The Passive Voice Introduced by Alison J. Vinande

Example Identify the subject and the verb. The humorous children placed the cat in the box. Active Voice The cat was placed in the box by the humorous children. Passive Voice

Objectives Identify 9 verbs and at least 5 uses of the passive voice in a story. Describe 2 situations when we use the passive voice. Define an “agent” and name at least 3 of them. Write at least 3 sentences in every major verb tense with the passive voice.

Sequence Read a passage in the passive voice. Analyze the elements of each sentence in the passage by reviewing key points and filling out a handout. Check comprehension with a concept map. Read and devise passive voice sentences in the major verb tenses.

Where is China?

What are the most famous historical sites in China?

Adapted from ta_Warriors/index.jsp China’s Terra Cotta Soldiers Find the subjects & verbs. China was united for the first time by a boy, Emperor Qin, in 221 B.C.E. Construction of China’s Great Wall was begun by this emperor. After experimenting with potions to extend his life, the king realized that he would die. A standing army of 7,000 soldiers was built to enforce his rule over the afterlife.

Adapted from ta_Warriors/index.jsp China’s Terra Cotta Soldiers Find the subjects & verbs. Beginning when the emperor was 13, and for the next 38 years, 700,000 workers were assigned to build an enormous shrine with life-size terra cotta warriors to protect him forever. This terra cotta army remained underground for two thousand years. Until, in 1974, a terra cotta head was discovered by Chinese farmers digging a well. Now the terra cotta army is often called the Eighth Wonder of the Ancient World.

Adapted from ta_Warriors/index.jsp China’s Terra Cotta Soldiers China (1)was united for the first time by a boy, Emperor Qin, in 221 B.C.E. Construction of China’s Great Wall (2)was begun by this emperor. After experimenting with potions to extend his life, the king (3)realized that he (4)would die. A standing army of 7,000 soldiers (5)was built to enforce his rule over the afterlife.

Adapted from ta_Warriors/index.jsp China’s Terra Cotta Soldiers Beginning when the emperor was 13, and for the next 38 years, 700,000 workers (6)were assigned to build an enormous shrine with life-size terra cotta warriors to protect him forever. This terra cotta army (7)remained underground for two thousand years. Until, in 1974, a terra cotta head (8)was discovered by Chinese farmers digging a well. Now the terra cotta army (9)is often called the Eighth Wonder of the Ancient World.

Key Point 1 Is the voice active or passive? Remember: If the subject is the agent ( does the verb), the voice is active. Example: After experimenting with potions to extend his life, the king realized that he would die. If the subject is not the agent ( does not do the verb), the voice is passive. Example: China was united for the first time by a boy, Emperor Qin, in 221 B.C.E.

Key Point 2 When do we use the passive voice? We use the passive voice when… the agent (the person or thing that does the action) is unknown or not important the result of the action is the focus of the sentence Examples: Construction of China’s Great Wall was begun by this emperor. A standing army of 7,000 soldiers was built to enforce his rule over the afterlife. For more practice, fill out the handout and a concept map.

The Passive Voice in Various Verb Tenses Simple Past Present Perfect Simple Present Present Progressive FutureModals For more practice, fill out the “Sentences” worksheet.

Application Activities Receptive skills (listening & reading) Listen to and read the news to find uses of the passive.

Application Activities Productive skills (speaking & writing) Play a guessing game. Describe a country’s natural resources. Explain where your clothes and other possessions were made. Write an essay about discrimination against social minorities. Devise a report about a famous building. You are a manager. Write a code of conduct for your employees.

Next Time: Objectives Correctly form 3 sentences with be and get passive and understand how they are different. Identify 3 uses of the complex passive in a police report.