When Passive Voice Is the Better Choice
Written by Adi Ackerman, Head Teacher
"When Passive Voice Is the Better Choice" is written for 7th Grade (Ages 12-13), and it covers Common Core L.7.3.A. A 6th grader who is already steady on verbs can use it too, and an older student can use it as a short review.
2 pages in this set
7th grade grammar worksheet: circle the active or passive sentence that fits a purpose such as a news brief, and give a reason. Answer key included. Part of our active and passive voice verbs collection. Aligned to Common Core standards.
How do I use this worksheet?
Start with the basic rewrite, then add tense and purpose. Ask students to read both versions aloud and say which one is clearer.
What students will practice
- Students will read a purpose and choose the active or passive sentence that fits it.
- Students will explain why passive voice suits an unknown doer or an unimportant one.
- Students will explain why active voice suits a doer who deserves credit.
Curriculum Links
Common Core State Standards
Language · 7th Grade
Standard: Choose language that expresses ideas precisely and concisely, recognizing and eliminating wordiness and redundancy.
View all L.7.3.A worksheets →Find this in the curriculum
Browse the grade, subject, and topic this belongs to.
FAQ
How do I use this active and passive voice worksheet?
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Start with the basic rewrite, then add tense and purpose. Ask students to read both versions aloud and say which one is clearer.
What does this worksheet teach?
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Circle the active or passive sentence that fits a purpose such as a news brief, and give a reason. Passive voice is the better choice when the doer is unknown or less important than what was acted on. Active voice is better when the doer matters. The directions on the page read: Read each purpose. Circle the letter of the sentence that better fits it. Then write a short reason on the line. A phrase is enough. An answer key is included.
Can I use this active and passive voice worksheet for homeschool or classroom?
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Yes, both. We made it for 7th grade verbs, and it works the same at home or at school. At home, a student can work through it alone and then go over it with you, which shows quickly what is solid and what needs another look. In class it works as independent practice, homework or a warm-up, and you can print one copy or a full set.
How do you change passive voice to active voice?
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Ask who or what did the action, then make that doer the subject. In a passive sentence the doer is often in a by phrase.
When is passive voice the better choice?
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Passive voice is better when the doer is unknown or less important than what was acted on. Active voice is better when the doer matters.
What if the doer is not in the sentence?
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Read the facts to find who or what did the action. Find the Doer in Passive Sentences gives facts first, and students write the doer before they rewrite.
Does the tense change?
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No. Keep the tense when changing voice. Is checked by becomes checks, and will be checked by becomes will check.
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Worksheet Details
| Grade | 7th Grade |
| Subject | Grammar & Writing |
| Topic | Verbs |
| Standard | L.7.3.A |
| Pages | 2 pages |
| Difficulty | Medium |
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