NYSTCE English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Practice Test

What aspect of language learning does the passive voice emphasize?

1. The action performed by the subject

2. The action received by the subject

3. The role of the agent in a sentence

4. The arrangement of words in a question

The correct answer is: The action received by the subject

The passive voice emphasizes the action received by the subject, highlighting the entity that is affected by the action rather than the one performing it. In sentences constructed in the passive voice, the focus shifts from the doer of the action (the agent) to the recipient of the action, which can often lead to a more nuanced understanding of the situation being described. For example, in the sentence "The book was read by the teacher," the emphasis is placed on the book (the subject) and the action of being read, rather than on the teacher (the agent) who performed the action. This construction can be particularly useful in contexts where the doer is unknown, irrelevant, or less important than the action itself. By placing the emphasis on what is occurring to the subject, the passive voice allows for different styles of communication and can enhance the clarity and focus of statements.