Passive Voice SHC


Task 1: Mystery Headlines (Warm-Up)

Look at the following news headlines. Can you guess who or what might be responsible? Why do you think the agent is not mentioned?

  1. A Rare Painting Was Stolen Last Night

    • Who do you think stole it?
    • Why do you think the writer chose not to mention them?

  2. Millions of Smartphones Are Sold Each Year

    • Who sells them?
    • Why is the agent omitted?

  3. A New Scientific Discovery Has Been Made

    • Who might have made the discovery?
    • How does using passive voice change the focus of the sentence?

Task 2: Understanding the Passive (Presentation)

Compare Active and Passive Voice

Look at the sentences below. How does the focus change in the passive sentence?

ActivePassive
They produce thousands of books each year.Thousands of books are produced each year.
Someone stole the painting last night.The painting was stolen last night.
Scientists have discovered a new planet.A new planet has been discovered.

Grammar Rule: Passive voice is formed with the verb to be + past participle (V3).

When Do We Use Passive Voice?

  1. When the agent (doer) is unknown, unimportant, or obvious.
  2. When the focus is on the action or result rather than the agent.
  3. In formal, scientific, or academic writing.

Task 3: Transform the Process (Controlled Practice)

Rewrite the following sentences in the passive voice. The first one has been done for you.

  1. They mix flour and water to make the dough.
    → Flour and water are mixed to make the dough.

  2. They will announce the winners tomorrow.
    → ______________________________

  3. They have built a new hospital in the city.
    → ______________________________

  4. Someone is repairing the road now.
    → ______________________________

  5. People use plastic in many products.
    → ______________________________

Task 4: Secret Reports (Communicative Practice)

Mission: You are part of a top-secret committee! Your group must write a short report using passive voice. DO NOT mention who did the actions!

Choose one scenario:

  • Organizing a surprise party
  • Investigating a crime scene
  • Preparing an important event (e.g., a wedding, a conference)

Use at least five passive sentences. Example:

"The venue has been booked. Invitations were sent out last week. A special cake will be prepared. The final schedule is being confirmed."

When finished, share your report with the class. Can your classmates guess your scenario?

Breaking News: Mysterious Art Theft at City Museum

Late last night, unknown thieves stole a valuable painting from the City Museum. Security cameras recorded the criminals as they entered through a side door. They disabled the alarm system before they took the artwork. Experts estimate the painting’s value at over $5 million. The museum director has called the police, and detectives are already investigating the case.

Authorities believe the thieves will try to sell the painting on the black market. Officers are interviewing museum staff, and forensic specialists are examining the crime scene. The museum will release an official statement later today.

Your Task

Rewrite the article using the passive voice while keeping the meaning the same.

Comments

Post a Comment