SAT prep - Parallel Structure - Chegg Test Prep
TLDRThe video script discusses the importance of parallel construction in grammar, emphasizing its role in maintaining clarity and coherence in sentences. It likens parallel structure to the concept of parallel lines in mathematics, which move in the same direction without intersecting. The script provides examples to illustrate how parallelism can enhance the flow of a sentence and how its absence can lead to confusion or grammatical errors. It also addresses the significance of parallel structure in the context of the SAT, where it can impact scoring. The video offers guidance on how to identify and correct issues with parallel structure, using sample test questions to demonstrate the process. It concludes with a tip for recognizing when a comparison of like things is being tested, advising to compare the works of individuals rather than the individuals themselves, and encourages practice as the key to mastering these skills.
Takeaways
- 📚 Parallel construction in grammar involves repeating a grammatical form for each item in a list or comparison for clarity and rhythmic flow.
- 🚫 Avoid switching between different grammatical forms, such as nouns and verbs, as it can be confusing and lead to errors.
- 📉 Inconsistencies in grammar, like lack of parallel structure, can negatively impact your score on standardized tests like the SAT.
- 📝 Correct parallel structure: 'Cierra likes to study, bake cookies, and volunteer on weekends' maintains the '-ing' verb form.
- 🤔 When comparing items, ensure they are in the same grammatical form to maintain parallel structure and avoid confusion.
- ✅ The correct answer for a parallel structure question is the one that maintains grammatical consistency without introducing new errors.
- 🔍 When faced with multiple-choice questions, eliminate options that correct one error but create another.
- 📐 Comparative terms like 'and' or 'than' signal a need for parallel structure in comparisons.
- ⚖️ Ensure pronouns in comparisons match in case to maintain parallel structure, e.g., 'I like to read more than she does'.
- 🔑 Look for clues in the sentence structure that indicate a comparison of like things, which often requires parallel structure.
- 📈 Practice is key to mastering grammar and parallel structure for improved writing and better performance on tests.
Q & A
What is parallel construction in grammar?
-Parallel construction in grammar is the repetition of a chosen grammatical form within a sentence, using the same grammatical pattern for each compared item or idea. It adds clarity and rhythmic flow to sentences, ensuring that items in a list or comparison have the same grammatical form.
Why is parallel structure important in writing?
-Parallel structure is important because it ensures consistency and clarity in sentences, especially when comparing or listing items. It prevents confusion and can also impact scores on standardized tests like the SAT.
How does the example 'Cierra likes to study, to bake cookies, and to volunteer on weekends' demonstrate the lack of parallel structure?
-The example lacks parallel structure because 'to study' is followed by 'to bake cookies' and 'to volunteer', but the sentence would flow better if all items were in the same grammatical form, such as gerunds (-ing form), to maintain consistency.
What is the correct way to rewrite the sentence about Harper's Conservative Party to maintain parallel structure?
-The correct way is to ensure that all items in the list have the same grammatical form. The correct answer choice is 'Harper's Conservative Party favors lower taxes, a more decentralized government, and less money spent', which maintains parallel structure.
Why is answer choice A 'no change' incorrect for the Harper's Conservative Party sentence?
-Answer choice A is incorrect because it does not correct the lack of parallel structure in the sentence. The third item in the list does not match the grammatical form of the first two items.
What is the issue with answer choice D 'Harper's Conservatives party favoring lower taxes a more decentralized government and less money spent on imports'?
-Answer choice D is incorrect because it results in a sentence fragment. 'Favoring' is used as a modifier, which requires additional elements to form a complete sentence.
What role do comparative terms play in parallel structure?
-Comparative terms are used to compare nouns and signal the need for parallel structure. They ensure that the items being compared are in the same grammatical form, enhancing the clarity of the comparison.
How should pronouns be used in a comparison to maintain parallel structure?
-When a pronoun is used in a comparison, it must match the pronoun it is being compared to in terms of case. For example, 'I like to read more than she' should be 'I like to read more than she does' to maintain parallel structure.
