Active versus Passive Voice

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A quiz to determine if you have mastered some of the important skills relating to effective use of the active and passive voice.

1) Is the following sentence written in the active or passive voice?
In the end, Dan ran out of time to analyze the data properly, which meant our project was a disappointment.
2) Is the following sentence written in the active or passive voice?
In the end our project was a disappointment because sufficient time was not left for the data to be analyzed properly.
3) Why is the second version of this sentence (‘In the end our project was a disappointment because sufficient time was not left for the data to be analyzed properly’) more suitable than the first (‘In the end, Dan ran out of time to analyze the data properly, which meant our project was a disappointment’)?
4) Is the following sentence written in the active or passive voice?
Many science students choose to study English courses because they want to learn how to communicate science more effectively and gain practice in public speaking.
5) Is the following sentence written in the active or passive voice?
Public speaking skills are desired by many students, which is why English 101 and English 200 are chosen by such a large number.
6) Why is the first version of this sentence (‘Many science students choose to study certain English courses because they want to learn how to communicate science more effectively and gain practice in public speaking’) more suitable than the second (‘Public speaking skills are desired by many students, which is why English 101 and English 200 are chosen by such a large number’)?
7) Are the following two sentences written in the active or passive voice, or a combination of both?
Astrophysicists in Ireland are designing an early warning system that will alert agencies when debris is going to fall to Earth from outer space. It is hoped by specialists at these agencies that this will minimise risk of collisions in heavily populated areas.
8) Are the following two sentences written in the active or passive voice, or a combination of both?
A new online resource has been developed to allow soft robotics workers to share knowledge with one another. Tutorials, design plans, and even 3D printing moulds have all been made freely available on the Soft Robotics Toolkit’s website.
9) Are the following two sentences written in the active or passive voice, or a combination of both?
Soapbox Science was an event organized by female scientists in the UK. It was hoped that showcasing amazing research performed by women would remove the stigma of science only being conducted by men in white coats.
10) Are the following two sentences written in the active or passive voice, or a combination of both?
Chemists are currently designing new medicines that taste like sweets when first ingested. They hope that paediatricians will use them more frequently than existing alternatives when they treat children.
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If you wish to record your answers separately for comparison to the actual solutions, we suggest doing that before submitting your quiz.
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Active and Passive Voice

Active and Passive Voice Quick Quiz