evening clerk is responsible for locking the side doors, setting the thermostats, and the alarm must be checked before leaving.

Which replacement for "the alarm must be checked before leaving" makes the list parallel while keeping the original meaning?

  1. to check the alarm before leaving each night
  2. the final alarm check before leaving each night
  3. checking the alarm before leaving each night (correct answer)
  4. before leaving, the clerk checks the alarm
Explanation: A list stays parallel when every item follows the same grammatical pattern. The first two items are gerunds: "locking the side doors" and "setting the thermostats." The third item needs to match that -ing form. "Checking the alarm before leaving each night" is a gerund phrase just like the others, so the list reads locking… setting… checking, and the meaning stays the same. That is the correct choice. "To check the alarm before leaving each night" uses an infinitive (to check) instead of a gerund; even though both can act as nouns, mixing them breaks the parallel pattern. "The final alarm check before leaving each night" turns the action into a noun phrase, so it has no -ing verb form to match the other items and it shifts the emphasis away from an action the clerk performs. "Before leaving, the clerk checks the alarm" uses a conjugated verb (checks) and adds a subject, making it a full clause rather than a phrase; that does not fit after "and" alongside the two gerunds. A reliable strategy: find the grammatical form of the first item in a list and use it as your template, then make sure every item wears the same grammatical outfit.