• 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? She enjoys both painting and sculpting. (yes, it is correct / no, it is not correct) → yes, it is 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. The blue whale is the ___ animal in the world. (most large / largest / more large / larger) → largestPrompt: 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 nor affordable. • The plan was neither practical or affordable. • The plan neither was practical nor affordable. (The plan was neither practical nor could we afford it. / The plan was neither practical nor affordable. / The plan was neither practical or 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? 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. The paintings in this gallery are more modern than ___. (the museum / the museum is / those in the museum / that of the museum) → those in the museumPrompt: 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 8 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 rules at my school are stricter than those at my cousin's school. (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. Jupiter is bigger than ___ in the solar system. (all the planets / any planet / every planet / any other planet) → any other planetPrompt: 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.