Parallel Structure
Which sentence uses parallel structure correctly?
A. The coach told us to run quickly, with determination, and that we should stay focused.
B. The coach told us to run quickly, to stay focused, and to finish strong.
C. The coach told us to run quickly, staying focused, and to finish strong.
D. The coach told us to run quickly, stay focused, and finishing strong.
B. The coach told us to run quickly, to stay focused, and to finish strong.
In the first paragraph, the author describes the city as an "iron-ribbed beast."
What is the effect of this metaphor?
A. To suggest the city is physically growing at an alarming rate.
B. To characterize the city as a living, powerful, and perhaps predatory entity.
C. To emphasize the lack of modern architecture in the metropolitan area.
D. To imply that the city is in a state of decay and near death.
B. To characterize the city as a living, powerful, and perhaps predatory entity.
Which statement best describes the central conflict Maya faces?
A. Convincing her uncle to attend her events
B. Deciding whether to move away
C. Choosing whether to reveal a painful family secret
D. Repairing the loose board in the closet
C. Choosing whether to reveal a painful family secret
Which line best reveals Maya’s internal conflict?
1. She didn’t know yet what she would do with the letter
Which statement best expresses the central idea of the passage?
A. Everyone supports building a new technology center.
B. The library’s decline may be the result of long‑term underfunding.
C. Technology centers are always more beneficial than libraries.
D. Most residents want the library demolished immediately.
B. The library’s decline may be the result of long‑term underfunding.
Which detail best illustrates the turning point?
3 Lila presented her research
Which option contains an independent clause?
A. After the bell rang
B. While walking through the hallway
C. The students completed the assignment
D. Because the storm was approaching
C. The students completed the assignment.
Which sentence uses a semicolon correctly?
A. The storm clouds gathered quickly; and the hikers decided to head back.
B. The museum features several rare artifacts; for example, a Roman coin.
C. Julian had prepared for the audition for weeks; however, he still felt nervous.
D. Because the power went out during the night; the alarm clock did not go off.
C. Julian had prepared for the audition for weeks; however, he still felt nervous.
Which revision creates parallel structure?
The committee values honesty, creativity, and that members arrive on time.
A. honesty, creativity, and arriving on time
B. honesty, being creative, and arriving on time
C. honesty, creativity, and that members arrive on time
D. honesty, creativity, and members who arrive on time
A. honesty, creativity, and arriving on time
Read this sentence from the passage:
"The rain strike the pavement like a thousand silver needles."
What does the use of this simile suggest about the rain?
A. The rain is gentle and calming to Elias.
B. The rain is valuable and precious like jewelry.
C. The rain is sharp, intense, and perhaps painful or intrusive.
D. The rain is invisible against the grey backdrop of the city.
C. The rain is sharp, intense, and perhaps painful or intrusive.
What does the letter symbolize?
A. The burden of truth and responsibility
B. Maya’s desire to leave home
C. The family’s financial struggles
D. Daniel’s resentment toward Maya
A. The burden of truth and responsibility
How does the author use contrast to develop meaning?
Which detail best shows that public opinion was divided?
A. Residents attended community meetings.
B. The city council postponed its vote.
C. Library attendance declined by 40 percent.
D. Supporters and opponents offered conflicting arguments.
D. Supporters and opponents offered conflicting arguments.
How does the author use evidence?
3. Uses statistics and research findings
Which sentence contains a participial phrase?
A. Running quickly, Marcus reached the bus on time.
B. The bus was late again.
C. Marcus reached the bus on time.
D. The dog barked loudly at the mail carrier.
A. Running quickly, Marcus reached the bus on time.
Choose the sentence that is punctuated correctly.
A. The recipe calls for three main ingredients: flour, sugar, and butter.
B. You will need to bring the following: to the meeting: a pen and paper. C. My favorite outdoor activities are: hiking, swimming, and cycling. D. We visited several cities on our trip, including: Paris, Rome, and Berlin.
