Today’s Agenda Punctuation/Capitalization Quiz! Writing Clear Sentences Parallelism Homework Write two paragraphs listing the kinds of skills you think you will need in future jobs. In your writing, try to use several parallel verb forms. When you are finished, apply today’s lesson to make sure your writing does not contain faulty parallelism. Continue work on research paper

Parallelism Parallelism refers to a series of two or more grammatical elements of the same type joined by and (or sometimes by or). Eat, drink, and be merry. When one of the elements breaks the pattern set by the other element(s), the resulting error is called faulty parallelism. Mickey likes to bike, swim, and to go on long walks.

Parallelism The Parallelism Stack Tip: Whenever you use an infinitive (the to form of a verb) or a gerund (the –ing form of a verb) after an an or an or, arrange the elements that should be parallel in a “parallelism stack.” Placing parallel elements in a column makes it easy to see whether these elements have exactly the same form. Example: Mickey likes to bike, swim, and to go on long walks. to bike swim, and to go on long walks.

Let’s Practice! 1. My boss said that I need to work faster, work harder, and to stop taking long breaks. 2. A new federal program gives me the chance to take several classes this summer and getting my degree within two years. 3. Dr. Sanchez helped me to write more clearly, to avoid grammatical errors, and turn my papers in on time. 4. A common approach to writing a lab report is to begin with the materials needed and end with a summary of the findings. 5. My chemistry teacher said that we also need to state the purpose of the experiment, to explain the procedures, and explain the shortcomings of the experiment.

Your Turn! 1. My boss is eager (get) the costs for the new product. My boss is eager (begin) selling it. My boss is eager (see) profits. 2. (Brush) your teeth correctly is important. (Floss) regularly is important. (Visit) a dentist twice a year is important. 3. I cannot stand it when friends (make) complicated plans. I cannot stand it when friends (call) me at the last second. I cannot stand it when friends (expect) me to be ready on time. 4. Texas slim likes (drink) Lone Star Cola. Texas Slim likes (eat) barbecue. Texas Slim likes (watch) Martha Stewart on TV. 5. You should try (prepare) nutritious meals. You should try (watch) your weight. You should try (get) enough sleep.

Homework Write two paragraphs listing the kinds of skills you think you will need in future jobs. In your writing, try to use several parallel verb forms. When you are finished, apply today’s lesson to make sure your writing does not contain faulty parallelism.