MAP 6th Grade Language Usage

A comprehensive course covering grammar, sentence structure, vocabulary, and writing skills for 6th graders preparing for the MAP test.

Advanced Topics

Active and Passive Voice

Making Your Writing Clear: Active vs. Passive Voice

In English, verbs can be active or passive. The voice changes who or what is doing the action.

Active Voice

The subject does the action.

  • "The dog chased the ball."

Passive Voice

The subject receives the action.

  • "The ball was chased by the dog."

Why It Matters

Active voice is usually clearer and more direct. Use passive voice only when you want to highlight the action or when the "doer" isn't important.

Real-World Application

News reports, instructions, and stories are easier to follow when written in active voice.

Examples

  • The teacher graded the tests. (active)

  • The tests were graded by the teacher. (passive)

In a Nutshell

Active voice makes your writing clearer; passive voice is useful in some situations.