A. The storm clouds gathered quickly; and the hikers decided to head back.
B. The museum features several rare artifacts; for example, a Roman coin.
C. Julian had prepared for the audition for weeks; however, he still felt nervous.
D. Because the power went out during the night; the alarm clock did not go off.
A. The recipe calls for three main ingredients: flour, sugar, and butter.
Which sentence contains a parallelism error?
A. She enjoys hiking on weekends, swimming in the lake, and biking along the trail.
B. The new policy requires employees to sign in, to wear badges, and to report concerns.
C. The teacher asked us to read the chapter, write a summary, and that we complete the questions.
D. The volunteers sorted donations, labeled boxes, and loaded the truck.
C. The teacher asked us to read the chapter, write a summary, and that we complete the questions.
How does the personification of the wind in the country ("whispered secrets") contrast with the personification of the wind in the city ("shrieked... a banshee")?
A. It highlights the difference between a peaceful past and a haunting present.
B. It shows that the country was actually more dangerous than the city.
C. It suggests that Elias has lost his ability to hear the wind clearly.
D. It emphasizes that the city is much louder than the country.
A. It highlights the difference between a peaceful past and a haunting present.
Which detail best reveals Maya’s emotional reaction to the letter?
A. She watches Daniel arrive for dinner
B. She notices the sun sinking
C. She searches for boots
D. Her hands tremble as she sets the letter down
D. Her hands tremble as she sets the letter down
Which detail shows Maya’s mother intended her to find the letter?
1. The message “For when the truth must be faced”
What is the author’s purpose in including Lila Torres’s research?
A. To show students were uninterested
B. To introduce evidence that reframes the issue
C. To argue teenagers should be more involved
D. To prove the city had no intention of replacing the library
B. To introduce evidence that reframes the issue
What is the author’s tone toward the city’s handling of the library?
14. How does the author develop the central idea?
15. Which detail shows the community values the library?
16. Which statement best describes the relationship between evidence and argument?
17. Which claim is supported by multiple pieces of evidence?
18. What is the effect of ending the passage with uncertainty?
19. Which detail shows the debate shifted after Lila’s presentation?
20. How does the author use cause and effect?
2. Explains how the library caused construction
Which option contains a dependent clause?
A. Although the essays were lengthy
B. The teacher graded the essays.
C. The teacher graded quickly.
D. The essays were lengthy.
A. Although the essays were lengthy
Which sentence correctly uses a colon to introduce a list?
A. For breakfast, I usually eat: eggs, toast, and fruit.
B. The coach told us that we needed: "more focus and better teamwork."
C. To be a successful pilot, one must possess three traits: courage, discipline, and quick reflexes.
D. When you go to the store, please buy: milk and bread.
C. To be a successful pilot, one must possess three traits: courage, discipline, and quick reflexes.
Which revision best improves parallel structure?
The speaker inspired the audience to take risks, to challenge assumptions, and embracing change.
A. to take risks, challenge assumptions, and embrace change
B. taking risks, challenging assumptions, and embracing change
C. to take risks, to challenge assumptions, and embracing change
D. to take risks, challenging assumptions, and embracing change
A. to take risks, challenge assumptions, and embrace change
4. Elias describes himself as a "ghost in a machine."
What does this metaphor reveal about his internal conflict?
A. He is literally afraid of the technology surrounding him.
B. He feels disconnected from the cold, industrial environment of the city.
C. He believes he is dying and becoming a spirit.
D. He feels powerful because he can manipulate the city's "gears."
B. He feels disconnected from the cold, industrial environment of the city.
Which inference about Daniel is best supported by the passage?
A. He intentionally hid the letter
B. He regrets the choice he made years ago
C. He is unaware the letter exists
D. He wants Maya to confront him
B. He regrets the choice he made years ago
What does Maya’s decision to carry the letter suggest?
1. She is thoughtful and understands the seriousness
Which inference is best supported by the passage?
A. Most residents preferred the technology center.
B. Lila was hired by the city council.
C. The library’s decline may not reflect its true value.
D. The city intentionally hid budget information.
C. The library’s decline may not reflect its true value.
How does the author develop the central idea?
