Professional Communication Worksheet

Read the following scenario. Then, in the space provided, complete the tasks that follow. Today's reading for writing class focused on parallel structure. Meghan came to you for help with the homework assignment. She wants to know how to identify parallel structure. 1. Explain to Meghan what is meant by parallel structure, and tell her how to create parallel structure.

• Parallel structure means using the same pattern of words to show that two or more ideas have the same level of importance. To create parallel structure, use the same grammatical form for each item in a list or comparison.

• Parallel structure means using different patterns of words to show that ideas have varying levels of importance. To create parallel structure, use different grammatical forms for each item in a list or comparison.

• Parallel structure is unrelated to grammar and focuses on the thematic elements of writing. To create parallel structure, focus on the theme rather than the grammatical form.

• Parallel structure is a mathematical concept applied to writing. To create parallel structure, apply mathematical formulas to sentence construction.

Read the following scenario. Then, in the space provided, complete the tasks that follow. Today's reading for writing class focused on parallel structure. Meghan came to you for help with the homework assignment. She wants to know how to identify parallel structure. Which of the following sentences demonstrates parallel structure?

• She likes to swim, to run, and biking.

• She likes swimming, running, and biking.

• She likes to swim, running, and to bike.

• She likes swimming, to run, and biking.

Read each of the following sentences. Look at the two words given in the parentheses. Then, write the word that will make the sentence correct. 1. The (principle, principal) reason for making that decision was the cost factor.

Read each of the following sentences. Look at the two words given in the parentheses. Then, write the word that will make the sentence correct. 2. The lack of rain (effected, affected) the garden to the point that most plants withered.

• affected

• effected

• infected

• defected

Read each of the following sentences. Look at the two words given in the parentheses. Then, write the word that will make the sentence correct. 3. (There, Their, They're) projects were submitted on time.

• Their

• There

• They're

• Theirs

Read each of the following sentences. Look at the two words given in the parentheses. Then, write the word that will make the sentence correct. 4. Lois went (to, too, two) far past her destination to arrive on time.

• to

• too

• two

• tow

Read each of the following sentences. Look at the two words given in the parentheses. Then, write the word that will make the sentence correct. 5. I think (your, you're) serving on this committee.

• you're

• your

• yore

• youre