THE PASSIVE

Passive voice is formed by…

Subject + finite form of to be + Past Participle

When rewriting active sentences in passive voice, note the following:

Peter builds a house (active)

A house is built by Peter (passive)

Remember passive voice is used when the focus is on the action. It is not important or not known, however, who or what is performing the action.  In the example My bike was stolen, the focus is on the fact that my bike was stolen. I do not know, however, who did it.

Sometimes a statement in passive is more polite than active voice, as the following example shows, A mistake was made. In this case, I focus on the fact that a mistake was made, but I do not blame anyone (e.g. You have made a mistake.).

As always, you can go to 'Grammar' to see, download and/or print a document on the passive voice plus an overview on the active/passive 

And now, time to practise!!!!

Exercise 1

Exercise 2

Exercise 3

Exercise 4

Exercise 5 (A page with lots of practice!!!)

Exercise 6

Exercise 7 (A game)

LET'S PRACTISE PAST TENSES!

Don't forget that 'practice makes perfect'!  and you seem to have some problems using the different past tenses together in the proper way so, why don't you try these exercises? Remember that the best way to learn is practice, practice, practice ;)

In case you are stuck or just want to have a look at how to use them before trying, just go to 'Our Bits and Bobs' to see, download and/or print the theory.

Good luck!

Exercise 1 - Past simple or past continuous? A story

Exercise 2 - past simple or past continous? A story

Exercise 3 - Past simple or past continuous? A dialog

Exercise 4 - Past simple or past continuous? A story

Exercise 5 - Past simple or past continuous? A story

Exercise 6 -  Past perfect or Past simple? Sentences

Exercise 7 - Past perfect or Past simple? A story

Exercise 8 - Past simple or Past Perfect? Matching exercise

Exercise 9 - Past simple, past continuous or past perfect? Sentences

Exercise 10- Past simple, past continuous or past perfect? Sentences

Exercise 11 - Narrative sentences - A story

CHEATERS vs INSPIRING PEOPLE

Cheaters never win, and winners never cheat ... unless you are one of these athletes. Who are some of the biggest cheaters in sport history? Have a look at this video and you will discover! You will also find the stories you read in class, and probably, a surprise at the end of the video!

 

Fortunately, there are some inspiring people, like Rick Hyot and his father, Dick. What makes them especial is the fact that Rick suffers from cerebral palsy since birth. They have competed together in several events, including marathons and triathlons. During competition Dick pulls Rick in a special boat as they swim, carries him in a special seat in the front of a bicycle, and pushes him in a special wheelchair as they ran. The Hyots did not finish the 2013 Boston Marathon, the last marathon they have run together. They had about a mile to go when two bombs exploded near the finish line, and were stopped by officials along with thousands of other runners still running the race. They were not injured.

This is their official page 

 Watch the video to know more about them, even though it's in original it has subtitles, remember that this is good listening practice!