BALANCED WRITING: SENTENCE VARIETY AND PARALLEL STRUCTURE BY: NOR AMIRAH SAKINAH ALIAS
BALANCED WRITING: SENTENCE VARIETY AND PARALLEL STRUCTURE BY: NOR AMIRAH SAKINAH ALIAS
Published by: Nor Amirah Sakinah Binti Alias No.4, Jalan KS 14/7, 25200, Kuantan, Pahang. _________________________________________________________________________ Balanced Writing: Sentence Variety and Parallel Structure Writer: Nor Amirah Sakinah Binti Alias Pictures Credit: Canva Pro, Google & websites as stated in references _________________________________________________________________________ Perpustakaan Negara Malaysia Cataloguing-in-Publication Data Nor Amirah Sakinah Alias BALANCED WRITING: SENTENCE VARIETY AND PARALLEL STRUCTURE / Writer: Nor Amirah Sakinah Binti Alias Mode of access: Internet eISBN 978-629-95557-0-4 1. Parallel Structure 2. Essay writing 3. Sentence Stucture 4. Government publications--Malaysia. 5. Electronic books. 6. Nor Amirah Sakinah Alias 7. V. Title.
PREFACE Writing is more than just putting words together; it' s also about making sure messages are understandable and straightforward. A well-written sentence can have a significant impact on how effectively reader will comprehend and relate to thoughts. However, many people find it difficult to maintain balanced and coherent phrases, particularly when it comes to parallelism and sentence structure. Knowing how sentence types and parallel structures function will assist to write better and more effectively, whether you are a professional trying to write more clearly, a student trying to enhance your essays, or just someone who wants to strengthen their writing. The foundations of sentence structures and parallelism will be discussed in the two parts. You 'll learn the functions of various sentence forms and the significance of parallel organisation. This book will guide through each step with clear explanations, practical examples, and useful tasks.
CONTENTS PART 1 INTRODUCTION CHAPTER 1: SIMPLE SENTENCES CHAPTER 2: COMPOUND SENTENCES CHAPTER 3: COMPLEX SENTENCES CHAPTER 4: COMPOUND-COMPLEX SENTENCES CHAPTER 5: MIXING SENTENCE TYPES CHAPTER 6: EXERCISES & ANSWERS CONCLUSION
INTRODUCTION The basic structures of language are sentences. There are four primary categories of sentences based on their structure: simple, compound, complex, and compoundcomplex. Knowing these kinds helps make writing more efficient and clear. Each type is covered in full in this eBook, which also offers writing samples and advice on how to master sentence variety.
A simple sentence consists a single independent clause. It contains a subject and a predicate and expresses a complete thought. This sentence can also stand on its own without being dependant on other sentence(s). Characteristics: One independent clause. Examples: 1.The sun is shining. 2.She loves to bake cakes and make cookies. 3.They played badminton after Mathematics lesson. Tips for Using Simple Sentences: Use simple sentences for clarity and emphasis. Avoid overusing them, as too many simple sentences can make your writing sound choppy. CHAPTER 1: SIMPLE SENTENCES
CHAPTER 1: SIMPLE SENTENCES The cat slept. subject verb (predicate) My mother and father go to the clinic together. compound subject verb (predicate) We ate lunch and played football all day. subject verbs (compound predicate)
A compound sentence contains two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction, a semicolon, or a transitional expression. Characteristics: Two or more independent clauses. Coordinating conjunctions include: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so (FANBOYS). Tips for Using Compound Sentences: Use coordinating conjunctions or semicolons correctly. Combine related ideas to create a natural flow. CHAPTER 2: COMPOUND SENTENCES
CHAPTER 2: COMPOUND SENTENCES FANBOYS For I do not eat shrimp, for I am allergic to seafood. And He likes to eat spaghetti, and she prefers pizza. Nor My sister wanted neither the black dress nor yellow one. But Aafiyah likes drawing pictures, but not painting them. Or Should I buy donuts or ice creams? Yet She was smiling, yet she is unhappy. So Riffat is going to start practising for a marathon, so he buys two new pairs of shoes.
