Active vs Passive Voice in Scientific Writing

Karen McKee discusses the differences between active and passive voice in scientific writing. Active voice is when the subject performs the action, while passive voice is when the subject is acted upon. Active voice is often clearer and more concise, but passive voice can be useful for emphasizing the action's receiver or maintaining a formal tone. The video provides examples and tips for using both voices effectively in scientific writing, including the 'by zombies' test for identifying passive voice.

What is a common misconception about active voice?

• It always uses a first-person pronoun.

• It always uses a third-person pronoun.

• It always uses a second-person pronoun.

• It never uses a pronoun.

Which of the following sentences is in active voice?

• Squirrels ate the acorns.

• Plant growth was reduced by salinity.

• The laboratory door was left open.

• The acorns were eaten by squirrels.

What is a handy tip to identify passive voice?

• Add 'by zombies' to the end of the sentence.

• Add 'by robots' to the end of the sentence.

• Add 'by aliens' to the end of the sentence.

• Add 'by humans' to the end of the sentence.

Why is passive voice often used in scientific writing?

• It sounds more scholarly and detached.

• It is more engaging.

• It is easier to write.

• It is more concise.

Which sentence is more dynamic and requires fewer words?

• Plant nutrient sources were assessed by isotopic analysis of leaves.

• Isotopic analysis of leaves revealed plant nutrient sources.

• The leaves were subjected to isotopic analysis to assess plant nutrient sources.

• The isotopic analysis of leaves was conducted to assess plant nutrient sources.

When is it appropriate to use passive voice?

• When the focus is on the action receiver.

• When the sentence is too short.

• When the sentence is too long.

• When the focus is on the action doer.

Which sentence emphasizes the focus on oak trees or seed dispersal?

• Squirrels are eating the acorns.

• Acorns are eaten by squirrels.

• Squirrels ate the acorns.

• The acorns were eaten by squirrels.

Why might passive voice be used in the Methods section of a paper?

• It is often preferred for describing methods.

• It makes the writing more engaging.

• It shortens the sentences.

• It highlights the researcher.

What is a potential drawback of using first-person pronouns in scientific writing?

• It makes the writing too formal.

• It makes the writing too concise.

• It confuses the reader.

• It puts emphasis on the researcher rather than the research.

What should be balanced when choosing between active and passive voice?

• The formality of the writing and the engagement of the reader.

• The number of words and the use of pronouns.

• The length of the sentence and the complexity of the topic.

• The subject you wish to emphasize and the reader's needs.