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Higher Education

Parallelism Quiz

Instructions: Parallel structures are required for series and for most kinds of compounds. Within a sentence, a series is a sequence that consists of three or more words, phrases, or clauses. Compounds are formed when two parts of speech (or other grammatical units) are joined by a conjunctive word or words (and, or, either . . . or, etc.). In the exercises below, identify the sentence in which all the elements are parallel. If two options contain parallel structures, select the one that is most efficient (i.e., less repetitive).

Question 1:


a) Users of ecstasy report feeling euphoric, energized, and confident.
b) Users of ecstasy report feeling euphoric, energized, and having a feeling of confidence.
c) Correct as is.

Question 2:


a) Video games are good for people because they develop players’ thinking skills, make players more creative, and stimulate players’ minds.
b) Video games are good for people because they develop players’ thinking skills, help with creativity, and they stimulate the minds of the players.
c) Correct as is.

Question 3:


a) The writer effectively portrays the nature of social hierarchies and their relation to economic inequality.
b) Correct as is.
c) The writer effectively portrays the nature of social hierarchies and relating them to economic inequality.

Question 4:


a) The key to using technology effectively is to balance it so it contributes but does not override one’s life.
b) Correct as is.
c) The key to using technology effectively is to balance it so it contributes, but does not override, one’s life.

Question 5:


a) In addition to severe headaches, caffeine withdrawal symptoms include drowsiness, irritability, and poor concentration.
b) In addition to severe headaches, caffeine withdrawal symptoms include drowsiness, irritability, and they cannot concentrate.
c) Correct as is.

Question 6:


a) Correct as is.
b) For many young women, wearing the hijab shows that they are attached to their culture, proud of their religion, and secure in their identity.
c) For many young women, wearing the hijab shows that they are attached to their culture, proud of their religion, and defines their identity.

Question 7:


a) The essay we were asked to read appeals more to the reader’s emotions rather than appealing to simple logic.
b) Correct as is.
c) The essay we were asked to read appeals more to the reader’s emotions than to simple logic.

Question 8:


a) Minor league professionals live a nomadic lifestyle with endless bus journeys and having to deal with cheap hotels.
b) Correct as is.
c) Minor league professionals live a nomadic lifestyle with endless bus journeys and dealing with cheap hotels.

Question 9:


a) Alcohol used in excess can damage the brain, affect memory, and cause learning disabilities.
b) Alcohol used in excess can damage the brain, affect memory, and can lead to learning disabilities.
c) Correct as is.

Question 10:


a) Correct as is.
b) Critics have proposed various ways to reform the UN Security Council, such as to abolish the veto and extending the Council beyond the current five members.
c) Critics have proposed various ways to reform the UN Security Council, such as abolishing the veto and extending the Council beyond the current five members.

Question 11:


a) Some of the physical effects of marijuana consumption include structural changes in the brain, depresses male sperm counts, and chromosomal damage.
b) Correct as is.
c) Some of the physical effects of marijuana consumption include structural changes in the brain, lower male sperm counts, and chromosomal damage.

Question 12:


a) Students who have an autistic classmate can learn what autism is, why some people are different, and how to accept one another.
b) Students who have an autistic classmate can learn what autism is, why some people are different, and to accept one another.
c) Correct as is.

Question 13:


a) Correct as is.
b) The Wii is the best value for video gamers as it suits all ages and types of gamers, costs less than its competitors, and it is more widely available than its rivals.
c) The Wii is the best value for video gamers as it suits all ages and types of gamers, it costs less than its competitors, and it is more widely available than its rivals.

Question 14:


a) Correct as is.
b) Highway safety programs increase public safety either by enforcing existing laws that limit speed or by lowering speed limits.
c) Highway safety programs increase public safety by either enforcing existing laws that limit speed or lower speed limits.

Question 15:


a) Correct as is.
b) For many students, computers are essential in order to provide a wealth of information, to cut down on homework time, and relaxation after the essay is done.
c) For many students, computers are essential in order to provide a wealth of information, to cut down on homework time, and to relax with after the essay is done.