CHAPTER 2: COMPOUND SENTENCES I wanted to go for a walk, but it started raining. independent clause 1 She finished her homework; she went to bed. He likes to play basketball, and she prefers volleyball. independent clause 2 independent clause 1 independent clause 2 independent clause 2 independent clause 1
CHAPTER 3: COMPLEX SENTENCES A complex sentence contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. Characteristics: One independent clause. One or more dependent clauses. Subordinating conjunctions (e.g., because, although, since, unless) link the clauses. Tips for Using Complex Sentences: Place dependent clauses strategically for emphasis. Use subordinating conjunctions to show relationships between ideas.
CHAPTER 3: COMPLEX SENTENCES SUBORDINATING CONJUNCTIONS Although Although it was raining, they decided to go camping. Because She stayed home because she wasn ’t feeling well. Since We haven ’t seen him since he moved to a new city. While While I was cooking, my neighbour came. Unless You won ’t lose weight unless you eat less and exercise more. If If you arrive early, we can grab coffee before the meeting. When I always feel happy when I listen to my favourite song. After After the movie ended, we walked in the park. Before You need to finish your homework before you can play video games. Though Though she was tired, she still worked late into the night.
CHAPTER 3: COMPLEX SENTENCES Although it was raining, they decided to play outside. dependent clause She didn ’t go to the party because she was feeling sick. When the train arrived, everyone hurried to board. independent clause independent clause dependent clause independent clause dependent clause
CHAPTER 4: COMPOUND-COMPLEX SENTENCES A compound-complex sentence combines elements of both compound and complex sentences. It contains two or more independent clauses and at least one dependent clause. Characteristics: At least two independent clauses. At least one dependent clause. Examples: Although she was tired, she stayed up late, and she finished her project. 1. I didn ’t see the movie because I was busy, but my friends told me it was excellent. 2. When the concert ended, the crowd cheered, and they began to leave the arena. 3. Tips for Using Compound-Complex Sentences: Use this structure to convey complex ideas and relationships. Ensure that clauses are properly connected and avoid run-on sentences.
CHAPTER 4: COMPOUND-COMPLEX SENTENCES Although she was tired, she stayed up late, and she finished her project. dependent clause I didn ’t see the movie because I was busy, but my friends told me it was excellent. When the concert ended, the crowd cheered, and they began to leave the arena. independent clauses (compound) dependent clause independent clauses (compound) dependent clause independent clauses (compound)
CHAPTER 5: MIXING SENTENCE TYPES Effective writing combines all four sentence types. This variety keeps your writing engaging and helps you convey different kinds of information effectively. Example Paragraph: The sun was setting, and the sky turned a brilliant shade of orange. While the waves crashed against the shore, a group of children played in the sand. They built sandcastles and laughed loudly. It was a perfect evening to be at the beach. Analysis: Compound Sentence: The sun was setting, and the sky turned a brilliant shade of orange. Complex Sentence: While the waves crashed against the shore, a group of children played in the sand. Simple Sentence: They built sandcastles and laughed loudly.
CHAPTER 6: EXERCISES Task 1 Read each sentence and determine whether it is simple, compound, complex, or compound-complex. 1.The cat slept on the couch. 2.We went to the park, and we had a picnic. Since the movie was sold out, we decided to grab dinner instead. 3. 4.They wanted to go to the museum, but it was closed. I love to read books, but I don ’t have much time because of my busy schedule. 5. 6.She smiled and waved at her friend. 7.If it rains tomorrow, we ’ll cancel the trip. He likes playing soccer, but his brother prefers basketball. 8. After the storm passed, we went outside to assess the damage. 9. She cooked dinner, and he cleaned the kitchen while their kids set the table. 10.
