Introduction to Passive Voice
Learning goals
- Understand Passive Voice: Learn the structure and use of passive voice in English.
- Differentiate Between Active and Passive: Understand when and why passive voice is used instead of active voice.
- Apply Passive Voice: Practice using passive voice in various contexts, including news reporting.
Key Concepts
- Passive Voice Structure:
- Form: Subject + form of “to be” + past participle (+ by + agent)
- Example: “The cake was baked by my mother.”
- When to Use Passive Voice:
- When the focus is on the action rather than the subject.
- When the subject is unknown or unimportant.
- To create an impersonal tone.
Examples
- Present Simple: “The book is read by many people.”
- Past Simple: “The cake was eaten by the children.”
- Present Continuous: “The house is being painted.”
- Present Perfect: “The project has been completed.”
Differences from Active Voice:
- Active Voice: The subject performs the action.
- Example: “The chef cooks the meal.”
- Passive Voice: The action is performed on the subject.
- Example: “The meal is cooked by the chef.”
Advanced Passive Voice Usage
- Passive with Modals:
- Structure: Modal + be + past participle
- Example: “The work must be finished by Friday.”
- Passive Infinitives:
- Structure: to be + past participle
- Example: “The information is to be shared with all employees.”
- Passive Gerunds:
- Structure: being + past participle
- Example: “He enjoys being praised for his work.”
Activities
Passive Voice Transformation (20 minutes)
Objective: Practice transforming active sentences into passive sentences.
Instructions:
- You will be provided with a list of active sentences.
- Rewrite each sentence in the passive voice.
- Example:
- Active: “The chef cooks the meal.”
- Passive: “The meal is cooked by the chef.”
Activity 2: News Report Role-Play (30 minutes)
Objective: Apply passive voice in a news reporting context.
Instructions:
- The class will be divided into small groups.
- Each group prepares a short news report using passive voice for key events.
- Groups present their news reports to the class.
- Example: “The new policy was introduced by the government last week.”
Activity 3: Passive with Modals Practice (20 minutes)
Objective: Practice using passive voice with modals.
Instructions:
- You will be provided with sentences with modals in active voice.
- Rewrite them in passive voice.
- Example:
- Active: “You must finish the report.”
- Passive: “The report must be finished.”
Activity 4: News Article Analysis (30 minutes)
Objective: Identify and analyze the use of passive voice in real news articles.
Instructions:
- I will provide you with a news article.
- Highlight all passive voice sentences.
- We will discuss why the passive voice was used in each case.
Activity 5: Create a News Bulletin (30 minutes)
Objective: Create a news bulletin using passive voice.
Instructions:
- You will be divided into small groups.
- Each group writes a short news bulletin using passive voice.
- Groups present their bulletins to the class.
Here is an example of a news bulletin includes various sections to provide a comprehensive update on current events.
Good Morning, Everyone!
Welcome to your morning news update for Friday, July 14th, 2023. Here are today’s top stories:
Headline News:
Major Storm Hits the East Coast
A severe storm has battered the East Coast overnight, leaving thousands without power and causing significant damage to homes and infrastructure. Emergency services are working around the clock to restore electricity and clear debris. Residents are advised to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. More updates on this developing story as we receive them.
Local News:
Community Garden Project Launched
In local news, the City Council has launched a new community garden project aimed at promoting sustainable living and community engagement. The garden, located in Central Park, is open to all residents who wish to grow their own vegetables and flowers. The initiative has received widespread support, and volunteers are encouraged to participate in the weekly gardening sessions.
Health News:
New Health Guidelines Announced
The Department of Health has announced new guidelines to combat the rising cases of seasonal flu. The guidelines emphasize the importance of vaccination, regular hand washing, and staying home when feeling unwell. Health officials urge everyone to follow these recommendations to prevent the spread of the virus and protect vulnerable populations.
Technology News:
Tech Conference Highlights Innovations
The annual Global Tech Conference concluded yesterday, showcasing the latest innovations in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and green technology. Industry leaders presented groundbreaking research and new products that are set to revolutionize various sectors. Highlights included a new AI-powered assistant designed to enhance workplace productivity and a cutting-edge cybersecurity solution to protect against data breaches.
