Identify the sentence that correctly observes parallel grammatical structure:

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: C. The program trains students to analyze data, synthesize literature, and present findings clearly.

  1. Step 1: Parallel structure requires that coordinating elements joined by conjunctions share the same grammatical form.
  2. Step 2: In the correct sentence, all three direct objects of the infinitive 'to' are parallel base verbs: 'analyze data', 'synthesize literature', and 'present findings'.
  3. Step 3: Mixing noun phrases, gerunds, and clauses violates parallel structure.
Answer
The program trains students to analyze data, synthesize literature, and present findings clearly.
Why not the others: 'The program trains students in data analysis, to synthesize literature, and presenting findings clearly' mixes prepositional phrase, infinitive, and gerund; 'The program trains students to analyze data, synthesis of literature, and they present findings clearly' mixes infinitive, noun phrase, and independent clause; 'The program trains students analyzing data, to synthesize literature, and presentation of findings' mixes gerund, infinitive, and noun phrase.

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