Thesis Statement and Parallel Structure

In an introduction paragraph, a thesis statement...

• grabs the reader's attention

• gives background information on the topic

• directly answers the question or prompt

• leaves the reader with a feeling or a question

Which of the following is the best example of a strong thesis statement?

• I think school uniforms should be worn because they are clean, neat, and tidy.

• School uniforms should be required because they improve discipline, create equality, and reduce distractions.

• School uniforms should be required because they tend to look nicer than regular old street clothes do which can help students get jobs in the future.

• School uniforms are worn by many students.

What is the purpose of using a word like "because" in a thesis statement?

• To list random facts about the topic

• To introduce the main idea of the essay

• To connect the main idea to the three supporting reasons

• To make the thesis statement longer

Which thesis statement follows the format: Main Idea + Because + Three Topics?

• Video games are fun, exciting, and sometimes scary.

• Reading is important because it builds vocabulary, improves writing, and strengthens comprehension skills.

• The environment is in danger, and we should do something about it.

• Many people enjoy sports, music, and cooking.

Which sentence has three reasons in parallel form?

• Exercising is important because it strengthens muscles, improves endurance, and helps with sleeping better.

• Exercising is important because it strengthens muscles, improves endurance, and helps you sleep better.

• Exercising is important because it strengthens muscles, improves endurance, and increases flexibility.

• Exercising is important because it makes you strong, gives energy, and is fun.

What does parallel form mean in writing?

• Making all supporting ideas different from each other

• Using words that mean the same thing

• Making the supporting points match in grammatical structure

• Making sure the sentences are all the same length

Which of the following sentences uses parallel structure correctly?

• Learning a new language helps improve memory, increases job opportunities, and is good at making friends.

• Learning a new language helps improve memory, increase job opportunities, and make new friends.

• Learning a new language helps improve memory, increases job opportunities, and helps you to make new friends.

• Learning a new language helps improve memory, increases job opportunities, and makes new friends.

Which sentence contains a reason that does not match the others in structure?

• Dogs make great pets because they are loyal, they provide protection, and they make people happy.

• Dogs make great pets because they are loyal, protective, and fun.

• Dogs make great pets because they are loyal, they protect their owners, and they are playing outside.

• Dogs make great pets because they are easy to train, they offer companionship, and they provide security.

Identify the sentence that has an error in parallel structure.

• My favorite hobbies are reading, swimming, and painting.

• My favorite hobbies are reading books, swimming in the pool, and to paint pictures.

• My favorite hobbies are reading books, swimming in the pool, and painting pictures.

• My favorite hobbies are reading, writing, and traveling.

Which sentence has correctly written parallel reasons?

• I love baking because it is creative, fun, and a way to make money.

• I love baking because it is creative, fun, and relaxing.

• I love baking because it is creative, fun, and helps me earn money.

• I love baking because it is fun, exciting, and I can make cookies.