Lesson Plan: Parallel Structures
Objective:
Students will be able to use parallel structures in writing to enhance clarity
and style.
Code:
EN8G-Ia-7
Grade Level:
Grade 8
Subject:
English
(1) Review
Begin the lesson by reviewing what parallel structure is. Explain that parallel
structure involves using the same pattern of words to show that two or more ideas
have the same level of importance.
Provide examples of parallel structures in sentences, such as:
"She likes reading, writing, and jogging."
"The teacher asked the students to study hard, to complete their assignments on
time, and to participate in class."
(2) Motivation
Show a short video clip (2-3 minutes) from a popular movie or TV show that uses
parallel structures in dialogue.
After watching, ask students how the use of parallel structures made the dialogue
more impactful.
(3) Activity
Interactive Workshop: "Parallel Structure Relay"
Instructions:
1. Divide the class into small groups of 4-5 students.
2. Each group will be given a set of sentence strips with phrases that can be combined
into parallel structures.
3. Example sentence strips:
"running in the park"
"to read books"
"watching movies"
"cooking dinner"
"to swim in the pool"
"playing video games"
4. Groups will race to create as many sentences with parallel structures as possible in
10 minutes using the strips.
5. After the time is up, each group will present their sentences to the class.
6. As a class, discuss the effectiveness of the sentences created and how parallel
structures improve clarity.
(4) Analysis
Lead a discussion on why parallel structures are important in writing.
Ask students to analyze how the meanings change when sentences lack parallel
structure. For example, compare:
"I enjoy swimming, biking, and to run." (not parallel)
"I enjoy swimming, biking, and running." (parallel)
(5) Abstraction
Summarize key points about parallel structures and their usage.
Emphasize that parallel structures can be used in lists, comparisons, and in various
parts of sentences to improve overall writing.
(6) Application
Present students with a real-life scenario: "You are on a school committee tasked
with organizing a community event. You need to present the event's activities
clearly to the community."
Ask students to draft a short announcement that includes at least three parallel
structures to describe the activities of the event, such as:
"Join us for games, food, and music!"
(7) Assessment
Questions:
1. Multiple Choice: What is parallel structure?
A) A type of punctuation
B) A grammatical construction where two or more parts of a sentence are similar in
structure
C) A writing style that avoids repetition
Answer: B
2. True/False: Parallel structure can only be used in lists.
Answer: False
3. Fill-in-the-blank: "I like to swim, to bike, and _______."
Answer: "to run" (or any other appropriate verb)
4. Multiple Choice: Which of the following is an example of parallel structure?
A) "He enjoys reading, to write, and swimming."
B) "He enjoys reading, writing, and swimming."
Answer: B
5. True/False: Using parallel structure can enhance the rhythm of writing.
Answer: True
(8) Assignment
For homework, students will write a short paragraph (5-7 sentences) about their
favorite hobbies or activities using at least three examples of parallel structure.
They should underline the parallel structures in their writing.
Questions and Answers
1. What is parallel structure?
It is the repetition of the same pattern of words to show that two or more ideas
have the same level of importance.
2. Why is parallel structure important in writing?
It enhances clarity, improves rhythm, and helps convey ideas more effectively.
3. Can parallel structures be used in questions?
Yes, parallel structures can be used in any part of a sentence, including questions.
4. Give an example of a sentence that lacks parallel structure.
"She likes dancing, to swim, and cooking." (not parallel)
5. What effect does using parallel structure have on a reader?
It makes the text easier to read and understand, and it can create a more
persuasive or impactful message.
Interactive Activities
1. "Parallel Structure Charades": Students act out sentences using parallel
structures, and their classmates guess the sentence based on their actions.
2. "Sentence Construction Challenge": Using a set of words provided by the
teacher, groups create as many sentences as possible with parallel
structures within a time limit.
3. "Parallel Structure Poetry": Students write a short poem using parallel
structures, focusing on a theme of their choice, then share their poems with
the class.
