1. Parallel Structure
Grammar

2. Parallel structure means using the same pattern of words to show that two or more ideas have the same level of importance. This can happen at the word, phrase, or clause level. The usual way to join parallel structures is with the use of coordinating conjunctions such as "and" or "or.“
From Purdue OWL

3. Mentor Text Examples
"Her simplicity decorated us, her guilt sanctified us, her pain made us glow with health, her awkwardness made us think we had a sense of humor. Her inarticulateness made us believe we are eloquent. Her poverty kept us generous." Page 205 The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

4. Mentor Text Examples
"My father taught me with silence. . .to look into myself, to find my own strength, to walk around inside myself in company with my soul "
(Potok, Chaim "The Chosen")

5. Words and Phrases
With the -ing form (gerund) of words:
Parallel:
Mary likes hiking, swimming, and bicycling.
With infinitive phrases:
Mary likes to hike, to swim, and to ride a bicycle. OR Mary likes to hike, swim, and ride a bicycle.
(Note: You can use "to" before all the verbs in a sentence or only before the first one.)

6. Not Parallel: Mary likes hiking, swimming, and to ride a bicycle.
Do not mix forms.
Example 1:
Not Parallel: Mary likes hiking, swimming, and to ride a bicycle.
Parallel: Mary likes hiking, swimming, and riding a bicycle.

7. Do not mix forms.
Example 2:
Not Parallel: CB South is known for its great athletics, outstanding arts programs, and having high level academics.
Parallel: CB South is known for its great athletics, outstanding arts programs, and high level academics.

8. Parallel Structure is important!