USING PARALLEL STRUCTURES WHEN WRITING AN ESSAY FOR THE TOEFL INDEPENDENT WRITING TASK (WRITING 6)

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In my previous post on the Essay for the TOEFL Independent Writing Task, I referred to the use of parallel structures to improve your writing style.

In this post I want to include two specific uses of parallel structures.

CASE 1.

Parallel structures should be used when connecting two or more phrases with one of the following words: for, and, but, or, nor, yet, so

Here are some examples that show how this works.

• She likes to talk but not to sing.

In this case, the words but not join two infinitives. That’s perfect!

• The bulbs are in the closet or under the kitchen counter

In this case, the word or joins two phrases that start with prepositions (in and under). The phrases are also similar because they show a noun with the article the. That’s just fine.

• Thinking and running go together.  

In this case, and joins two gerunds, thinking and running.  That’s also very good!

However, the following examples all include expressions that do not comply with the concept of parallel structures.

• My friend never judged me by my words or what I did ( - or my actions)

• I’m paying more for internet facilities but to get less advantages ( - for less advantages)

• The politician’s ideas are usually sound and of use ( - and useful)

• Eating large meals and sedentary habits can lead to illness ( Large meals ---)

• He likes to skateboard and watching others do it ( -- and to watch)

CASE 2.

Parallel structures should be used when connecting two phrases with one of the following expressions: 

(a)    not only…. but also  (b) either… or  (c) neither …. nor   (d) if ….then

Here are some examples that show how this works.

• We were told not only what to do but also what to think

• I told him to either reduce the expenses or sell the materials

• Rosa was neither studying her lessons nor eating her food

However, the following examples all include expressions that do not comply with the concept of parallel structures.

• You are either for us or you are against us  ( -- or against us)

• She is neither a doctor nor is she a dentist  (-- nor a dentist)

• Either ask Sam or Rosa to prepare the food for that trip ( -- or ask Rosa)

                         (You could also say:  Ask either Sam or Rosa…)

• The manager not only visited our office but also the stocks  (-- but also reviewed our stocks)

• Terry will meet us either at the theater or he will be at the restaurant  ( -- or at the restaurant)

CONCLUDING WORDS

I’ve said it before and I will say it again: the TOEFL Independent Writing Task does need some effort on the part of the test taker.

I would suggest the following:

Read my previous post, Writing 5, at this link.


http://joveron.blogspot.com/2013/09/the-toefl-independent-writing-task.html 

Search for more examples on this topic.

Ask a native speaker to review your work, but preferably one with some experience on the TOEFL. 

This task needs to be practiced and it’s really not very realistic to expect to get it right the very first time, unless you are very gifted.

This is the main purpose of this blog! So be sure to visit my future posts on this topic.

So let’s relax and enjoy the beautiful photos. 

YELLOW, YELLOW, EVERYWHERE!

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MAPLE TREE, FALL COLORS

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© 2013  joveron  (Joan Robertson)

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