Bite Size Grammar Tip: Parallel Structure in Writing

From analytical essays to speeches to personal statements for college admissions, the author’s craft and organization are as equally important as the writer’s voice and textual analysis. One common rhetorical device that helps to make writing more memorable is the use of parallelism.

What is Parallel Structure or Parallelism?

Parallelism is a literary device and a persuasive tool in which parts of or clauses within a sentence are the same or similarly constructed, both structurally and grammatically. The repetitive and symmetrical nature of the parallel sentence allows for two or more ideas that have the same degree of importance to be presented together. Clauses can juxtapose or mirror one another within the same sentence. Parallel structure, due to its predictability, repetition, and symmetry, makes ideas easier for readers to process and to remember.

Famous Examples of Parallelism:

*Repeated words or phrases are italicized for emphasis

• “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”
  • – Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities
• “My fellow citizens: I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors.
  • – Barack Obama, speech.”
• “My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”
  • – John F. Kennedy, speech

Consider using parallelism because its symmetrical structure helps readers to remember ideas, its predictability encourages readers to anticipate what is to come, and its mirroring of clauses encourages writers to clearly present their arguments!

College Spotlight – University of Chicago

University of Chicago, founded in 1890, is a private institution located in an urban setting – near the heart of Chicago proper. It ranks among the top three National Universities, according to U.S. News. Situated in the Hyde Park community, the campus boasts of its rich student life within a vibrant big-city setting. The university is proud of its affiliation with a wide range of awards and recognitions: 89 Nobel Prize recipients, 32 MacArthur “Genius Grant” Fellows, 260 Guggenheim Fellows, and 24 Pulitzer Prize winners. In supporting its ambitious thinkers, on its 217-acre campus, there are six libraries, over 150 research centers and institutes, world-class facilities dedicated to art, and three of the nation’s leading professional programs in medicine, business, and law.

Location

• University of Chicago is located in the Hyde Park community of Chicago, Illinois.

Stats

• Private, coed
• Urban setting
• No religious affiliation
• Quarter-based academic calendar
• Total enrollment: 12,962
• Endowment of $6,553,570,933
• 5:1 Student-faculty ratio
• The average freshman retention rate, an indicator of student satisfaction, is 99%
• 4-year graduation rate: 86%
• 53% male, 47% female

Estimated Tuition

• Tuition and fees: $52,491 (one school year)
• Room and board: $15,093 (one school year)
• 44% of full-time undergraduate students receive some form of need-based financial aid
• $42,467 is the average need-based grant award or scholarship issued

Housing

• Freshmen are required to live on campus with more than 50% of students choosing to remain living on campus after their first year
• 52% of students live in residence housing that is affiliated, owned, or operated by the university
• 48% of students live off campus
• Types of campus housing that are available to students include, but are not limited to, coed dorms and apartments for unmarried students
  

Athletics

• University of Chicago competes in NCAA Division III
• There are more than 15 NCAA Division III teams which compete in the University Athletic Association
• The athletics department has competitive wrestling and basketball programs
  

Fun Facts:

• Within dorms, students who live on-campus are placed into “houses,” which are smaller, more close-knit communities that provide students with both academic and social support.
• There are over 400 student organizations that exist on campus.
• Since 1987, the school hosts a four-day long university tradition known as “University of Chicago Scavenger Hunt.”
• Famous alumni include U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft, civil rights activist Jesse Jackson, renowned author Kurt Vonnegut Jr., and former U.S. Supreme Court Justice John Paul Stevens.
• The mascot is Phil the Phoenix and the team colors are maroon and gray.

Application Information

• Deadline: January 1
• Early decision deadline: November 1
• $75 application fee
• Common Application accepted
• Acceptance rate fall 2015: 8%

With a 5:1 student to faculty ratio and 77.6% of classes consisting of fewer than 20 students, the University of Chicago offers its students opportunities to work closely with faculty and staff in small, discussion-based seminars. The most popular majors include Public Policy Analysis, Economics, Mathematics and Statistics, and Biological and Biomedical Sciences.

When asked about their overall opinion of the school, one student describes in detail, “I believe the University of Chicago is a wonderful institution. I have found the reputation of rigorous academics to be right on par but I can say that the university does a great job of supporting its students through it. Each student is assigned an academic adviser, career adviser, and a major adviser all of which are available and knowledgeable. The housing system also creates a welcoming environment through assigning each student to a house (yes, like in Harry Potter) comprised of students from all majors and grade levels. This gives students, first years especially, a chance to interact with people of all interests and form a strong house bond built on years of tradition. Overall, I’ve found that the university does a great job of fostering a supportive community and the students buy into it, which has made my experience a positive one.”

