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The passive voice, conversely, occurs when the object is acted upon by the subject of the sentence.

For example, “The cake was baked by Julie.” In this case, the object (cake) receives the action (baked), which is carried out by the subject (Julie).

One indicator of a passive voice sentence is the presence of a “be” verb followed by a past participle. However, a sentence can still be in the active voice even if it contains a form of the “be” verb. For instance, “I am eating a pie” is in the active voice, despite using the “be” verb (“am”). Additionally, the absence of an object can signal the passive voice, although it is also possible to have an active sentence without an object.

When should you use the active or passive voice?

Some believe sentences should be written in the active voice whenever possible, as it often makes writing more concise. As seen in the example above, the passive voice typically requires more words and can sound awkward or vague if used improperly, especially when the subject is implied but not specifically mentioned.

However, this does not mean that the passive voice should be avoided entirely. It has valuable applications, particularly in fiction writing. Many authors, especially in the mystery genre, use the passive voice to hide key details and maintain suspense in their stories.

The passive voice is also commonly used in scientific and academic writing. Although there has been a shift toward allowing scientists to discuss their actions in experiments, the passive voice is still favored in these fields to maintain objectivity. By not emphasizing the actor, it focuses on the actions taken and the results achieved.

In writing, always consider whether to use the active or passive voice based on your intent. If your goal is to highlight the doer of the action, use the passive voice. If you want to emphasize the action itself, then the active voice is the better choice.

For those planning to study overseas, IELTS is the “holy grail” of exams, accepted by universities round the world. As a result, it has become a high-stakes test for a growing number of people.

So how can candidates navigate the exam in order to achieve the score they need? Here is some useful advice from Experts of VI ACADEMY:

• Decide when you must take the test.

  The English proficiency level needed for your chosen course, such as an IELTS Band 6, will be indicated by the university where you applied. It will also specify when you must submit this result to be admitted to the course. Make sure to verify with the university and schedule the test well in advance, as the submission date may be many months prior to the start of the course.

• Get ready for the test

  The IELTS exam’s stringent time constraints and question formats provide difficulties for many applicants. This can be the result of their inadequate exam preparation. You may also practise certain exam sections online, and there is a wealth of online support accessible. Furthermore, the VI ACADEMY provides in-person instruction along with performance evaluations from a qualified instructor. Although we are unable to provide you with your exact band score, we can assist you in determining your current overall level and in organising your studies to meet your objectives.

• Regarding your level, be realistic.

  Universities generally accept the IELTS exam since it is thought to be a valid indicator of a candidate’s proficiency in English. Therefore, it is doubtful that you will receive the necessary score if your actual level of English is lower than the required score, regardless of how many times you take the exam, how much practice you do, and how comfortable you are with the types of questions. In this situation, you would need to enrol in an English language course that aims to improve your proficiency and ask for guidance on how long it might take.

This is one of the reasons we advise students to complete an English-Intensive Course before beginning an IELTS preparation course.

Every student at VI ACADEMY takes a placement test to determine their overall English proficiency before assisting them in selecting the subject that best fits their needs.

In VI ACADEMY, Our Skills Enhancement Classes are designed to supplement your language proficiency with additional topics that complement your learning journey. These classes vary according to the skill level of the students and include a wide range of engaging subjects, such as:

• British Idioms: Gain an understanding of commonly used idiomatic expressions, which will enrich your conversational skills and help you sound more natural when speaking.
• British Film: Engage with British cinema to enhance both your language skills and cultural understanding through film discussions and analysis.
• Current Events: Stay updated on the latest global news and develop your ability to discuss current affairs in English, improving your conversational fluency.
• British Culture: Explore aspects of British culture, including history, traditions, and social norms, which will help you better understand the cultural context of the language.