Parallel Structure

In many of the PSSA prompts that were submitted, parallel structure was almost non-existant.
It appears that many of you do not fully understand this idea so we will be spending a day working on this idea to help improve your writing.

We will start with a simple definition:
Parallel structure means using the same pattern of words to show that two or more ideas have the same level of importance.

This means that when creating a sentence with a series of ideas, all of these ideas must be constructed in a similar manner. This plays an extremely important role in the creation of blueprints.

By keeping items parallel you are giving them the same amount of importance in your paper. Since your three blueprint items are supposed to be the support for your thesis, they should all carry the same weight in your paper.

This is very important when writing academic papers so be sure to pay attention today.




EDIT: ****For anyone that missed school here are the examples that we went over in class****

Example 1
(-ing ending vs. infinitive)

Not Parallel: Mary likes hiking, swimming, and to ride a bicycle.

Parallel: Mary likes to hike, to swim, and to ride a bicycle.

OR

Parallel: Mary likes hiking, swimming, and riding a bicycle.

Example 2
(single word/phrase choice)

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
(Noun/verb choice)

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.


Example 1
(Phrases)

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.


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.


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.



Not Parallel: The dictionary can be used for these purposes: to find word meanings, pronunciations, correct spellings, and looking up irregular verbs.


Parallel: The dictionary can be used for these purposes: to find word meanings, pronunciations, correct spellings, and irregular verbs.


Academic Content Standard:
1.5.11C- Write with controlled organization
1.5.11D- Write with a command of the stylistic aspects of composition.