D. By showing how new evidence challenges assumptions
4. Which sentence includes an appositive phrase?
A. My brother, a talented musician, wrote a new song.
B. My brother wrote a new song.
C. My brother is talented.
D. My brother practices daily.
A. My brother, a talented musician, wrote a new song.
Which of the following sentences uses a semicolon to separate items in a complex list?
A. My cousins live in Jackson, Mississippi, Birmingham, Alabama, and Atlanta, Georgia.
B. My cousins live in Jackson, Mississippi; Birmingham, Alabama; and Atlanta, Georgia.
C. My cousins live in; Jackson, Mississippi, Birmingham, Alabama, and Atlanta, Georgia.
D. My cousins live in Jackson Mississippi; Birmingham Alabama; and Atlanta Georgia.
B. My cousins live in Jackson, Mississippi; Birmingham, Alabama; and Atlanta, Georgia.
Which sentence uses parallel structure to emphasize contrast?
A. She wanted not only to win the competition but also proving she deserved to be there.
B. She wanted not only to win the competition but also to prove she deserved to be there.
C. She wanted not only winning the competition but also to prove she deserved to be there.
D. She wanted not only to win the competition but also proving her worth.
B. She wanted not only to win the competition but also to prove she deserved to be there.
Read this phrase from the passage:
"...the creek chuckled over smooth stones." What is the connotative effect of the word "chuckled" in this context?
A. It creates a sense of mockery and disdain.
B. It suggests a lighthearted, natural, and friendly atmosphere.
C. It implies the water is moving dangerously fast.
D. It indicates that the stones are out of place.
B. It suggests a lighthearted, natural, and friendly atmosphere.
How does the author develop Maya’s character?
A. Through her internal struggle and observations
B. Through her sports achievements
C. Through interactions with school friends
D. Through detailed physical description
A. Through her internal struggle and observations
Which sentence best describes the tone?
1. Tense and reflective
Which statement best describes the structure of the passage?
A. Presents a problem, introduces new evidence, shows community response
B. Compares two cities
C. Lists unrelated facts
D. Describes how a technology center was built
A. Presents a problem, introduces new evidence, shows community response
Which detail shows the community values the library?
D. Elderly citizens rely on it as a safe place
Which option contains an adverbial clause?
A. Before the sun rose, we began our journey.
B. The early morning sun was bright.
C. We began our journey early.
D. Our journey began at dawn.
A. Before the sun rose, we began our journey.
Read the sentence below.
The research project was finally finished Elias felt a great sense of relief.
Which version of the sentence is punctuated correctly?
A. The research project was finally finished, Elias felt a great sense of relief.
B. The research project was finally finished: Elias felt a great sense of relief.
C. The research project was finally finished; Elias felt a great sense of relief.
D. The research project was finally finished Elias, felt a great sense of relief.
C. The research project was finally finished; Elias felt a great sense of relief.
Which option corrects the parallelism error?
The internship taught him to communicate clearly, working efficiently, and how to manage time.
A. to communicate clearly, to work efficiently, and to manage time
B. communicating clearly, working efficiently, and managing time
C. to communicate clearly, working efficiently, and managing time
D. communicating clearly, to work efficiently, and to manage time
A. to communicate clearly, to work efficiently, and to manage time
6. The author refers to Elias as a "small, organic cog."
How does this word choice contribute to the tone of the passage?
A. It creates a hopeful tone by showing Elias is part of a larger purpose.
B. It creates a cynical tone by reducing a human being to a replaceable part.
C. It creates a whimsical tone by comparing humans to toys.
D. It creates an angry tone by highlighting the dangers of factories.
B. It creates a cynical tone by reducing a human being to a replaceable part.
Which sentence best expresses the theme?
A. People should never question loved ones
B. The truth is always harmful
C. Secrets can protect but also burden
D. Families should always agree
C. Secrets can protect but also burden
Which event marks the turning point?
2. Maya opening the letter
Which detail best supports the idea that the city may have influenced the library’s decline?
A. Demand for digital resources increased
B. Residents attended meetings
C. Funding steadily decreased
D. Attendance declined by 40 percent
C. Funding steadily decreased
Which statement best describes the relationship between evidence and argument?