CHAPTER 6: EXERCISES Task 2 Rewrite each sentence in simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex forms. 1.Simple: I enjoy baking. Rewrite as compound: Rewrite as complex: Rewrite as compound-complex: 2.Simple: She sings beautifully. Rewrite as compound: Rewrite as complex: Rewrite as compound-complex: Compound: I wanted to go swimming, but the pool was closed. 3. Rewrite as simple: Rewrite as complex: Rewrite as compound-complex: 4.Complex: Although she was tired, she finished her work. Rewrite as simple: Rewrite as compound: Rewrite as compound-complex: Compound-Complex: While he waited for the train, he read a book, and he listened to music. 5. Rewrite as simple: Rewrite as compound: Rewrite as complex:
CHAPTER 6: EXERCISES Task 3 For each sentence: Identify the independent clause(s) and dependent clause(s). Label the sentence as simple, compound, complex, or compound-complex. 1.Because it was late, we decided to call it a night. 2.I finished my homework, and then I watched TV. She baked a cake while her sister decorated the living room. 3. 4.The dog barked loudly. After the rain stopped, we went for a walk, but it started raining again. 5. 6.The book was interesting, and I couldn ’t put it down. As soon as the bell rang, the students rushed out of the classroom. 7. He studied hard, but he didn ’t do well because he was too nervous. 8. 9.If you don ’t hurry, you ’ll miss the bus. We planned a trip to the mountains, but the weather changed, and we had to cancel. 10.
CONCLUSION Understanding sentence form is vital for efficient communication. By learning simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences, you may improve your writing and tailor it to any audience. To improve your writing ' s clarity, diversity, and impact, practise with different sentence types.
ANSWERS Task 1 1.The cat slept on the couch. → Simple 2.We went to the park, and we had a picnic. → Compound Since the movie was sold out, we decided to grab dinner instead. → Complex 3. They wanted to go to the museum, but it was closed. → Compound 4. I love to read books, but I don ’t have much time because of my busy schedule. → Compound-Complex 5. 6.She smiled and waved at her friend. → Simple 7.If it rains tomorrow, we ’ll cancel the trip. → Complex He likes playing soccer, but his brother prefers basketball. → Compound 8. After the storm passed, we went outside to assess the damage. → Complex 9. She cooked dinner, and he cleaned the kitchen while their kids set the table. → Compound-Complex 10.
ANSWERS Task 2 1.I enjoy baking. Compound: I enjoy baking, and I also enjoy cooking. Complex: Because I enjoy baking, I try to do it every weekend. Compound-Complex: Although I enjoy baking, I don ’t have much free time, so I only bake occasionally. 2.She sings beautifully. Compound: She sings beautifully, and she dances gracefully. Complex: Although she sings beautifully, she ’ s shy about performing. Compound-Complex: Although she sings beautifully, she ’ s shy about performing, but she ’ s working to overcome her fear. 3.I wanted to go swimming, but the pool was closed. Simple: The pool was closed. Complex: Because the pool was closed, I couldn ’t go swimming. Compound-Complex: Although I wanted to go swimming, the pool was closed, so I stayed home instead.
ANSWERS Task 2 4. Although she was tired, she finished her work. Simple: She finished her work. Compound: She was tired, but she finished her work. Compound-Complex: Although she was tired, she finished her work, and then she went to bed. 5. While he waited for the train, he read a book, and he listened to music. Simple: He read a book. Compound: He read a book, and he listened to music. Complex: While he waited for the train, he read a book.
