Standard: 9-10.L.1a – Use parallel structure.*
Grade level: Grade 9-10
Subject: English Language Arts
Domain: Language
Teacher Overview
The standard 9-10.L.1a, ‘Use parallel structure,’ focuses on helping students understand and apply the concept of parallelism in their writing. Parallel structure is crucial for creating clear and balanced sentences, which enhances readability and persuasiveness. Mastering this standard is essential for students as they progress to more complex writing tasks. Students should have a firm grasp of basic sentence elements and grammatical agreement. They should be comfortable identifying subjects, verbs, and objects, as well as using conjunctions to connect ideas.
Mastering parallel structure allows students to write more effectively and persuasively. They will be able to create rhythm and emphasis in their writing, which is essential for advanced writing tasks and professional communication.
Common Misconception 1
A common misconception is that parallel structure is only relevant in lists or series. This is incorrect because parallel structure applies to various sentence forms, enhancing clarity and coherence beyond just lists.
Intervention 1
To address this misconception, provide diverse examples of parallel structure in different sentence contexts. Engage students in activities where they rewrite sentences to include parallel structure, not limited to lists.
Common Misconception 2
Another misconception is that parallel structure means repeating the exact same words. This is incorrect as parallel structure involves maintaining similar grammatical forms rather than word repetition.
Intervention 2
Clarify that parallel structure uses similar grammatical constructions, not identical words. Use exercises where students identify and correct sentences lacking parallel structure, focusing on the grammatical forms used.
Prerequisite Knowledge
Students should understand basic sentence structure, including the identification of subjects, verbs, and objects. They should also be familiar with coordinating and subordinating conjunctions and have a foundational understanding of grammatical agreement.
Subsequent Knowledge
After mastering parallel structure, students will be able to write more cohesively and persuasively. They will improve their ability to create rhythm and emphasis in their writing, which will be beneficial in advanced writing tasks, such as research papers and professional documents.
Instructional Activities
- Rewrite sentences to include parallel structure.
- Identify examples of parallel structure in literature.
- Create lists and series using parallel structure.
- Peer review writing assignments for parallel structure.
- Practice writing persuasive speeches with parallel structure.