For students who are interested in living in a global and international city, who hope to become involved with study abroad programs in over 20 countries, who want to interact and engag with a large metropolis, the University of Chicago offers these opportunities to its students.

To learn more about the University of Chicago, visit http://www.uchicago.edu

Maximizing a College Library Visit

Entering a college library can be an intimidating experience for students. Seeing countless shelves lined with books, nonfiction publications, and articles, floors upon floors of references and texts, and archival collections can be overwhelming for many scholars. It may seem difficult, if not impossible, to learn how to navigate through the library and to locate what you are searching to find. However, keeping a few tips in mind will help students to find what they are looking for without experiencing too much of a challenge.

Online Resources

College campuses are equipped with online databases that list articles and publications as well as useful citations that may be required when students are writing research papers. Students can access resources in the library, such as the online library catalog, that will allow them to locate the text they are looking for, read a summary, and access information for citations and bibliographies.

Learning the Dewey Decimal System

Many libraries are organized using the Dewey Decimal System, which is a classification of books and other publications. It utilizes the numbers 000 to 999 to differentiate fields of knowledge and disciplines, as well as letters and decimals to subdivide topics within a field. Having fundamental knowledge of this system will help students when they are searching for books in a specific subject or genre.

Although each library’s system may be organized differently, most libraries follow the Dewey Decimal System by classifying books based on numbers and specific categories. For example, students can locate books on Psychology and Philosophy in the 300 section, Language and Grammar in the 400 section, and Math and Science in the 600 section. In addition, every portion of the library will have number frames posted at the ends of bookcases and shelving to show the number range for that particular area. Most often, libraries will also provide an organization chart at the front desk to help researchers determine which section a specific genre is located.

The Circulation Desk

Students are always welcome to ask the librarian for help. Most librarians hold a degree in Library and Information Science, so they have a wealth of knowledge about the library and where to find a book, and they can also share with scholars services that are offered. At times, a library may not have the book a student may need. In this case, the librarian can help students to locate and order the necessary texts from another library and have it sent to their college library.

Being well informed and knowledgeable about the college’s library and its resources, and understanding how to utilize these tools is an important asset for students when they are assigned research papers. Likewise, to learn more information, students can also check out the library’s website, speak directly to a librarian, or schedule a tour.

Bite Size Grammar Tip: Apostrophes

Apostrophes are one of the more confusing punctuation marks in the English language. However, it is important to understand when and how to use apostrophes correctly in writing.

Possessive Singular Nouns

Most apostrophes are used to indicate when nouns are possessive or own something. To indicate that something belongs to a singular noun, place the apostrophe plus an “s” after it. For example, writers use apostrophes when discussing “Steven Spielberg’s new movie” or “Beyoncé’s new song.”

Possessive Plural Nouns

In order to indicate possession with regular plural nouns that end with “s,” place an apostrophe after the “s.” For example, “Witches’ hats are usually conically shaped,” “The tables’ legs were unsteady and needed to be repaired,” or “ The fairies’ wings were shimmering and iridescent.”

For irregular plural nouns that do not end with an “s,” add an apostrophe and an “s” after the plural noun. For example, “The children’s toys were strewn throughout the playroom,” “The discussion revolved around women’s issues,” or “The geese’s eggs were placed within their nests.”

Contractions

Apostrophes are not exclusively used to indicate possession. Apostrophes are also used in a contraction, which is a shortened form of a word where the omitted letters are represented by an apostrophe. Contractions are not possessive but communicate when two or more words have been combined together. You’re, would’ve, or it’s are contractions for you are, would have, and it is, respectively.

Omitting Numbers for Years

If the first two numbers in a year are omitted, the omission is indicated with an apostrophe, such that it reads the ‘50s or the ‘20s.

Holidays

Holidays also puzzle writers because although they have official names, apostrophes are not used consistently for these names. For example, in the United States, we honor April Fools’ Day and Mother’s Day, which incorporate apostrophes, and Veterans Day, which does not incorporate apostrophes. Since the naming of US holidays does not adhere to a standard rule, be sure to look up the official spelling for each holiday.

Plural Nouns

If a noun is plural, meaning there is more than one, do not use an apostrophe. For example, “I saw three students walking to class” is correct whereas “I saw three student’s walking to class” is incorrect.

