Get Ready for the PERT: Understanding Parallel Structure

When preparing for the Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT), mastering grammar can significantly boost your confidence and performance. Have you ever found yourself stumbling over the intricacies of sentence structure? One key component to pay attention to is parallel structure, an element that can elevate your writing from good to great. So, what’s parallel structure, and why does it matter?

Let’s first set the scene: Imagine you’re crafting a beautiful sentence like a painter blending colors on a canvas. Parallel structure acts as your brush, allowing your ideas to flow in harmony. Essentially, it means arranging similar elements in a sentence, whether they’re phrases, clauses, or lists, to create a rhythm that’s pleasing to the ear and easy to understand.

For instance, consider the following sentence from our PERT practice question: “Charlie looked under the bed, in the closet, and checked on top of the table.” Here’s the thing—this sentence lacks parallel structure because two parts follow one format while the third part takes a different turn. The first two elements (“under the bed” and “in the closet”) maintain a sleek, prepositional phrase form, while “checked on top of the table” brings in a verb phrase that just doesn’t fit. It breaks the flow, much like hitting a sour note in a melody.

Why does this matter? Well, when you’re writing — or even speaking — maintaining parallel structure is crucial for clarity. Think of it as a guiding principle: consistency leads to better comprehension for your audience. When your sentences are structured similarly, you not only make them easier to read, but you also create an organized thought flow that’s more engaging. Who wouldn’t want that?

Let’s look at our examples again. If we check option B, “The water parks close early, charge too much, and get too crowded,” everything is neatly lined up. Each part of that sentence has the same rhythm. This meticulous format ensures clarity and elegance in your writing. Writers everywhere appreciate this—so why not you?

At times, students overlook these subtle details. But if you can sharpen your skills in identifying parallel structures, you can avoid many common pitfalls in writing—especially on standardized tests like the PERT. This ability enhances not just your essays and free responses but also your ability to decode the reading comprehension passages you’ll face. It’s like having a secret weapon in your academic arsenal.

Want some tips on how to practice this essential skill? Start by rewriting sentences that feel clunky. Take a mixed structure and transform it into a parallel one, shaping your ideas into a rhythm that dances along the page. Surround yourself with examples and challenge yourself to list out sentence structures in your daily notes. You’ll quickly get the hang of it.

In closing, mastering parallel structure isn’t just helpful for the PERT; it’s a life skill that will serve you well in any written communication going forward. So, keep sharpening those writing chops! Your future essays, reports, and applications will thank you. And as you embark on this journey, remember: clarity is key, and the art of parallel structure paves the way for compelling writing. Are you ready to take your writing to the next level?