English for Academic Studies (Workshop) Session 6: Parallel Structures

Semester 1, 2009/10 ©PolyU HKCC

Session 6: Parallel Structures

Part A: Diagnostic Test

Identify and underline the nonparallel structures in the following passage.

Then, revise these sentences to eliminate errors in parallel structure in the space
between the lines.

How do you classify a person as beautiful? Is it someone having an attractive

appearance, to dress up in gorgeous apparel, or having a slim body? Being affected by

the advertisements of slimming treatments and products shown on television and the

mass media, many women now believe that having not more than 100 lbs is beautiful,

and it was claimed by these women that having a slim body can gain back their

self-confidence and others’ respect after losing weight. This view is fallacious. Being

beautiful is not a matter of being good-looking but having a commendable personality.

Do you think your favourite superstars would still look smart and full of charm when

they are put into prison because of taking drugs or crime? Or don’t you agree that

Mother Teresa, Florence Nightingale and Mariah Carey are all lovely and beautiful

because of their kindness and being talented? If you deny the former but affirm the

latter, there should be no doubt that having a kind heart, being intelligent, cheerful and

energetic are the main qualities of a laudable personality, all of which can make a

person look more beautiful. On the other hand, being slim is only a phrase used to

describe one’s outward appearance. Slimness contributes nothing to one’s personality,

and it might not even make one look pretty.

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English for Academic Studies (Workshop) Session 6: Parallel Structures
Semester 1, 2009/10 ©PolyU HKCC

.Part B: Grammatical Sentences - Review

Parallel Structures - Sentences that list things in a series using the same
grammatical form to improve sentence clarity, conciseness, and readability.
¾ Using words in parallel form: Put words of the same grammatical form in a series.
Example (nouns): Disciplinary action will be taken if a student is found
plagiarizing others’ ideas or words.
Example (verbs): I have read and chosen an article about the 2008 financial
tsunami in the last reflective writing practice.
Example (adjectives): A good English learner should be active, diligent and
uninhibited.
Example (adverbs): No bonus mark will be given to works completed sloppily,
untidily and late.
¾ Using phrases in parallel form: Put phrases of the same grammatical form in a
series.
Example (infinitives): Our lecturer reminded us to submit an essay outline before
the deadline and to schedule an appointment with him for essay consultation.
Example (gerund): Writing assignments, doing group projects, and reading
course texts are the common tasks all college students need to do.
Example (participles): Having participated actively in the class activities and
asked the teacher for constant feedback, Jonathan was able to perform
exceptionally well in this challenging subject.
Example (prepositional phrases): To support our argument more adequately, we
had better locate other sources of references from the library and on the Internet.
¾ Using clauses in parallel form: Put words of the same grammatical form in a
series.
Example (active voice): Men and women speak the same language, yet they
communicate very differently.
Example (passive voice): The division of work in the College is very clear. Student
enquiries are handled at the Information Kiosk; staff enquiries are dealt with in
the service counter of the General Office.
¾ Using parallel forms with correlative conjunctions* (paired words): Put words of
the same grammatical form in a series.
*Correlative conjunctions (paired words): not only… but (also); either… or,
both… and, neither… nor; whether… or; not…but.
Example: Both mature candidates and overseas applicants are required to write a
written test.

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English for Academic Studies (Workshop) Session 6: Parallel Structures
Semester 1, 2009/10 ©PolyU HKCC

Part C: Concept Boosting Exercises

Exercise C1: Identify and underline the nonparallel structures in the following
passage. Then, revise these sentences to eliminate errors in parallel structure in
the space between the lines.

Basketball is a world-wide sport now. It is one of the most popular choices

among teenagers who are vibrant and full of energy. Although there are many

basketball courts in our community, they are always full, no matter it is in the morning,

in the afternoon, or it is a public holiday. Not only do teenagers find playing

basketball exciting, but their whole-person development can also be fostered. By

playing basketball, teenagers can exercise, build up teamwork skills and mental

stamina. To begin with, playing basketball regularly can improve their health. By

means of jumping and running, especially at the age of puberty, teenagers may grow

taller and their muscles can be strengthened. Another advantage of playing basketball

is that it can help teenagers develop teamwork skills. A basketball match is a team

game in which players have to communicate with their teammates to organize a

defense or offense. What can be gained is not a physical product but a spirit, one

which is essential when working with a group of people, no matter who you are

working with and their personalities. Meanwhile, teenagers may also develop

friendship and learning to respect others. Besides physical constitution and teamwork

skills, playing basketball can help teenagers develop mental stamina. When teenagers

join a team to play a competition, they have to take the coach’s instruction, have good

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English for Academic Studies (Workshop) Session 6: Parallel Structures
Semester 1, 2009/10 ©PolyU HKCC

discipline and to follow the rules. Also, in a match, the youngster’s team may lead or

lag behind. While they are losing, they need to be persistent; while they are leading,

they cannot have complacency. These attitudes are not inborn; they are built up

through training.

Exercise C2: Complete the following sentences with parallel items.

1. Working in Mainland China is a wise decision for the university fresh graduates
because it provides the chances for gaining extensive work experience, immersing
in a Putonghua learning environment, and ________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

2. Putonghua should be made the medium of instruction of all Chinese-related

subjects as it increases students’ exposure to Putonghua, cultivates a sense of
belongings, and _____________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

Exercise C3:

A title and three supporting sentences are provided for the outline of an essay.
Using the techniques of parallelism, write an appropriate thesis statement and a
plan of development for an essay based on the information.

Title: Joining a Rock Band

Topic sentence 1: Rock music is a means of expressing our feelings.
Topic sentence 2: Our social circle can be widened.
Topic sentence 3: Joining a rock band can boost our creativity.