Passive voice

Passive Voice
Intermediate Level

Lead-in : Review verb forms

Step 2 : Recognize passive voice patterns

Read the following text and answer the questions

The text is a non-fiction about the Sinking of Titanic. Which sentences is in passive voice?

​On March 31, 1912, the Titanic construction was completed with a new design believed to make it unsinkable. However, not enough lifeboats were provided for the passengers and crew. Tragically, the ship sank because its hull was damaged by a collision with a massive iceberg. The event claimed the lives of 1,513 individuals. In response to the disaster, numerous magazines were printed in various languages, new international safety laws were enacted, and the Ice Patrol was established in 1914 in response to the sinking of the ship. In 1985, the ship’s wreckage was located on the ocean floor and was explored. To date, several films have been produced about the Titanic, including the 1997 release of the well-known movie. The non-fiction book “A Nightmare to Remember” was written by Walter Lord. It recounts the sinking of the Titanic.

1,513 individuals were reported missing.


The book was written by Walter Lord.

​On March 31, 1912, the Titanic construction was completed with a new design believed to make it unsinkable. However, not enough lifeboats were provided for the passengers and crew. Tragically, the ship sank because its hull was damaged by a collision with a massive iceberg. The event claimed the lives of 1,513 individuals. In response to the disaster, numerous magazines were printed in various languages, new international safety laws were enacted, and the Ice Patrol was established in 1914 in response to the sinking of the ship. In 1985, the ship’s wreckage was located on the ocean floor and was explored. To date, several films have been produced about the Titanic, including the 1997 release of the well-known movie. The non-fiction book “A Nightmare to Remember” was written by Walter Lord. It recounts the sinking of the Titanic.


Which sentence is in passive voice?

​The form of passive voice

S + Verb to be + V 3 + (doer).
The book was written by Walter Lord.

Step 3 : Noticing the use of passive voice

Noticing the use of passive voice

​Why wasn't the doers mentioned in 1 ,2 but 3?

1. The ship was built in 1912.

2. 1,513 individuals were reported missing.

3. The book was written by Walter Lord.

Multiple Choice

Why wasn’t the doer of the action mentioned in some passive voice sentences ?

• Because the focus is on the action not on the doer of the action.

• Because we don’t know who the doer of the action is.

• Both a and b.

Step 4 : Remember the patterns

Work in group of 3 to 4 : complete the following table

1. Look up the passive voice chart in the internet and complete this table.

2. Write them down on a piece of paper

A cake is made.
A cake ...................
A cake ...................
A cake ...................
A cake ...................
A cake ...................
A cake ...................
A cake ...................
A cake ...................

​Passive voice

I make a cake.
I made a cake.
I have made a cake.
I am making a cake.
I was making a cake
I will making a cake.
I am going to make a cake.
I must make a cake.
I need to make a cake.

​Active Voice

Multiple Choice

English .........................all over the world.

• speaks

• spoke

• is spoken

• are spoken

Multiple Choice

America ....................in 1492.

• discovers

• discovered

• is discovered

• was discovered

Multiple Choice

The letters ________ by the postman this morning.

• delivered

• was delivered

• has been delivered

• have been delivered

Poll

I can write a passsive voice sentence.

Open Ended

Rewrite these sentences using passive voice

1. They make the best shoes in Italy.
   The best shoes….........................................

Open Ended

Rewrite these sentences using passive voice

1. They are sending the package by air.
   The package….........................................................

Open Ended

Rewrite these sentences as suggested:

1. An electric engine has started the fire.
   The fire….......................................................................

Open Ended

Rewrite these sentences as suggested:

1. Leila was preparing biscuits.
   Biscuits…...............................................

REFERENCE : My English page.com