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B2 · Unit 2
Passive Voice I · processes & reports
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Passive Voice I

In this unit, students learn how to use the passive voice to write formal descriptions of processes, reports, and systems. The focus is on grammar accuracy and clear academic writing (common in IELTS/TOEFL and workplace reporting).

Objectives Form When to Use Passive Examples Practice Writing Task Feedback Exit Ticket Materials

SWBAT (Objectives)

  • Form the passive voice accurately: be + past participle (V3).
  • Use passive voice in present and past simple for processes and reports.
  • Decide when to include an agent (by…) and when to omit it.
  • Write a short formal process description using passive structures and clear sequencing.
  • Edit common passive errors (missing “be”, wrong participle, wrong word order).

Grammar Focus: Passive Form

Active → Passive (basic)

Active: The company ships the orders every day.
Passive: The orders are shipped every day.
Object becomes the subject.

Present simple passive

am/is/are + V3
• The form is completed online.
• Packages are scanned at the warehouse.

Past simple passive

was/were + V3
• The report was written yesterday.
• The items were delivered last week.

Common errors (B2)

• ❌ The packages shipped every day. → ✅ The packages are shipped every day.
• ❌ The email was send. → ✅ The email was sent.
• ❌ The results are calculate. → ✅ The results are calculated.

Grammar Notes (PDF) Irregular V3 List (PDF)

When Do We Use Passive?

Use passive when…
  • the “doer” is unknown or unimportant
  • you want a formal, objective tone
  • you describe a process or system
  • you write a report (focus on results)
Use active when…
  • the “doer” is important (responsibility)
  • you want direct, clear action
  • you give instructions to a person/team
Do we need “by…”?

Use by + agent only when the agent matters.
• The vaccine was developed by researchers.
Often omitted: “The form is submitted online.”

Passive vs Active Guide (PDF)

Model Examples (Processes & Reports)

Process description (present)
First, the order is placed online. Next, payment is confirmed. Then, the items are packed and are labeled. Finally, the package is delivered to the customer.
Report (past)
A complaint was received on Monday. The issue was investigated, and the customer was contacted the same day. A refund was issued after the evidence was reviewed.
Formal description
The device is designed to reduce noise. Data are collected automatically, and results are displayed on the dashboard.
Model Texts (PDF)

Practice (Accuracy)

Practice 1: Active → Passive

1) The lab tests the samples.
2) The team completed the project.
3) They send the results by email.

Practice 2: Fix the error

1) The report was write yesterday.
2) The forms submitted online.
3) The items are deliver every Friday.

Practice 3: Process sequencing

Put the steps in order and add linkers:
(a) items are packed (b) payment is confirmed (c) order is placed (d) package is delivered

Practice Worksheet (PDF)

Writing Task: Describe a Process (B2)

Choose one process
  • Ordering food online
  • Applying for a job
  • Checking in at an airport
  • Recycling waste in your city
Requirements
  • 120–160 words
  • Use at least 8 passive verbs
  • Use sequence linkers (first/next/then/finally)
  • Formal tone (no slang)
Template

First, ____ is _____. Next, ____ is _____. Then, ____ are _____.
After that, ____ is _____. Finally, ____ is _____.

Writing Template (PDF) Writing Checklist (PDF)

Feedback & Editing

Peer editing focus
  • Passive form correct (be + V3)
  • Sequence linkers used logically
  • Formal tone (objective language)
  • No missing verbs / wrong participles
Self-check

1) Underline all be verbs (is/are/was/were).
2) Circle all V3 participles.
3) Check subject-verb agreement (is/are, was/were).
4) Check punctuation after linkers (e.g., “Next,”).

Teacher feedback focus
  • Grammar accuracy + range
  • Clarity and cohesion
  • Vocabulary for processes (verbs like “is processed,” “is verified”)
Editing Checklist (PDF) Common Errors (PDF)

Exit Ticket (5 minutes)

  1. Write 2 passive sentences in the present simple (process).
  2. Write 1 passive sentence in the past simple (report).
  3. Rewrite 1 active sentence as passive.
  4. Write 1 sentence using by + agent (optional).
Exit Ticket (PDF)

Materials & Downloads

  • Unit 2 Slides — PPTX
  • Grammar Notes — PDF · Irregular V3 List — PDF
  • Passive vs Active Guide — PDF
  • Model Texts — PDF
  • Practice Worksheet — PDF
  • Writing Template — PDF · Writing Checklist — PDF
  • Editing Checklist — PDF · Common Errors — PDF
  • Exit Ticket — PDF

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