Faulty Parallelism in Lists

Definition: Parallelism is a similarity of form in words, phrases, or clauses that have similar functions in a sentence or a paragraph.

1		We bought several items that would be essential on our camping trip: firewood, magazines, bug spray, a rain tarp, and we got lots of food.
			A)	We bought several items that would be essential on our camping trip: firewood, magazines, bug spray, we got a rain tarp, and lots of food.
			B)	We bought several items that would be essential on our camping trip: firewood we got, magazines, bug spray, a rain tarp, and lots of food.
			C)	We bought several items that would be essential on our camping trip: firewood, magazines, bug spray, a rain tarp, and lots of food.
2		Christmas often frustrates me because it is too time-consuming, too commercial, and it costs too much.
			A)	Christmas often frustrates me because it is too time-consuming, too commercial, and too costly.
			B)	Christmas often frustrates me because it is too time-consuming, too commercial, and it's too much cost.
			C)	Christmas often frustrates me because it is too time-consuming, too commercial, and it's expensive.
3		Pikeville College hopes to bring in new students by diversifying its faculty, expanding its course offerings, and we hope to create two new graduate programs.
			A)	Pikeville College hopes to bring in new students by diversifying its faculty, expanding its course offerings, and we will create two new graduate programs.
			B)	Pikeville College hopes to bring in new students by diversifying its faculty, expanding its course offerings, and creating two new graduate programs.
			C)	Pikeville College hopes to bring in new students by diversifying its faculty, expanding its course offerings, and two new graduate programs.
4		Alex asked Mark to buy more paper, check the toner level on the printer, and adjusting the roller was necessary, too.
			A)	Alex asked Mark to buy more paper, check the toner level on the printer, and as necessary, adjusting the roller.
			B)	Alex asked Mark to buy more paper, check the toner level on the printer, and adjust the roller.
			C)	Alex asked Mark to buy more paper, check the toner level on the printer, and have adjusted the roller.
5		What bothered us was that he sang off-key, his lack of rhythm, and his awful piano technique.
			A)	What bothered us was that he sang off-key, lacked rhythm, and his awful piano technique.
			B)	What bothered us was that he was singing off-key, his lack of rhythm, and his awful piano technique.
			C)	What bothered us was his off-key singing, his lack of rhythm, and his awful piano technique.
6		Brian enjoys playing tennis, riding horses, and, for some strange reason, to throw banana peels at bluejays.
			A)	Brian enjoys playing tennis, riding horses, and, for some strange reason, throwing banana peels at bluejays.
			B)	Brian enjoys to play tennis, ride horses, and, for some strange reason, to throwing banana peels at bluejays.
			C)	Brian enjoys playing tennis, to ride horses, and, for some strange reason, to throw banana peels at bluejays.
7		Click to open the passage used in the following exercises. Edit the following short passage to correct errors in parallel structure by choosing the correct revision from the alternatives offered below each of the numbered exercises. The numbers in brackets [ ] identify each sentence. Which one of the following editing choices corrects the faulty parallelism in sentences [1] - [2]?
			A)	Being in a classroom filled with eager students makes teaching a rewarding experience for me. There is nothing more rewarding than students waving their hands furiously to answer my questions, engaging one another in open discussion, and to come up afterward to ask me questions.
			B)	Being in a classroom filled with eager students makes teaching a rewarding experience for me. There is nothing more rewarding than students waving their hands furiously to answer my questions, engaging one another in open discussion, and coming up afterward to ask me questions.
			C)	Being in a classroom filled with eager students makes teaching a rewarding experience for me. There is nothing more rewarding than students waving their hands furiously to answer my questions, to engage one another in open discussion, and to come up afterward to ask me questions.
8		Which one of the following editing choices corrects the faulty parallelism in sentence [3]? Show sentences again.
			A)	When all these things happen, I feel needed, secure, and like they respect me.
			B)	When all these things happen, I feel needed and secure, and that they respect me.
			C)	When all these things happen, I feel needed, secure, and respected.
9		Which one of the following editing choices corrects the faulty parallelism in sentences [4] - [6]? Show sentences again.
			A)	Even more important, I feel that I am getting through to them. I have always hoped that as a teacher I would make a difference in the lives of students, provide them with knowledge they could use, and to make them care about the process of learning. When I have good days and everything clicks, I have concrete evidence that I am doing what I hoped to do.
			B)	Even more important, I feel that I am getting through to them. I have always hoped that as a teacher I would make a difference in the lives of students, provide them with knowledge they could use, and make them care about the process of learning. When I have good days and everything clicks, I have concrete evidence that I am doing what I hoped to do.
			C)	Even more important, I feel that I am getting through to them. I have always hoped that as a teacher I would make a difference in the lives of students, to provide them with knowledge they could use, and to make them care about the process of learning. When I have good days and everything clicks, I have concrete evidence that I am doing what I hoped to do.