Short on time? This page is the recap. For explanations and worked examples, use the full study guide.
Recap
- Repetition, synonyms, pronoun references and parallel structure may indicate or develop a relationship between elements of a text.
- Repetition holds an idea; synonyms vary or deepen it; pronouns avoid clumsy repetition; parallelism shows equality or contrast.
- In reading, explain how these devices create unity and coherence. In writing, use them to guide the reader.
Key relationships
| Device | Use for | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Repetition | Key terms, emphasis, rhythm | Needless repetition |
| Synonym | Variety, progression of meaning | A change of connotation or claim |
| Pronoun | Linking sentences smoothly | Ambiguous, missing or distant antecedent |
| Parallelism | Lists, comparisons, contrasts, rhythm | Mixing grammatical forms |
| Faulty | Fix |
|---|---|
| “hiking, to swim and bicycles” | “hiking, swimming and cycling” |
| “This caused anger.” (vague) | “The early closing caused anger.” |
| “He told him he would go.” | Name the people or use a quotation |
| “policy that sets policy” | Cut or vary |
Assumptions and conventions
- Keep one term for one idea in argument unless the change is intended.
- Put a noun after “this” and “that” if the reference could be unclear.
- Match the form of each item in a list or comparison.
- Use repetition for rhythm sparingly, in places that matter.
Mistakes to avoid
- Changing key terms (cost, price, expense) without reason.
- Stacking synonyms that add nothing.
- Starting sentences with “This” or “It” with no clear antecedent.
- Pronoun with two possible antecedents.
- Mixing nouns, verbs and clauses in a list.
- Using parallelism for decoration where the ideas are not equal.
- Naming a device in analysis without saying what relationship it shows.
Worked mini-example
Faulty: “The manager told the cashier that she would be promoted. This made her happy. She likes to organise, to manage people and planning.”
Repaired: “The manager told the cashier, ‘You will be promoted.’ The news made the cashier happy. She likes to organise, to manage people and to plan.”
The ambiguous “she” and the vague “This” are replaced by clear references, and the three infinitives now match.
On the exam
When a question asks about a revision, test each pronoun for a clear antecedent and each list for matching forms. When a question asks about effect, say what relationship the repetition or parallelism shows.
Quick self-check
- Fix: “The report says the road is unsafe and that it should close.” (The reference of “it” is ambiguous: “…the road is unsafe and should close.”)
- What does “we can not dedicate—we can not consecrate—we can not hallow” show about repetition and synonyms? (Repetition builds rhythm; the synonyms escalate in solemnity.)
- Why might replacing “cost” with “expense” mid-argument be risky? (The reader may think a new idea has entered, and the connotation differs.)
Next: practice questions.