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Parallelism

Parallelism. Balanced Writing is Strong Writing. Parallel Structure. The SAT/PSAT frequently presents sentences containing problems with parallelism. Often, these sentences are difficult to diagnose as errant because readers understand the writer's point.

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Parallelism

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  1. Parallelism Balanced Writing is Strong Writing

  2. Parallel Structure • The SAT/PSAT frequently presents sentences containing problems with parallelism. Often, these sentences are difficult to diagnose as errant because readers understand the writer's point. • Parallel structure means using the same pattern of words to show that two or more ideas have the same level of importance.

  3. Parallelism can happen at the word, phrase, or clause level. • The usual way to join parallel structures is with the use of coordinating conjunctions such as "and" or "or." • The idea is to create a recognizable pattern for the reader, making comprehension simpler.

  4. Sample: Hawaii is famousfor its beautiful beaches, and Montana is well knownfor its majestic mountains. Hawaii and Montana are the two subjects. They are both described with adjectives (in italics), and what they are famous and well known for are both written in prepositional phrases. The pattern before and the pattern after the coordinating conjunction, “and”, is identical. Here we have a sentence written in a parallel structure.

  5. Examples of Parallel Structure • Words and Phrases • With the -ing form (gerund) of words: • Parallel: Mary likes hiking, swimming, and bicycling. • With infinitive phrases: • Parallel: Mary likes to hike, to swim, and to ride a bicycle.ORMary likes to hike, swim, and ride a bicycle. (Note: You can use "to" before all the verbs in a sentence or only before the first one.)

  6. Do Not Mix Forms Example 1 • Not Parallel:Mary likes hiking, swimming, and to ride a bicycle. • Parallel:Mary likes hiking, swimming, and riding a bicycle. Example 2 • Not Parallel:The production manager was asked to write his report quickly, accurately, and in a detailed manner. • Parallel:The production manager was asked to write his report quickly, accurately, and thoroughly. Example 3 • Not Parallel:The teacher said that he was a poor student because he waited until the last minute to study for the exam, completed his lab problems in a careless manner, and his motivation was low. • Parallel:The teacher said that he was a poor student because he waited until the last minute to study for the exam, completed his lab problems in a careless manner, and lacked motivation.

  7. Parallel Structure With Clauses • A parallel structure that begins with clauses must keep on with clauses. Changing to another pattern or changing the voice of the verb (from active to passive or vice versa) will break the parallelism. Example 1 • Not Parallel:The coach told the players that they should get a lot of sleep, that they should not eat too much, and to do some warm-up exercises before the game. • Parallel:The coach told the players that they should get a lot of sleep, that they should not eat too much, and that they should do some warm-up exercises before the game. — or — • Parallel:The coach told the players that they should get a lot of sleep, not eat too much, and do some warm-up exercises before the game.

  8. Example 2 • Not Parallel:The salesman expected that he would present his product at the meeting, that there would be time for him to show his slide presentation, and that questions would be asked by prospective buyers. (passive) • Parallel:The salesman expected that he would present his product at the meeting, that there would be time for him to show his slide presentation, and that prospective buyers would ask him questions.

  9. Time to Practice Open your texts to page 140. You will find 8 sentences that have been written without regard for parallel structure. Revise each of the sentences so that they reflect proper parallel structure, in the space provided. In the lab, select the following link to take a brief quiz on parallel structure. http://wps.prenhall.com/hss_fulwiler_collegeref_5/59/15170/3883663.cw/content/index.html

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