Learning a Foreign Language Outside of the Classroom

There are many reasons students learn a foreign language other than meeting high school or college graduation requirements or taking proficiency exams. Learning a foreign language offers opportunities for students to connect with other people while traveling abroad, to read a text in its original language, or to communicate with a family member or a friend. Developing proficiency in a second or third language also boosts candidates’ competitiveness on their résumés.

Podcasts

Whether students are jogging, walking to class, or sitting in a car, listening to Podcasts is a convenient and easy way for users to access language. It allows listeners to learn conversational vocabulary and syntax, to hear a native speaker’s use of intonations and pronunciations, and to provide opportunities for students to become familiar with slang that may not necessarily be taught in textbooks or grammar books.

Software, Social Media, and Apps

Rosetta Stone is a promising resource that teaches language learners conversational language. Rather than simply teach language through the lens of a traditional textbook or classroom, Rosetta Stone encourages listeners to learn to speak a language proficiently and to gain a better understanding of its nuances. However, Rosetta Stone is a costly program for language learners. An alternative to learning language is Duolingo, an app that users can download using their computers, Apple, or Android devices. It offers lessons that cater to the fluency, the level of proficiency, and the knowledge of a particular user. As an incentive, users can earn badges as they progress or pass a level. The accomplishments can then be shared on social media, such as LinkedIn and Facebook.

Connecting Through Facebook

There are numerous Facebook groups that can help students to connect with native speakers or to connect with users who live abroad. Students can easily link up with other individuals to practice their language skills. Students can also connect with their friends on Facebook as a means to challenge one another or to help one another as study buddies. Similarly, if students have family members who are fluent in a language, they can also reach out and communicate with them via social media or in person.

In addition to learning language in a classroom setting, students can take advantage of these resources in order to learn a new language or to practice and strengthen their language development skills.

Emory University, founded in 1836, is a private institution located in the suburb of Druid Hill, near the downtown area of Atlanta, Georgia. Emory is divided into nine colleges and schools with four of them servicing both undergraduates and graduate students. Emory University has been recognized for its demanding academics, highly ranked graduate and professional schools, state-of-the-art research, and a competitive undergraduate education in the arts and sciences. Undergraduates at Emory can choose from more than seventy majors, more than fifty minors, and numerous interdisciplinary studies. Boasting of a diverse community, students from all 50 states and from over 100 countries and territories are represented on campus. National honors and awards, such as Fullbright Fellowship, Rhodes Scholarship, Luce Scholar, National Science Foundation Fellowship, and NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship have recognized Emory students.

Upon enrollment at Emory University, students choose from four options for their undergraduate programming:

• Freshmen can apply for a liberal arts education at Emory College
• Students can apply to Oxford College, where they spend their first two years at Emory’s original campus about 40 miles east of Atlanta, then transfer to the Atlanta campus their junior year
• During their junior year, both Oxford and Emory students can apply for admission into the renowned Goizueta Business School to earn a bachelor’s degree in business administration
• Students can apply to the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, one of the country’s top private nursing programs

Emory’s graduate programs are also highly ranked and well regarded. These include the School of Medicine, the Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, the Goizueta Business School, the School of Law, and the Rollins School of Public Health.

Location

• Emory University is located in the suburb of Druid Hill, near downtown Atlanta, Georgia,

 Stats

• Private, coed
• City setting
• Religious affiliation: Methodist
• Semester-based academic calendar
• Total enrollment: 13,788
• Total undergraduate enrollment: 6,867, total graduate enrollment: 6,921
• Endowment of $6,787,163,000
• 8:1 Student-faculty ratio
• The average freshman retention rate, an indicator of student satisfaction, is 95%

Estimated Tuition

• Tuition and fees: $47,954 (one school year)
• Room and board: $13,486 (one school year)
• 43% of full-time undergraduate students receive some form of need-based financial aid
• $39,440 is the average need-based grant award or scholarship issued
• Average total indebtedness of 2015 graduating class: $26,983

Housing

• First- and second-year students are required to live on campus with the majority of students choosing to continue living on campus for all four years
• 64% of students live in residence housing that is affiliated, owned, or operated by the university
• 36% of students live off campus
• Types of campus housing that are available to students include: coed dorm rooms, fraternity and sorority housing, themed housing, and apartments for unmarried students
  

Athletics

• Emory University competes in NCAA Division III
• Recently won championships in both Tennis and Swimming & Diving

Fun Facts:

• An annual tradition, known as “Dooley’s Week,” is named after Dooley, a skeleton and a mischievous “Lord of Misrule,” who are imbued in Emory legend.
• U.S. President Jimmy Carter, Nobel Peace Prize recipient and activist Desmond Tutu, and CNN chief health correspondent and physician Sanjay Gupta, have all taught at Emory University.

