Abstract:
The editorial of a newspaper is fabricated on an argument causing the reader to think
accordingly. It also promotes critical thinking and at times makes the reader react to an issue.
Hence, an editorial is defined as an opinionated piece of news. Therefore, creating a standout
phrase as the headline of an editorial is of vital importance to persuade the reader to read the
editorial. Among syntactic tools, this research determines the use of the rhetorical device,
parallel structure, also known as parallel construction or parallel syntax, and their effects in
headlines of newspaper editorials. The aim of this research ascertains the use of parallel syntax
to emphasize the central theme the writer attempts to convey, and the objectives are to identify
and analyze parallel structures in a corpus of sixty editorial headlines of two Sri Lankan Sunday
newspapers: The Sunday Times and Sunday Island. Adopting the theory of parallelism, this
research identifies parallel structures of word orders and phrases. Such headlines comprise of
coordinating joining words: prepositions, adverbs, (be) verbs and conjunctions. The phrases
also have varied features, such as, elements of comparison and contrast. Faulty parallelism or
exceptions without the accepted elements of parallel syntax were also noted in this analysis.
The identified features of parallel structures in the headlines of newspaper editorials lead to
effects, such as, rhythm, economy, clarity, equality, emphasis and delight. Utilization of such
effects creates a balanced and smooth flow of information, persuades and emotionally appeals
the reader. Nevertheless, the findings of this research specify that parallel structures are used as
a tool of advantage, only in 43% of the headlines of newspaper editorials.