1. Both sides use evidence, but new evidence complicates the debate
6. Which sentence contains a prepositional phrase?
A. The cat slept under the table.
B. The table was wooden.
C. The cat slept soundly.
D. The cat was tired.
A. The cat slept under the table.
Which sentence uses a dash correctly for emphasis or an abrupt break?
A. The new stadium—which cost millions of dollars—will open next Friday.
B. I was thinking—about going to the park—later today.
C. She won the race—and she—felt very happy.
D. The book was—too long for me—to finish in one night.
A. The new stadium—which cost millions of dollars—will open next Friday.
Which sentence demonstrates correct parallel structure in a list?
A. The club’s goals are improving attendance, to increase participation, and creating new events.
B. The club’s goals are to improve attendance, increase participation, and create new events.
C. The club’s goals are improving attendance, increasing participation, and to create new events.
D. The club’s goals are to improve attendance, increasing participation, and creating new events.
B. The club’s goals are to improve attendance, increase participation, and create new events.
7. "I'm just a drop in the ocean" is a common idiom.
How does the author's addition—"though he knew the ocean didn't care for the drops"—change its meaning?
A. It emphasizes Elias's sense of insignificance and loneliness.
B. It suggests that Elias wants to go to the beach.
C. It proves that Elias is a vital part of the city’s population.
D. It illustrates that Elias feels protected by the crowd.
A. It emphasizes Elias's sense of insignificance and loneliness.
How does point of view shape the reader’s understanding?
A. By offering a detached viewpoint
B. By focusing only on Daniel
C. By revealing Maya’s private thoughts
D. By avoiding emotional description
C. By revealing Maya’s private thoughts
How does Daniel’s dialogue contribute to theme?
2. Reveals choices can cause harm even when well‑intended
What does the phrase “allowed it to fail” mean in the passage?
A. The community ignored the library
B. The city intentionally closed it
C. The decline resulted from neglect
D. The library was destroyed by accident
C. The decline resulted from neglect
Which claim is supported by multiple pieces of evidence?
C. The decline may be linked to reduced funding
Which option contains a noun clause?
A. Her decision surprised everyone.
B. What she decided surprised everyone.
C. Everyone was surprised.
D. She decided quickly.
B. What she decided surprised everyone.
Choose the sentence that correctly uses a semicolon to join two independent clauses.
A. Although it was raining; we decided to play the game anyway.
B. The car's engine wouldn't start; it was out of gas.
C. After the movie ended; we went out for pizza.
D. My brother likes to play basketball; but he prefers soccer.
B. The car's engine wouldn't start; it was out of gas.
Which revision best maintains parallel structure?
The scientist aimed to test the hypothesis, gathering data, and to analyze the results.
A. to test the hypothesis, gather data, and analyze the results
B. testing the hypothesis, gathering data, and analyzing the results
C. to test the hypothesis, gathering data, and analyzing the results
D. testing the hypothesis, gather data, and analyze the results
A. to test the hypothesis, gather data, and analyze the results
8. The neon signs are described as turning the street into a "stained-glass window of a cathedral dedicated to commerce."
What is the author’s purpose for using this imagery?
A. To suggest that Elias is a very religious person.
B. To criticize how society worships money and business like a religion.
C. To show that the city is a beautiful and holy place to live.
D. To explain why the neon signs are so bright.
B. To criticize how society worships money and business like a religion.
Which detail shows Maya’s view of Daniel is changing?
A. He arrives for dinner
B. He asks if she is okay
C. His smile falters when her mother’s name is mentioned
D. He hums softly on the porch
C. His smile falters when her mother’s name is mentioned
Which detail shows Maya is beginning to see Daniel differently?
3. He pauses before answering questions
Which sentence is an objective summary of the passage?
2.
What is the effect of ending the passage with uncertainty?
1. Shows the issue is unresolved
Which sentence contains a gerund phrase?
A. The lake was cold.
B. Swimming in the lake is my favorite summer activity.
C. We swam in the lake.
D. My favorite activity is in the summer.
B. Swimming in the lake is my favorite summer activity.
Choose the sentence that demonstrates correct punctuation with a conjunctive adverb.
