Which sentence demonstrates proper parallel structure in a list?

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Multiple Choice

Which sentence demonstrates proper parallel structure in a list?

Parallel structure in a list means keeping the same form for every item. Here, each activity is written as a verb ending in -ing—hiking, swimming, biking—so the list reads evenly and clearly. Using the same form makes the sentence balanced and easy to digest. The comma before the conjunction (the serial comma) helps separate each item clearly, adding to the smooth rhythm of the list. The other options mix forms or omit a comma, which disrupts that balance. One uses an infinitive (to bike) while the others are gerunds, breaking the uniform pattern. Another switches to an infinitive for a different item, again breaking consistency. Dropping the serial comma can reduce readability, even if the items are all gerunds.

Parallel structure in a list means keeping the same form for every item. Here, each activity is written as a verb ending in -ing—hiking, swimming, biking—so the list reads evenly and clearly. Using the same form makes the sentence balanced and easy to digest. The comma before the conjunction (the serial comma) helps separate each item clearly, adding to the smooth rhythm of the list.

The other options mix forms or omit a comma, which disrupts that balance. One uses an infinitive (to bike) while the others are gerunds, breaking the uniform pattern. Another switches to an infinitive for a different item, again breaking consistency. Dropping the serial comma can reduce readability, even if the items are all gerunds.

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