ANSWERS Task 3 Because it was late, we decided to call it a night. → Complex 1. Dependent Clause: "Because it was late " Independent Clause: "We decided to call it a night" I finished my homework, and then I watched TV. → Compound 2. Independent Clauses: "I finished my homework" and "then I watched TV" She baked a cake while her sister decorated the living room. → Complex 3. Independent Clause: "She baked a cake " Dependent Clause: " while her sister decorated the living room " 4.The dog barked loudly. → Simple Independent Clause: "The dog barked loudly " After the rain stopped, we went for a walk, but it started raining again. → Compound-Complex 5. Dependent Clause: "After the rain stopped" Independent Clauses: "We went for a walk" and "it started raining again "
ANSWERS Task 3 6.The book was interesting, and I couldn ’t put it down. → Compound Independent Clauses: "The book was interesting " and "I couldn ’t put it down " 7. As soon as the bell rang, the students rushed out of the classroom. → Complex Dependent Clause: "As soon as the bell rang " Independent Clause: "The students rushed out of the classroom " 8. He studied hard, but he didn ’t do well because he was too nervous. → Compound-Complex Independent Clauses: "He studied hard" and "he didn ’t do well" Dependent Clause: "because he was too nervous " 9. If you don ’t hurry, you ’ll miss the bus. → Complex Dependent Clause: "If you don ’t hurry " Independent Clause: "You ’ll miss the bus " 10. We planned a trip to the mountains, but the weather changed, and we had to cancel. → Compound Independent Clauses: "We planned a trip to the mountains, " "the weather changed, " and " we had to cancel"
END OF PART 1
CONTENTS PART 2 INTRODUCTION CHAPTER 1: THE FOUNDATIONS OF PARALLEL STRUCTURE CHAPTER 2: PARALLEL STRUCTURE IN ACTION CHAPTER 3: COMMON MISTAKES AND HOW TO AVOID THEM CHAPTER 4: PARALLEL STRUCTURE IN ACADEMIC WRITING CHAPTER 5: EXERCISES AND APPLICATIONS CONCLUSION: WRITING WITH CONDIFENCE
INTRODUCTION What is parallel structure? When a grammatical pattern is repeated within or between sentences, it is referred to as parallel structure. This method guarantees that components with comparable significance or roles are shown in a balanced and symmetrical way. Why it matters By improving readability and clarity, parallelism elevates your writing and makes it more polished and captivating. Parallel structure can improve your language whether you ' re writing artistically, organising technical material, or making compelling arguments. Who this book is for This book is intended for professionals, authors, and students who wish to improve their writing and effectively convey ideas. You can learn how to make your sentences more impactful and harmonious by being proficient in parallel structuring.
CHAPTER 1: THE FOUNDATIONS OF PARALLEL STRUCTURE UNDERSTANDING SENTENCE COMPONENTS Let' s study sentence building blocks before moving on to parallel structure: Phrases: collections of related words that do not form a full sentence, such as " walking through the park." Clauses: word groups that contain a subject and a predicate, such as "She sings." Lists: A series of elements, frequently divided by conjunctions or commas.
CHAPTER 1: THE FOUNDATIONS OF PARALLEL STRUCTURE THE ROLE OF BALANCE IN WRITING Symmetry in writing is similar to harmony in design—it is aesthetically pleasing to the reader. Parallelism brings structure into a sentence by aligning related elements, making it easier to follow complex ideas. EXAMPLES OF PARALLEL STRUCTURE ·Non-parallel: She likes cooking, to bake, and reading. ·Parallel: She likes cooking, baking, and reading.
CHAPTER 2: PARALLEL STRUCTURE IN ACTION LISTS AND SERIES Every element in a list should have the same grammatical form when presented. For instance: Gerunds Swimming and hiking are my favourite weekend activities. COORDINATING CONJUNCTIONS "And, " "but, " and " or " are examples of conjunctions that join related items. The items on either side of the conjunction should have parallel structures. For instance: And She is talented in singing and dancing. CORRELATIVE CONJUNCTIONS Balance is necessary in the phrases that these pairs (such as "both...and, " " not only...but also") connect. not only...but also: She not only enjoys hiking but also swimming.
Noun The job requires attention to detail and being organised. (non-parallel) The job requires attention to detail and organisation. (parallel) Verb The tourists are spending time with the locals, eating local food, and listen to their stories. (non-parallel) The tourists are spending time with the locals, eating local food, and listening to their stories. (parallel) Adjective My current job is really stressful and demand. (non-parallel) My current job is really stressful and demanding. (parallel) Adverb He completed the task quickly and very efficient. (non-parallel) He completed the task quickly and efficiently. (parallel) Gerund Planning the wedding and to manage the guest list required a lot of patience and creativity. (non-parallel) Planning the wedding and managing the guest list required a lot of patience and creativity. (parallel) CHAPTER 2: PARALLEL STRUCTURE IN ACTION
CHAPTER 3: COMMON MISTAKES AND HOW TO AVOID THEM FAULTY PARALLELISM This occurs when related elements in a sentence lack consistent structure. Faulty: He enjoys reading books, to write poetry, and watching movies. Corrected: He enjoys reading books, writing poetry, and watching movies. OVERUSING PARALLEL STRUCTURE While symmetry is important, excessive use can make writing monotonous, as in the first sentence. Use parallelism selectively to maintain interest and variety. The second sentence maintains balance but adds more flow and variation. She enjoys reading books, watching movies, eating snacks, taking naps, writing essays, and solving puzzles. 1. She enjoys reading books and watching movies, but she also likes snacking, napping, writing essays, and solving puzzles. 1.
