1. Mrs. Gatz English Language Arts

2. What is active voice? Active voice means that the subject of the sentence performs the action. Ex. Patsy hit the ball. In this sentence, Patsy is performing the action. Therefore, this sentence is written in active voice.

3. What is passive voice? Passive voice means that the action is performed on the subject. Ex. The ball was hit by Patsy. In this sentence, the subject, the ball, does not perform the action, but rather, receives it. Therefore this sentence is written in passive voice.

4. When do I use active voice? Try to use active voice as often as possible in written and oral communication.

5. When do I use passive voice? Use passive voice only when you want to emphasize the person or thing receiving the action. Ex. A large truck was stolen at the train station last night. Here, the writer wants to emphasize the fact that the truck was stolen. It’s not that important who stole the truck, but only that it was stolen. So passive voice is acceptable here.

6. Let’s Practice Directions: Determine if the sentence is written in active or passive voice. Herman translated the essay.

7. Let’s Practice Directions: Determine if the sentence is written in active or passive voice. Herman translated the essay. ACTIVE

8. Let’s Practice Directions: Determine if the sentence is written in active or passive voice. The director presented the award-winning film.

9. Let’s Practice Directions: Determine if the sentence is written in active or passive voice. The director presented the award-winning film. ACTIVE

10. Let’s Practice Directions: Determine if the sentence is written in active or passive voice. Then change the sentence to the other type. The debate was won by the Swedish woman.

11. Let’s Practice Directions: Determine if the sentence is written in active or passive voice. Then change the sentence to the other type. The debate was won by the Swedish woman. PASSIVE

12. Let’s Practice Directions: Determine if the sentence is written in active or passive voice. Then change the sentence to the other type. The test was passed by all students.

13. Let’s Practice Directions: Determine if the sentence is written in active or passive voice. Then change the sentence to the other type. The test was passed by all students. PASSIVE

14. Let’s Practice Directions: Determine if the sentence is written in active or passive voice. Then change the sentence to the other type. The dolphins swam alongside the boat.

15. Let’s Practice Directions: Determine if the sentence is written in active or passive voice. Then change the sentence to the other type. The dolphins swam alongside the boat. ACTIVE

16. Assignment: Look at page 188. Read the instructions carefully and complete the worksheet.

17. Assignment Key 1. My neighbor walked the dog last night. 2. All had a good time at the picnic. 3. Ray moved the hose in our backyard. 4. The manager cautioned the players. 5. The boss congratulated the hard-working assistants. 6. The top students in our class read these books. 7. Emma performed the challenging role cleverly. 8. The staff briefed the new president. 9. Pedro threw the ball to the teammate. 10. All the students completed the math test on time.

18. Assignment Key 1. My neighbor walked the dog last night. 2. All had a good time at the picnic. 3. Ray moved the hose in our backyard. 4. The manager cautioned the players. 5. The boss congratulated the hard-working assistants. 6. The top students in our class read these books. 7. Emma performed the challenging role cleverly. 8. The staff briefed the new president. 9. Pedro threw the ball to the teammate. 10. All the students completed the math test on time.