A) I forgot my umbrella, therefore, I got soaked in the rain.
B) I forgot my umbrella; therefore I got soaked in the rain.
C) I forgot my umbrella; therefore, I got soaked in the rain.
D) I forgot my umbrella; therefore; I got soaked in the rain.
C) I forgot my umbrella; therefore, I got soaked in the rain.
Which sentence correctly uses parallel structure with correlative conjunctions?
A. The new program will either improve student performance or making the workload heavier.
B. The new program will either improve student performance or it will increase the workload.
C. The new program will either improve student performance or increase the workload.
D. The new program will either be improving student performance or increase the workload.
C. The new program will either improve student performance or increase the workload.
9. Elias describes himself as a "Midas in reverse."
This allusion to King Midas primarily serves to show that Elias:
A. Is becoming incredibly wealthy through his hard work.
B. Wishes he could change the past.
C. Feels that he ruins or dulls the beauty of everything around him.
D. Has a magical ability to change the color of objects.
C. Feels that he ruins or dulls the beauty of everything around him.
What effect is created by the sinking sun and stretching shadows?
A. Celebration
B. Tension and uncertainty
C. A storm approaching
D. Daniel’s tiredness
B. Tension and uncertainty
How does the author use imagery?
2. To mirror Maya’s emotional state through light and shadow
Which claim is supported by evidence in the passage?
A. The city misled the public
B. Residents prefer
technology centers
C. Demand for digital resources tripled
D. Lila plans to run for office
A. The city misled the public
Which detail shows the debate shifted after Lila’s presentation?
Which option contains a relative clause?
A. The fascinating book was long.
B. The book that I borrowed was fascinating.
C. I borrowed the book yesterday.
D. The book was fascinating.
B. The book that I borrowed was fascinating.
Which sentence is a run-on that needs a semicolon?
A) She studied all night for the exam she felt confident the next morning.
B) Because she studied all night for the exam, she felt confident the next morning.
C) She studied all night for the exam, and she felt confident the next morning.
D) Although she studied all night for the exam, she still felt nervous.
A) She studied all night for the exam she felt confident the next morning.
Which option corrects the faulty parallelism?
The author’s purpose was to inform readers, persuading the audience, and to challenge assumptions.
A. to inform readers, persuade the audience, and challenge assumptions
B. informing readers, persuading the audience, and to challenge assumptions
C. to inform readers, persuading the audience, and challenging assumptions
D. informing readers, persuade the audience, and challenge assumptions
A. to inform readers, persuade the audience, and challenge assumptions
10. Which statement best analyzes the cumulative impact of the figurative language used to describe the city in the passage?
A. The metaphors and personification create a sense of the city as a welcoming home.
B. The similes and allusions emphasize the city’s historical importance.
C. The imagery and figurative language work together to create an oppressive, impersonal, and suffocating atmosphere.
D. The language creates a fast-paced, exciting tone that mirrors the "breath" of the city.
C. The imagery and figurative language work together to create an oppressive, impersonal, and suffocating atmosphere.
How does the author use pacing?
A. Slows pacing during reflection to emphasize struggle
B. Keeps pacing constant
C. Speeds pacing during dinner
D. Uses fast pacing to create urgency
A. Slows pacing during reflection to emphasize struggle
Which detail best shows how Maya changes over the passage?
4. She becomes more observant and thoughtful
How does the author develop the idea that the debate is complex?
1. By showing both sides rely on different evidence
How does the author use cause and effect?
C. Shows decreased funding may have caused decline
Which sentence contains an infinitive phrase?
A. We worked late on the project.
B. The project was finished on time.
C. To finish the project on time, we worked late.
D. We finished the project on time.
C. To finish the project on time, we worked late.
Identify the correct use of a colon to emphasize a single word or phrase at the end of a sentence.
A) There was only one thing: she wanted more than anything else: freedom. '
B) There was only one thing she wanted more than anything: else freedom.
C) There was only one thing she wanted more than anything else: freedom.
D) There: was only one thing she wanted more than anything else freedom.
C) There was only one thing she wanted more than anything else: freedom.