Active & Passive Voice — Practice · Grade 8 English

Chapter: Language, Style & Conventions

What this practice covers

By the end of Active & Passive Voice you should be able to:

11 questions, multiple choice and written answer, each with a worked explanation.

Vocabulary used: active voice, passive voice.

Problem 1

Which sentence is written in active voice?
  1. The chef prepared the meal in twenty minutes.
  2. The meal was prepared by the chef in twenty minutes.
  3. The meal was prepared in twenty minutes.
  4. Twenty minutes were needed for the meal to be prepared.
Answer and explanation

The chef prepared the meal in twenty minutes.

In the first sentence, the subject (the chef) directly performs the action (prepared), which is the definition of active voice.

Problem 2

Rewrite in active voice: 'The mural was painted by local students.' Which is correct?
  1. Local students painted the mural.
  2. The mural painted local students.
  3. Local students were painting by the mural.
  4. The mural was being painted.
Answer and explanation

Local students painted the mural.

Moving the doer (local students) into the subject position with an active verb (painted) creates the correct active-voice sentence.

Problem 3

Write one sentence in passive voice, then rewrite it in active voice.
Answer and explanation

A strong answer includes a genuine passive sentence (subject + form of 'to be' + past participle, e.g., 'The award was given to Jenna') and its correct active rewrite ('The committee gave Jenna the award').

Problem 4

Passive voice is the better choice when...
  1. the doer of the action is unknown or unimportant
  2. you always want the most vivid, direct writing possible
  3. the sentence has no verb at all
  4. you are writing dialogue exclusively
Answer and explanation

the doer of the action is unknown or unimportant

Passive voice is genuinely useful when the doer is unknown, unimportant, or intentionally de-emphasized.

Problem 5

Which sentence is written in passive voice?
  1. The results were announced at the assembly.
  2. The principal announced the results at the assembly.
  3. Students cheered when they heard the results.
  4. The assembly ended early that day.
Answer and explanation

The results were announced at the assembly.

'The results were announced' shows the subject (results) receiving the action, with the doer left unstated — the hallmark of passive voice.

Problem 6

Identify the passive sentence and justify a possible use. Give a detail and explain its relevance.
Answer and explanation

The first sentence is passive and can suit a report when the actor is unknown. “Was worried” describes the caretaker’s state; it does not by itself name an action received from an actor.

Use the criteria to compare your reasoning, not to copy the model’s wording. A supported alternative interpretation may earn full credit.

Response criteria

  • Make an accurate, focused claim or revision.
  • Use a relevant detail or a clearly explained language choice.
  • Explain the relationship and recognize a relevant limit.

Problem 7

A learner writes: “Delete every was to eliminate passive voice.” Explain the problem and produce a better response.
Answer and explanation

Identify the action and grammatical roles. A form of be can describe a state; revise passive only when the focus or missing actor harms the purpose.

Use the criteria to compare your reasoning, not to copy the model’s wording. A supported alternative interpretation may earn full credit.

Response criteria

  • Make an accurate, focused claim or revision.
  • Use a relevant detail or a clearly explained language choice.
  • Explain the relationship and recognize a relevant limit.

Problem 8

Compare what you must inspect in these two cases. What can transfer, and what must be checked again?
Answer and explanation

Active voice places the grammatical subject as the actor; passive voice makes the subject the recipient of an action, often using a form of be plus a past participle. The method transfers, but the particular detail, scope, and context must be read again. The first sentence is passive and can suit a report when the actor is unknown. “Was worried” describes the caretaker’s state; it does not by itself name an action received from an actor.

Use the criteria to compare your reasoning, not to copy the model’s wording. A supported alternative interpretation may earn full credit.

Response criteria

  • Make an accurate, focused claim or revision.
  • Use a relevant detail or a clearly explained language choice.
  • Explain the relationship and recognize a relevant limit.

Problem 9

Using an assigned reading or one exercise source, write a developed response applying active & passive voice. Aim for 120–180 words; name the reading or reproduce the sentence you revise.
Answer and explanation

“The committee changed the survey results.” The committee becomes the subject, making responsibility more prominent. The event remains the same. A complete response supplies context, a focused claim, a brief supporting detail, explanation, and a relevant qualification. Do not simply repeat this model.

Use the criteria to compare your reasoning, not to copy the model’s wording. A supported alternative interpretation may earn full credit.

Response criteria

  • Make an accurate, focused claim or revision.
  • Use a relevant detail or a clearly explained language choice.
  • Explain the relationship and recognize a relevant limit.

Problem 10

Write two specific feedback comments on a response to this unit: one on accuracy or meaning and one on evidence or language. Then state a revision priority.
Answer and explanation

Check whether the response explains active voice places the grammatical subject as the actor; passive voice makes the subject the recipient of an action, often using a form of be plus a past participle. Ask for a relevant detail and the reason it supports the conclusion. Prioritize the mistaken assumption shown here: “Delete every was to eliminate passive voice.”

Use the criteria to compare your reasoning, not to copy the model’s wording. A supported alternative interpretation may earn full credit.

Response criteria

  • Make an accurate, focused claim or revision.
  • Use a relevant detail or a clearly explained language choice.
  • Explain the relationship and recognize a relevant limit.

Problem 11

Choose a fresh sentence or detail from the assigned selection. Explain how this unit’s method applies, and identify one uncertainty or limitation.
Answer and explanation

Maya initially conceals a lost key because she equates independence with never needing help. Elena’s account of pretending and the father’s emphasis on safety challenge that assumption. The returned key and ribbon suggest responsibility includes communicating and using practical support. The response must supply its own precise detail and explain it; copying the model without fresh evidence is insufficient.

Use the criteria to compare your reasoning, not to copy the model’s wording. A supported alternative interpretation may earn full credit.

Response criteria

  • Make an accurate, focused claim or revision.
  • Use a relevant detail or a clearly explained language choice.
  • Explain the relationship and recognize a relevant limit.

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