Day 4Essay Day 3: Active and Passive Voice,

Transition Words

Warm Up

Assignment: Do changes that make our lives easier necessarily make them better?

Create a Pre-Write, Thesis, and Topic Sentences that answers the question below

AgendaWarm UpPassive Voice InstructionPractice Passive VoiceTransitions

Passive VoiceSentences with passive voice contain a

form of the verb be.

This includes:be, become, became, is, are, was, were,

would, will get, got, being, had been, has been

1. The subject of the sentence is unknown and needs to be added2.The subject of the sentence is known, but the writer still uses a passive verbExamples: All three are passive

The Caveman was eaten.The Caveman was eaten by the dinosaurThe Dinosaur will get the caveman.

Why it should be avoidedIt does not specify the actor or subject of the sentence,

uses vague language, or is wordy and unprofessional.Example A: Does not specify who ate the caveman.Example B: Is too wordyExample C: Too vague

Two Types of Problems:

How to Fix itExamples: All three are passive

The Caveman was eaten.The Caveman was eaten by the dinosaurThe Dinosaur will get the caveman.

What to do:Example A: Add a subjectExample B: change structure of sentenceExample C: use stronger verb

Partner Practice1. Justin Bieber was made famous. 2. Justin Bieber was trampled by a family of

7meer.3. Justin Bieber’s latest hit, “Where are U

now,” was awesome.

Individual Practice1. The Itsy-bitsy spider got up the water spout.2. 7meer jousting is considered a great sport.3. The night sky was abruptly illuminated by

fireworks, which scared Ibrahim.4. Sari’s favorite show, the “teletubbies” will

be cancelled for the upcoming year.5. Although, English has been spoken in

America for nearly 400 years, Ustaz Michael is still confused by it.

Transition WordsTransition words, or Independent Marker Words, are

connecting word used at the beginning of an independent clause.

1. Period + Independent Marker + Comma (more common)

I love falafel. However, I try not to eat it everyday. 

2. Semi-colon + Independent Marker + Comma (less common)

Jim studied in the cafe for his quiz; however, it was hard to concentrate because of the noise.

Common Mistakes1. I love falafel however I try not to eat it

everyday.

2. I love falafel, however I try not to eat it everyday.

3. I love falafel, however, I try not to eat it everyday.

Categorize the Independent Marker words words by their meaning

1. ________________

however, on the other hand,in contrast, yet,on the contrary,nevertheless,

2. ________________consequently,thus, therefore, as a result,

3. _____________furthermore, in addition, moreover, also,

4. ____________

in conclusion,finally, lastly, in sum,

5. ______________first/second/third, afterwards, before, meanwhile,as soon as, 6. ______________in this casefor instance, as an illustration, for example,

Practice StoriesWrite One Sentence about anything.

HomeworkNone

HomeworkUsing Active voice and TransitionsFinish the Essay you started for your warm

up. Do not spend more than 25 min on it.

“Do changes that make our lives easier necessarily make them better?”

Exit Slip1. Fix the following Passive sentences.

A. I was made angry.

B. It was important for the students to understand the issues of justice in their lives.

2. Connect the two sentences with a transition word.