Parallel+Structure+Worksheet+1

Parallel Structure Worksheet 1**
 * AP English

Name: ………………………………………………. Period: ….... Date: ……………

Parallel Structure One of the most effective rhetorical devices is repetition. You probably noticed it in King's "I have a Dream" speech. We hear it in songs, in poetry, in speeches and sermons. Sometimes the same word or phrase repeats. In the preceding sentence the word "in" was repeated. Those who are craftsmen of the language use more subtle repetitions, repetitions of structure. That type of repetition is called parallel construction or parallel structure.

Perhaps the most familiar example of parallel construction in our language is the "of the people, by the people, and for the people. . . ." segment of the Gettysburg Address by Abraham Lincoln. That sentence is constructed in such a way that the reader's ear picks up the repetition of structure. In that sentence the president strung together three prepositional phrases.

Occasionally, our ear detects something out of tune in a sentence. Try this.

Paul enjoyed sports, books, and to play the violin. (Ouch!)

The non-parallel quality of this sentence is about as obvious as a flat note in a musical solo. The writer could have smoothed the line out by saying, "Paul enjoyed playing sports, reading books, and playing the violin."

Parallel construction is sometimes difficult to detect because of the many forms it can take. That quality is probably good for writers because it leaves a pleasing result without calling attention to the device itself.

Let's illustrate this in concrete terms. Think of the concept the way you would parallel lines. If you line up two or three straight lines, you have "parallel construction." If you line up two or three squiggly lines, you also have parallel construction. It makes no difference about the shape. All that matters is that they have something in common.

Here's another example. Let's say you have three Chevrolets. They have in common the company name and could be an illustration of some sort of parallelism. But let's say you have three pickups, one a Ford, one a Chevrolet, one a Dodge. Are they still parallel? Yes, because they have in common the type of vehicle even though the companies are different. Try the following exercise.

Use parallel structure within a sentence. Use (verb + ing) or use (to + a verb). Do not mix these forms to express parallel ideas within a sentence.

not parallel: Sulla likes diving, swimming, and to surf.

parallel: Sulla likes diving, swimming, and surfing.

parallel: Sulla likes to dive, to swim, and to surf.

not parallel: Directing a play may be more difficult than to act in one.

parallel: Directing a play may be more difficult than acting in one.

parallel: To direct a play may be more difficult than to act in one.

PRACTICE YOUR SKILLS

Revise the following sentences in the space provided, using parallel construction.

1. Resting for a few moments or to take a few sips of water may help you.

2. Juan likes to read books and going to plays.

3. Jogging, skating, and to swim are Dena's favorite activities.

4. Listening carefully is as important as to read carefully.

5. Each student will develop skills in both weaving and to spin.

6. Ben prefers discussing the problem rather than to work on a solution.

7. Mopping the floors and to clean the bathtub are two household chores I especially dislike.

8. The secretary's duties include writing letters and to take notes.

9. You may choose between taking a final exam and to write a term paper.

10. Nora will choose either singing or to dance.