Author: Samantha Whidden

Class: ED3133 (TESL II)

Date: March 17, 2015
Assignment 8

--Intro to Parallel Structure-Objectives and Methods:

- Students will be able to speak and write using parallel structure for lists and series in a
sentence.
- Students will practice parallel structure in writing exercises and oral conversation.
Materials and Preparation:
- Handout 1 (1 per student) - story
- Handout 2 (1 per student) - explanation
- Handout 3 (1 per student) - practice
Level: Advanced
Time: 90 minutes
I. Lead-in and Introduction (10 minutes)
1) Distribute and read Handout 1 to the class and ask students to pay close attention
to lists or series of events they hear.
2) Ask students to underline any lists or series in the story. Advise students that we will
come back to this exercise later in the lesson.
II. Teach and Clarify Parallel Structure (15 minutes)
1) Write the following sentences on the board and ask students if they notice a
pattern:
a. Alex loves skiing, hiking, and to dance.
b. He began running, galloping, and skipping along the trail.
c. He began to feel excited, nervous, and anxious about.
d. The path was bright, looked clean, and was much wider than the left.
2) Randomly select four different students to read the above sentences. Ask the class
do any of the sentences sound better than the others? Why do you think that is?
3) Distribute Handout 2 for parallel structure explanation. Go over examples with the
students before assigning the practice examples.
III. Controlled Written Practice

( 20 minutes) *monitor while students practice.

Offer assistance where necessary*

1) Distribute Handout 3. Have students complete the exercises. Once students finish
they may review answers with a partner. When all students are finished, review
answers as a class.
IV. Controlled Oral Practice (20 minutes)
1) Re-read the story from handout 1 and advise students to follow along. Stop after
each sentence in bold and randomly select students to answer a) Is this sentence
parallel? b) if no, correct the sentence to make it parallel. (you can also have students
write the sentence on the board using parallel structure)

V. Authentic Written Practice (10 minutes)

1) Have students write a short paragraph about themselves. Advise students to include
at least 5 sentences that example parallel structure.
Ie: In the summer, I like to fish, swim, and hike. In the winter, I go skiing, skating, and
snowshoeing. Someday I hope to have a husband, kids, and pets...
VI. Authentic Oral practice (10 minutes)
1) Have students share their paragraph to the class. Encourage students to speak from
memory when sharing only looking at their paper for prompts.
VII. Closure (5 minutes)
1) Ask students if they have any questions about parallel structure. Ask students which
type of parallel structure is hardest to use or recognize(gerund, noun phrases, verb
phrases, infinitive phrases)
2) Ask students which activities were most helpful.
3) Congratulate students!