MATERIAL
TITLE
: THE PASSIVE
PART
A: Read the news reports and then answer the questions below.
“…And
now, more news about the government’s plans for dealing with the latest
economic crisis. Reports are rather confusing at the moment, but a government
spokesman had this to say to our political correspondent, James Dalloway.”
“The
Prime Minister has been discussing his plans with other ministers and he has
reached a number of important decisions. First of all, the price of cigarettes
will rise by 20%, but the price of beer and other alcoholic drinks will remain
the same. The old age pension will go up by 10%, but not until after Christmas.
Ministers have agreed to stop all pay rises for government employees. They have
also decided to meet in a week’s time to make a final decision about the income
tax. The Prime Minister feels that there is no need to increase income tax by
more than 2% or 3%.”
“
Since we recorded that interview, James Dalloway has also spoken to the Prime
Minister, who gave a rather different view.”
“
I would first of all like everyone to know that the government has not made any
decisions yet about the economy. I have not spoken to any ministers yet,
but as soon as I do, and as soon as we reach a decision, we will make an
announcement. I can tell you, however, some of the things that will not happen.
For example, there will be no increase in the price of cigarettes, as the last
increase was only two months ago, and it would be unfair to raise the price
again so soon. Also, there will definitely not be a rise in income tax. As far
as pensions go, I feel that the old age pensioners deserve more, and I think
they will get a rise of at least 15% before Christmas. There has been no
discussion about pay rises for government employees. I am meeting other
ministers tomorrow, and we will make our final decisions then.”
What
differences are there between what the spokesman says, and what the Prime
Minister says about these topics? Write the sentences using the passive.
a)
meetings with
ministers
b) decisions about prices c) income tax
d)
decisions about pay rises
e) old age pensions
a)
………………………………………………………………………………………
b)
………………………………………………………………………………………
c)
………………………………………………………………………………………
d)
………………………………………………………………………………………
e)
………………………………………………………………………………………
PART
B: Make the sentences passive. Use by only if it is necessary to say who
does/did the action.
1.
Shakespeare wrote “Othello”.
………………………………………………………………………………………
2.
They have
arrested him for shoplifting.
………………………………………………………………………………………
3.
Electricity
drives this car.
………………………………………………………………………………………
4.
People think
the government will fail.
………………………………………………………………………………………
5.
We appointed
Mr Adams secretary.
………………………………………………………………………………………
6.
People
believed that fresh air was bad for sick people.
………………………………………………………………………………………
7.
Liverpool
beat Sheffield 2-0 yesterday.
………………………………………………………………………………………
8.
The villagers
called her a witch.
………………………………………………………………………………………
9.
We expect
that the rate of inflation will go down.
………………………………………………………………………………………
10.
Somebody saw Harry leave the plane in Toronto.
………………………………………………………………………………………
PART
C: Rewrite the sentences in
passive using the verbs in brackets
1.
Shakespeare is the greatest of all playwrights. (considered)
______________________________________________________________
2.
The rain will disappear tonight. (expected)
______________________________________________________________
3.
People believe that he is innocent. (believed)
______________________________________________________________
4.
He was a member of the Labour party when he was young. (known)
______________________________________________________________
5.
The super powers are heading for an agreement on nuclear weapons. (thought)
______________________________________________________________
6.
The escaped prisoner is heading for Germany. (reported)
______________________________________________________________
7.
People think that she had left the country. (thought)
______________________________________________________________
8.
They believe that The Queen is one of the richest people in the world.
(believed)
______________________________________________________________
9.
Scientists claim that the effects of radiation last for ages. (claimed)
______________________________________________________________
10.
Three people have been killed in an avalanche. (believed)
______________________________________________________________
11.
He travelled widely across Europe with a rucksack. (said)
______________________________________________________________
12.
Most of the old people need very little sleep. (thought)
______________________________________________________________
13.
Everybody claims that Matthew is a very talented British footballer. (claimed)
______________________________________________________________
14.
Many people consider chemistry a difficult subject. (considered)
______________________________________________________________
15.
People say he was responsible for that terrible accident. (said)
______________________________________________________________
16.
Everyone knows she was an obsessive liar. (known)
______________________________________________________________
17.
Experts claim that Joan Collins had several face-lifts. (claimed)
______________________________________________________________
18.
They think that discipline is the most important issue in the army. (thought)
______________________________________________________________
19.
They know he was always late for school. (known)
______________________________________________________________
20.
Most people think that broken homes cause a lot of social problems. (thought)
______________________________________________________________
21.
They expect the plane will be landing soon. (expected)
______________________________________________________________
22.
Many people believe that eating without chewing causes indigestion. (believed)
______________________________________________________________
23.
Everybody considers Rome as the cultural centre of Europe. (considered)
______________________________________________________________
24.
People claim that Porsche is the fastest car in the world. (claimed)
______________________________________________________________
25.
They report that some goods have been stolen. (reported)
______________________________________________________________
