When do we use the passive voice?
Academic writing
In academia we use it to make blanket statements such as “It is considered by many to be the most treasured artifact.”
These phrases are useful for IELTS Speaking Part 3 and Writing Task 2.
Newspapers:
We use the passive when we are focused on the recipient of the action and it doesn’t matter who did it.
For example, “The thief was arrested last week.”
Is there a grammar construction that you can connect this to in your own language?
If there is it will help you understand this better.
You need to get to know this form on a deeper level where you can produce it.
You need to learn it when it’s connected to context.
When we describe processes:
In Writing Task 1 you usually have to describe graphs but sometimes you get a nature diagram or a manufacturing process.
In this case you have to use passive voice.
For example, you might have to say “The pencil is made in Des Moines and it is shipped to California.”
In our course 3 Keys IELTS Success System we show you in a step by step fashion how to prepare for questions like these. Get more information about our course here.
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