Page 164 - SpringBoard_ELA_Grade6_Flipbook

aCTIvITy 2.15
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Language and Writer’s Craft: Parallel Structure Grammar USaGe
words and word groups in a series of three or more items. Include a comma before the conjunction.
Do not use commas in a series when all items are linked by and, or, or nor.
my Notes
Parallel structure involves arranging words, phrases, and clauses in a series using
the same grammatical structure to show that two or more similar things are of Use commas to separate
equal importance. Using parallel structure is a way of composing interesting and effective sentences. You can sometimes improve sentences by combining two or three ideas into one sentence.
The following sentences contain a series of items in parallel structure. Use these sentences as patterns to copy. Notice especially the punctuation.
• Carrie loved swimming, running, and playing tennis.
• His eyes were swollen shut, his face was red and puffy, and his nose was lopsided.
• Every day John walked in the door, threw his backpack on the chair, and opened the refrigerator.
• You may sit in the back, you may sit in the front, or you may sit anywhere in between.
8. Combine the ideas in the following sentences using parallel structure. These sentences are taken from the excerpt from Travels with Charley and the article “Saying Farewell to a Faithful Pal,” both of which are stories about dogs that you will read later in this unit.
• Charley became a maniac. He leaped all over me. He cursed and growled. He also snarled and screamed.
• Marley chewed couches. He slashed screens. He also was a slinger of drool and a tipper of trash cans.
9. Reread your expository essay about change. Apply the revision strategies that you have learned in this unit to improve your writing.
• Combine ideas by using parallel structure or compound sentences.
• Add details, commentary, and figurative language.
• Replace words to make your language more precise, interesting, and original.
Check Your Understanding
Reflect on the changes you made to your essay and how these changes improved your writing. What will you be sure to do when you write your next expository essay?
Commas
Unit 2 • The Power to Change 137
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