ParaPro Assesment Practice Exam

What is parallelism in writing?

1. Using synonyms in a sentence

2. Consistent verb forms in a series

3. Creating diverse sentence structures

4. Repeating a phrase for emphasis

The correct answer is: Consistent verb forms in a series

Parallelism in writing refers to the use of consistent grammatical structures within a sentence or a series of sentences to convey ideas that are similar in content and function. By maintaining similar verb forms or grammatical constructions, writers create a rhythm and clarity that enhances readability and the overall impact of the writing. For instance, in a list that describes multiple actions, using consistent verb forms such as "running," "jumping," and "swimming" helps readers easily follow the flow of ideas. This use of parallel structure ensures that the components are perceived as equally important and related, which strengthens the coherence of the sentence. In contrast, the other answer choices do not accurately encapsulate the concept of parallelism. Utilizing synonyms relates to vocabulary choice rather than structure, creating diverse sentence structures pertains more to variety in writing than maintaining uniformity, and repeating a phrase for emphasis falls under rhetorical devices instead of grammatical consistency. Thus, the focus on consistent verb forms in a series distinctly defines parallelism in writing.