• Quick retrieval from earlier learning (Parallel structure with not only…but also, either…or, both…and; Comparatives and superlatives). Students answer on mini whiteboards.
• Show answers together and note who needs support in the main task.

1. Is this sentence correct? He wants not only to win but also enjoying the game. (yes, it is correct / no, it is not correct) → no, it is not correctPrompt: Look at the word straight after each half of the pair (not only / but also, either / or, both / and).
2. Choose the correct form of the adjective. Your drawing is ___ than mine. (gooder / best / more good / better) → betterPrompt: Are you comparing two things or more than two?
3. Which sentence uses parallel structure correctly? • The plan was neither practical nor could we afford it. • The plan was neither practical or affordable. • The plan was neither practical nor affordable. • The plan neither was practical nor affordable. (The plan was neither practical nor could we afford it. / The plan was neither practical or affordable. / The plan was neither practical nor affordable. / The plan neither was practical nor affordable.) → The plan was neither practical nor affordable.Prompt: Look at the word straight after each half of the pair (not only / but also, either / or, both / and).

• Show a sentence with the grammar point used wrongly and ask what sounds odd.
• Share the objective: Logical comparisons: comparing like with like. Read the success criteria together.

• Work through the example out loud, saying why you do each step, not just what you do.
• Example: Choose the option that makes a logical comparison. The climate of Spain is warmer than ___.
• Step 1: Compare like with like: the climate of Spain vs that of Norway, not vs Norway itself.
• Step 2: Compare climate with climate: 'that of Norway'.
• Step 3: Put it back into the sentence and read it aloud: "The climate of Spain is warmer than that of Norway."
• Step 4: So the answer is: that of Norway
• Answer: that of Norway
• Pause after each step and ask a student to say what comes next.

• Do these together. Students try each step on whiteboards before you reveal it.
• Use the hints as prompts rather than giving the answer.

1. Is this sentence correct in formal written English? Ana's essay was more convincing than Leo's. (correct / incorrect) → correctPrompt: What exactly is being compared on the first side? (the climate, the battery, the population…)
2. Choose the option that makes a logical comparison. The novel's ending is more satisfying than ___. (the film ending is / the film's / the film does / the film) → the film'sPrompt: What exactly is being compared on the first side? (the climate, the battery, the population…)

• Students work on the student sheet. Circulate and check the first two answers of every student early.
• Students who finish: write a question of their own for a partner, with the answer.

The 6 questions are on the student sheet below, with answers in the key.

• Two questions on their own. Sort answers into got it / nearly / not yet to plan the next lesson.

1. Is this sentence correct in formal written English? The salary of a nurse is lower than that of a doctor. (correct / incorrect) → correctPrompt: What exactly is being compared on the first side? (the climate, the battery, the population…)
2. Choose the option that makes a logical comparison. My phone's battery lasts longer than ___. (my brother / my brother does it / my brother is / my brother's) → my brother'sPrompt: What exactly is being compared on the first side? (the climate, the battery, the population…)

Free online practice with hints and printable worksheets for this skill: eurekami.com/english/grade-9.