CHAPTER 3: COMMON MISTAKES AND HOW TO AVOID THEM PARALLELISM ACROSS COMPLEX SENTENCES Parallel structure is sometimes lost in lengthy sentences with several clauses. Break these sentences and make necessary revisions to ensure balance. Faulty: She said that she likes painting, plays the piano, and that she wants to learn to cook. Corrected: She said that she likes painting, playing the piano, and learning to cook.
CHAPTER 4: PARALLEL STRUCTURE IN ACADEMIC WRITING Parallelism is crucial in academic writing for constructing clear arguments and presenting data. WRITING THESIS STATEMENT A thesis statement with a parallel structure guarantees balance, clarity, and a formal tone. Here ' s an example: Non-parallel thesis statement: "This essay will discuss how exercise improves mental health, boosting physical strength, and it also helps in managing stress." The ideas are not expressed in parallel form, making the sentence awkward. Revised parallel thesis statement: "This essay will discuss how exercise improves mental health, enhances physical strength, and helps manage stress. The verbs (improves, enhances, helps) are in the same grammatical form, creating a smooth and balanced statement.
CHAPTER 4: PARALLEL STRUCTURE IN ACADEMIC WRITING WHY PARALLEL STRUCTURE MATTERS? Clarity: Parallel structure organizes ideas clearly, making the thesis easier to understand. Consistency: Balanced phrasing keeps the focus on the content without distractions from uneven structure. Professionalism: A well-structured thesis reflects attention to detail and strong writing skills. When drafting your thesis, ensure that all key points are stated in the same grammatical pattern!
CHAPTER 5: EXERCISES AND APPLICATIONS TASK 1 Rewrite the following sentences to improve their parallel structure: The company aims to grow globally, increase revenue, and that customer satisfaction improves. 1. The instructor emphasised studying regularly, to take notes thoroughly, and asking questions in class. 2. He enjoys hiking in the mountains, to swim in the ocean, and riding bikes through the forest. 3. The project requires creativity, strong communication skills, and being able to work under pressure. 4. For breakfast, I like toast, drinking orange juice, and eating eggs. 5.
CHAPTER 5: EXERCISES AND APPLICATIONS TASK 2 Fill in the blanks with words or phrases to make the sentences parallel. The team worked hard by __________, __________, and __________. (gerund) 1. She enjoys __________, __________, and __________ on weekends. (gerund) 2. The workshop focuses on __________, __________, and __________ to improve productivity. (noun phrase) 3. For a healthy lifestyle, you should __________, __________, and __________ daily. (modal verb) 4. The candidate must have skills in __________, __________, and __________. (noun) 5.
CHAPTER 5: EXERCISES AND APPLICATIONS TASK 3 Write sentences using parallel structure based on these prompts: 1.Three activities you like doing. 2.Goals you have for the year. 3.Qualities you admire in a person. 4.A description of a productive day. 5.A list of preferred foods or drinks.
CHAPTER 5: EXERCISES AND APPLICATIONS TASK 4 Read the following passage and identify sentences with errors in parallel structure. Rewrite them to correct the errors. When planning a vacation, it’ s important to consider the cost, the destination, and how long the travel will take. Many people enjoy visiting museums, exploring nature trails, and they like trying local cuisine. Packing efficiently involves making a list, organising your suitcase, and to avoid overpacking. A great vacation requires good planning, patience, and being flexible when things don ’t go as expected. Travellers should check their flight schedules, budget their expenses, and that they bring all necessary documents.
