SHSAT Grammar / Consistent Lists

When we create a sentence that includes multiple items, it’s important to keep those items in a similar format. This not only makes our writing clearer but also more enjoyable to read.

Here’s an example from the 2018 SHSAT Test A (Question #3):

The animal shelter, which is located on Midway Street, is looking for volunteers to help with a variety of tasks, such as walking dogs, cleaning kennels, hand- feeding newborn kittens, and supporting the pet adoption process.

This sentence is a great illustration of how to present a list. It showcases four tasks: (walking dogs, cleaning kennels, hand-feeding newborn kittens, supporting the pet adoption process).

Now, let’s take a look at a modified version of the above sentence:

The animal shelter is looking for volunteers to help with a variety of tasks, such as walking dogs, cleaning kennels, hand-feeding kittens, and to support the process of pet adoption.

Oops! This new sentence has a little hiccup. The last item in the list doesn’t match the format of the others, which makes it grammatically incorrect. Consistency is key!

This is a wonderful concept to keep in mind not just for the SHSAT, but for our everyday writing too. Whenever we present a list, let’s ensure that all items follow a consistent format.

Here’s another example of a sentence that needs a little love:

To prepare for the marathon, Marcus focused on eating a balanced diet, sleeping eight hours a night, and remembered to stretch before runs.

This sentence can be polished by adjusting the third item in the list to match the format of the first two items, creating a smooth flow.

Corrected Sentence

To prepare for the marathon, Marcus focused on eating a balanced diet, sleeping eight hours a night, and stretching before runs.

By keeping our lists consistent, we enhance the clarity and warmth of our writing. Happy writing!