Application Information

• Deadline: January 1
• Early Decision Deadline: November 1
• SAT/ACT scores must be received by: January 1
• Common Application accepted
• $75 application fee
• Acceptance rate fall 2015: 24%
• Early decision acceptance rate: 30%

As a smaller college with an 8:1 student to faculty ratio and 60.6% of classes consisting of fewer than 20 students, Emory University offers its students opportunities to work closely with faculty and staff. The most popular majors include Business Administration and Management, Biology/Biological Sciences, and Economics.

When asked to describe their overall opinion of the school, one student described, “Emory University is a great atmosphere to expand your horizons. Being in the heart of Atlanta, yet at the same time separate from all the hustle and bustle of city life, gives students the opportunity to focus and study while also having the chance to go out and have fun.”

Similarly, a student at Emory University’s Oxford College is most proud to tell her friends, “I loved the intimate community. Professors were very helpful and had the ability to provide personal assistance because of the small class sizes. The liberal arts curriculum exposed me to a variety of fields. This has been of benefit now that I have decided to change careers. Some of the core classes that I would have otherwise not taken were required for graduate school. Also, Oxford has awesome service-learning and leadership opportunities for undergraduates.”

For students who are interested in attending a smaller campus in which they work closely with professors and staff, and for students who are interested in living in the heart of a large city, Emory University offers these qualities to its student community.

To learn more about Emory University, visit http://www.emory.edu/home/index.html

A college town can be defined as a location or a place where the identity of the city is both shaped by and complementary to the educational institution. The neighborhoods are enjoyed by all of the residents, those who are matriculated students as well as those who are not. Not only is the college the major source of employment but its presence is also a source of commerce in the city, with such establishments as restaurants, shops, and entertainment businesses. A “true” college town is one in which the younger learners connect with old traditions, and all cultural, social, and political philosophies are welcomed and embraced by residents of the community.

Convenience

A quality to look for in a college town should be its degree of walkability and the extent to which it is a pedestrian friendly community. Even if a student is intending to drive or anticipating using the public transportation system, convenience is essential. The distance between location is key; the less time that students have to spend walking from one destination to another or having to travel for daily necessities, the more time they will have to study, relax, and experience what college has to offer them.

Culture and Community

College towns are cultural mosaics that are progressive and often consist of residents who are more educated. There are independent bookstores, coffee shops, record shops, and the prevalence of more local businesses. A strong sense of community is also very important. The more involved and active the surrounding area is to the college campus, the more likely the students will become more involved in their communities as well. They will have more experiences, not only on campus, but also through participation in events and activities throughout the area. College towns offer many opportunities for students to explore and to learn about the location they will call “home” for the next few years. Whether students are living on campus or off campus, they should take the time to visit a museum, check out an outdoor music festival, shop at the farmer’s market, or attend community events.

Regardless if a college is located in a large metropolis or in a small rural town, not only will the school itself impact student success, but the surrounding town and neighborhood will also expose students to new cultures and experiences. College memories do not only occur in lecture halls and libraries. Rather, they are also created in local coffee shops, along art walks, and while exploring local venues. When applicants are considering colleges, it is important for them to visit the neighborhood and the city in which the school is located.

Writers often ask themselves when is it appropriate in formal writing to express numbers as figures or digits and when to spell out numbers as words. Namely, when do you write seven and when do you write 7?

Numbers versus Numerals

It is important to understand the difference between a number and a numeral. A number is an abstract notion while a numeral is a specific symbol that is used to express a particular number. “Eight,” “8,” and “VIII” are all symbols that express the same conception of the number.

Spell Out Small Numbers

Smaller numbers, such as whole numbers that are less than ten, should be spelled out. Smaller numbers that are not spelled out are more appropriate for informal writing, such as text messages.

Incorporating Estimates or Rounded Numbers

When including rounded numbers that are over a million, write it as a numeral plus a word. Write “Roughly 8 million people live in New York City,” rather than “Roughly 8,000,000 people live in New York City.”

Numbers with Hyphens

There is no standardized rule in dictating when one-word numbers should be written out. However, most writers adhere to the following rules. One-word numbers such as thirteen or twenty should be written out. While two-word numbers, such as 25 or 32, should be expressed in figures.

Ordinal Numbers

An ordinal number is a number that defines an object’s position in a series. For example, “first,” “second,” or “third” are ordinal numbers. Ordinal numbers or generally used as nouns, pronouns, and adjectives in writing. When using ordinal numbers in formal writing, spell out the number. For example, write, “She earned second place in the tournament,” rather than “She earned 2^nd place in the tournament.”

