Business English: Parallelism Assignment

Course Information

• Course: Bachelor of Computer Science (Cyber Security & Network Technology)
• Semester: 2025-BCS 1st Semester
• Assignment: 1, The Fundamentals of English Grammar
• Submitted by: Smarika Pudasaini
• Student ID: 1725
• Subject: Business English
• Section: BCS Sec A
• Date: 30 January 2025
• Submitted to: Department of Business English

Task 1: Parallelism

• Definition: Parallelism means phrases with similar weight should have similar grammatical structures.
• Alignment of syntax: It aligns the syntax in a sentence.
• Clarity and Rhythm: Helps maintain clarity, connects different ideas, and provides rhythm in writing.
• Consistency: Maintains consistency in writing.
• Examples of errors:
  • Mixing parts of speech: Incorrect: She loves eating, traveling, and to dance. Correct: She loves eating, traveling, and dancing.
  • Mixing phrases and clauses: Incorrect: Sita is not only intelligent but also has a kind heart. Correct: Sita is not only intelligent but also kind.
  • Mixing tenses: Incorrect: I went to the school and will eat rice. Correct: I went to the school and ate rice.
  • Mixing voices: Incorrect: The food was prepared by him and he served it. Correct: He cooked the food and served it.
  • Mixing comparisons: Incorrect: She is shorter than her sister is beautiful. Correct: She is shorter than her sister.

Task 2: Finite and Non-finite Verbs

• Finite verb: Changes form when number, person, or tense changes. Example: He gave him a book.
• Non-finite verb: Does not change form when number, person, or tense changes. Example: I like to travel.
• Differentiation:
  • Finite verbs act as the main verb of a clause. Example: My brother helps in the kitchen garden.
  • Non-finite verbs act as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs. Example: The falling leaves create a beautiful scene.
  • Finite verbs indicate person, number, and tense; non-finite verbs do not.

Task 3: Faulty Sentences

• Definition: Sentences containing grammatical, syntactical, or structural errors.
• Types of errors:
  • Subject-verb agreement error: The subject and verb do not match. Incorrect: He like chocolates. Correct: He likes chocolates.
  • Run-on error: Two independent clauses joined without proper punctuation or connecting words. Incorrect: The weather is cold the dogs are shivering. Correct: The weather is cold, and the dogs are shivering.
  • Pronoun agreement error: The pronoun does not agree with the noun or pronoun it refers to. Incorrect: The team celebrated their victory. Correct: The team celebrated its victory.
  • Semicolon error: Incorrect use of semicolons to separate independent clauses. Incorrect: I went to the mall I bought a floral dress. Correct: I went to the mall; I bought a floral dress.
  • Colon error: Incorrect use of colons to introduce lists or quotations. Incorrect: I need to buy dress shoes perfume and makeup. Correct: I need to buy the following: dress, shoes, perfume, and makeup.

Task 4: Making a Presentation

• Purpose: inform, persuade, and create goodwill.
• Parts: introductory section, main body, and conclusion.
• Elements: audience analysis, personal appearance, visual aids, smooth flow, and organization.

Task 5: Modifier Errors

• Definition: Modifiers clarify or describe other elements in a sentence.
• Types: Dangling modifiers, Misplaced Modifiers, and Squinting Modifiers.
• Dangling Modifier Example: Incorrect: The bus was missed because I was running late. Correct: I was running late, and I missed the bus.

Task 6: Voice

• Active voice: Subject performs the action of the verb. Example: Sita baked the cake.
• Passive voice: Subject receives the action of the verb. Example: The cake was baked by Sita.

Conclusion

• Assignment aims to evaluate understanding of English grammar.
• Topics covered include parallelism, finite and non-finite verbs, faulty sentences, presentations, modifiers, and voice.

References

• Includes a list of grammar textbooks, likely used for further study.