CHAPTER 5: EXERCISES AND APPLICATIONS TASK 5 Write a thesis statement with 2 main ideas for each essay topic in parallel structure. Topic 1: University students should be encouraged to work part time. Ideas: Gain more work experience Improvement in communication skills Topic 2: Children should be required to learn a foreign language in primary school. Ideas: Learning different cultures Get better career opportunities
CONCLUSION: WRITING WITH CONFIDENCE REVIEWING WHAT YOU’VE LEARNED Key principles of parallel structure include: Keeping lists, sentences, and phrases consistent Steering clear of frequent mistakes like flawed parallelism or excessive repetition. Effectively connecting balanced elements using conjunctions FINAL TIPS FOR WRITERS To smoothly lead your reader through your text, use parallel structure. It will quickly become second nature if you practise frequently. Keep in mind that balance and clarity are the foundations of great writing; if you can master parallel construction, you 'll be well on your way to accomplishing both.
ANSWERS TASK 1 Original Sentence and Correction: The company aims to grow globally, increase revenue, and that customer satisfaction improves. 1. Correction: The company aims to grow globally, increase revenue, and improve customer satisfaction. Explanation: Use consistent verb forms (grow, increase, improve) for parallel structure. The instructor emphasised studying regularly, to take notes thoroughly, and asking questions in class. 2. Correction: The instructor emphasised studying regularly, taking notes thoroughly, and asking questions in class. Explanation: All items in the list should use gerunds (-ing form). He enjoys hiking in the mountains, to swim in the ocean, and riding bikes through the forest. 3. Correction: He enjoys hiking in the mountains, swimming in the ocean, and riding bikes through the forest. Explanation: Use consistent gerunds (-ing) for parallelism. The project requires creativity, strong communication skills, and being able to work under pressure. 4. Correction: The project requires creativity, strong communication skills, and the ability to work under pressure. Explanation: Use noun forms consistently (creativity, skills, ability). 5.For breakfast, I like toast, drinking orange juice, and eating eggs. Correction: For breakfast, I like toast, orange juice, and eggs. Explanation: Use nouns consistently (toast, juice, eggs) for a parallel list.
ANSWERS TASK 2 (Answers will vary; examples are provided below) The team worked hard by planning carefully, meeting deadlines, and collaborating effectively. 1. 2.She enjoys hiking, painting, and reading on weekends. The workshop focuses on building skills, improving efficiency, and fostering teamwork. 3. For a healthy lifestyle, you should exercise regularly, eat nutritious food, and sleep well daily. 4. The candidate must have skills in communication, problem-solving, and time management. 5. TASK 3 (Answers will vary; examples are provided below.) 1.I enjoy cooking, reading, and traveling. My goals this year are to learn a new language, save money, and improve my fitness. 2. 3.I admire honesty, kindness, and resilience in a person. A productive day includes completing tasks, attending meetings, and exercising. 4. 5.My favorite foods are pasta, sushi, and ice cream. TASK 4 Rewritten Text (Corrected): When planning a vacation, it’ s important to consider the cost, the destination, and the travel time. Many people enjoy visiting museums, exploring nature trails, and trying local cuisine. Packing efficiently involves making a list, organising your suitcase, and avoiding overpacking. A great vacation requires good planning, patience, and flexibility when things don ’t go as expected. Travelers should check their flight schedules, budget their expenses, and bring all necessary documents.
ANSWERS TASK 5 Write a thesis statement with 2 main ideas for each essay topic in parallel structure. Topic 1: University students should be encouraged to work part time. Ideas: Gain more work experience Improvement in communication skills Possible answer: University students should be encouraged to work part time in order to gain more work experience and improve communication skills. Topic 2: Children should be required to learn a foreign language in primary school. Ideas: Learning different cultures Get better career opportunities Possible answer: Children should be required to learn a foreign language in primary school because they can learn different cultures and get better career opportunities.
END OF PART 2
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