Spell Out Decades and Centuries

Decades and centuries should be spelled out. Write the Nineties or eighteenth century rather than the 90s or 18^th century.

Recipes and Everyday Writing

In everyday or informal writing, such as writing recipes, use digits: “Add 4 cups of chopped apples” or “10% of schools.” In formal writing, however, spell out the percentage, such as “ten percent of students.”

University of Texas-Austin, founded in 1883, is a public institution located a quarter mile away from downtown Austin on a 434-acre campus. Ranked among the best colleges in the U.S., it is also one of the largest schools in the country. The energetic city of Austin is known for its food scene, its lively music, and its outdoor activities. The university is divided into 18 schools and colleges, with the college of Liberal Arts being the largest among them. UT’s graduate programs are also highly ranked and well regarded. These include the School of Architecture, McCombs School of Business, Cockrell School of engineering, School of Nursing, College of Pharmacy, College of Education, School of Social work, and the College of Fine Arts.

Location

• University of Texas- Austin is located near downtown Austin, Texas

Stats

• Public, Coed
• Urban setting
• No religious affiliation
• Semester-based academic calendar
• Total enrollment: 50,950
• Endowment of $3,341,835,840
• 18:1 student–faculty ratio
• The average freshman retention rate, an indicator of student satisfaction, is 95%
• 48% of students are male, 52% of students are female

Estimated Tuition

• In-state tuition and fees: $9,806 (one school year)
• Out-of-state tuition and fees: $34,676 (one school year)
• Room and Board: $11,456 (one school year)

Housing

• 19% of students live in residence housing that is affiliated, owned, or operated by the university
• 81% of students live off campus
• Freshmen are not required to live on campus their first year; they may choose to live in Austin proper
  

Athletics

• UT-Austin competes in the Division I Big 12 Conference

Fun Facts:

• UT-Austin has one of the largest Greek systems in the country, two of the largest student publications among colleges, and more than 900 student organizations and clubs.
• The school mascot is Bevo the Longhorn.
• With a student ID, students can travel for free on the capitol Metro buses.
• Hundreds of study abroad programs are available to students with the most popular destinations being China, Spain, Italy, France, and the United Kingdom.
• Notable alumni include actor, Mathew McConaughey, former first lady, Laura Bush, and former baseball pitcher, Roger Clemens.

Application Information

• Deadline: December 1
• $75 application fee
• Acceptance Rate: 39%

 When asked to describe what academics are like at University of Texas-Austin, one student described, “Academic difficulty at UT differs greatly from major to major and college to college. If you take the initiative, professors will know who you are. Even in the largest classes I have had (ranging from 400-500 students), my professors have known my name, my major, and even what I want to do with my life. The best way to accomplish this is to sit in the front, go the their office hours, and simply let yourself be known. You will need these professors for letters of recommendation for grad/law/med school, so make sure you get to know them (and make sure you make a good impression).”

For students who are interested in attending a large campus that exhibits a lot of school pride, especially in its football and athletic teams, and for students who are interested in living in the heart of a great metropolis, University of Texas-Austin offers these qualities to its student community.

To learn more about University of Texas-Austin, visit http://www.utexas.edu

During college, students may find themselves struggling in a particularly challenging course. However, they should realize that there are other students who may also be struggling as well. Although some students may prefer to study alone, others may find that it is not the best way to utilize their time. If students find that they feel unproductive or directionless when studying alone, they should consider organizing a study group.

Students should inquire with the instructor, either a professor or a graduate student, who is teaching the course. When reaching out, whether through email or dropping in during office hours, students can ask if the instructor knows of any study groups they could join. If one does not exist, students can always form their own study group. Some campuses offer tutors for students. They can also ask a tutor to join the group and assist them with questions or problems. Since tutors may also earn credit for their help, it makes the most sense for them to help more students at one time.

Reach out to friends or acquaintances in class who may also be interested in forming a group. Students can also reach out to one another using social media or through networking. Choose a time that works best for those who are interested and determine a location where it is convenient for everyone to meet. Many libraries also offer students study rooms. These soundproof rooms are specifically designed for study groups to collaborate, work together, and help one another during their time together. These rooms are often equipped with whiteboards, moveable seating arrangements, and other resources. When students are focused during their study session, they are able to help one another to clarify concepts or even to proofread one another’s writing. Study groups, if strategically utilized, will bring students together in working toward a common purpose.