Using Voice Effectively: Emphasizing the Actor or the Action

This lesson covers the differences between active and passive voice, emphasizing the importance of choosing the appropriate voice for effective communication. It outlines four reasons to use passive voice: unknown actor, desire to conceal the actor, objectivity, and focus on the action. Examples illustrate these points, and guidance is provided on revising sentences to active voice. The lesson concludes with a reminder to use active voice unless there's a specific reason for passive voice.

What is the main characteristic of a sentence in the active voice?

• The subject is passive.

• The subject is unknown.

• The action is more important than the actor.

• The subject is responsible for the action.

Which of the following is NOT a reason to use the passive voice?

• To appear objective.

• To make the writing more direct.

• To emphasize the action over the actor.

• The actor is unknown.

In which type of writing is passive voice often used to maintain objectivity?

• Mystery novels

• Personal diaries

• Scientific research articles

• Travel blogs

Why might a writer choose not to reveal the actor in a sentence?

• To confuse the reader

• To emphasize the actor

• To create suspense

• To make the sentence longer

What is a common mistake when using voice in writing?

• Using passive voice in scientific writing

• Not using the most effective voice for the genre

• Switching between voices in a single sentence

• Using active voice in crime reports

When revising a sentence from passive to active voice, what should be considered?

• The tense of the sentence

• The number of words in the sentence

• If the sentence is too long

• Whether the actor is important

In the context of historical events, why might passive voice be used?

• To highlight the actor

• To confuse the reader

• To make the event seem less important

• To focus on the action