What is the key to solving comparison questions on the SAT related to parallel structure?
-The key is to ensure that the items being compared are of the same type and in the same grammatical form. For instance, when comparing the abilities of two species, the sentence should compare their abilities, not the species themselves.
What is a common mistake to avoid when comparing the works of two authors?
-A common mistake is to compare the authors themselves rather than their works. For example, 'I like the works of Shakespeare better than Dickens' is incorrect; it should be 'I like the works of Shakespeare better than the works of Dickens'.
What is a tip for identifying when a comparison of like things is being tested on the SAT?
-When the sentence is comparing two similar things, such as two artists, authors, or poets, it is a red flag that a comparison of like things is being tested. Ensure that the work of one is being compared to the work of the other, not the individuals themselves.
How can one best remember the skills for acing SAT questions related to parallel structure?
-The best way to remember these skills is through practice. By repeatedly applying the principles of parallel structure in writing and analyzing sentences, the concepts become more ingrained and easier to apply during the test.
Outlines
📚 Understanding Parallel Construction in Grammar
This paragraph discusses the importance of parallel construction in grammar, drawing an analogy with parallel lines in mathematics. It explains that switching between different grammatical forms, such as nouns and verbs or verb tenses, can disrupt the flow of a sentence and cause confusion. The paragraph emphasizes the clarity and rhythmic flow that parallel construction brings to sentences. It provides an example sentence to illustrate the concept and contrasts it with a non-parallel structure. The paragraph also addresses the issue of parallel structure in the context of the SAT, presenting a sample question and guiding the reader through the process of identifying the correct answer choice that maintains parallel structure.
🔍 Correcting Parallel Structure for Effective Writing
The second paragraph continues the discussion on parallel structure, focusing on how it relates to comparisons and the use of comparative terms. It clarifies that when comparing nouns or pronouns, parallel structure must be maintained to ensure clarity. The paragraph uses an example to show how a sentence can be corrected to properly compare pronouns. It also discusses a common type of parallel structure question found on the SAT, which involves comparing like things. The paragraph provides a sample problem and walks through the process of selecting the correct answer choice that ensures proper parallel structure. It concludes with a tip for recognizing when a comparison of life things is being tested and the importance of comparing the works of artists or authors, rather than the individuals themselves.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Parallel construction
💡Grammar
💡SAT
💡Verb tenses
💡Nouns
💡Consistency
💡Comparative terms
💡Pronouns
💡Present participle
💡Fragment
💡Practice
Highlights
Parallel construction is the repetition of a chosen grammatical form within a sentence, adding clarity and rhythmic flow.
Parallel structure is important for maintaining consistency and avoiding confusion in sentences.
Example: 'Cierra likes to study, bake cookies, and volunteer on weekends' uses parallel structure.
Without parallel structure, sentences can sound clunky and confusing.
Parallel structure helps in comparisons by ensuring items are expressed in the same grammatical form.
Example question: Harper's Conservative Party favors lower taxes, a more decentralized government, and less money spent on imports.
Correcting parallel structure issues in sentences is a common type of question on the SAT.
Answer choice C ('favors lower taxes, a more decentralized government, and less money spent') corrects the parallel structure issue.
Comparative terms like 'and' or 'than' signal that parallel structure is needed in comparisons.
Example: 'I like to read more than she' is not parallel because the pronouns 'I' and 'she' are different cases.
The correct comparative sentence structure is 'I like to read more than she does'.
When comparing like things (e.g. artists, authors), ensure the work of one is being compared to the other's work, not the people themselves.
Example: 'I like the works of Shakespeare better than Dickens' incorrectly compares Shakespeare to Dickens, not their works.
The correct sentence is 'I like the works of Shakespeare better than the works of Dickens'.
Practicing and keeping all parts of a sentence balanced is key to mastering SAT questions.
Parallel structure is a helpful tool for clear, effective writing.
Transcripts
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