At WRITERS AT WORK, we know how challenging synthesis and transformation (S&T) questions can be, especially when it comes to converting active to passive voice. Mastering this skill is crucial for higher-level Primary school students aiming to excel in their PSLE English papers. This blog will provide actionable tips, transition words, and sample questions to help you tackle active and passive voice conversions with confidence.
Understanding Active and Passive Voice
Before diving into the hacks, let’s first understand what active and passive voice mean:
- Active Voice: The subject of the sentence performs the action.
- Example: The boy kicked the ball.
- Passive Voice: The subject of the sentence receives the action.
- Example: The ball was kicked by the boy.
Converting active to passive voice requires a clear understanding of sentence structure, verb forms, and object placement. By following the steps below, you’ll be able to handle such transformations effectively.
Step-by-Step Guide to Convert Active to Passive Voice
Sample Questions
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Example 1:
Active: The librarian issued the books to the students yesterday.
Passive: The books were issued to the students by the librarian yesterday.
Example 2:
Active: The construction workers built the new playground last month.
Passive: The new playground was built by the construction workers last month.
Example 3:
Active: She is preparing a delicious meal for her family.
Passive: A delicious meal is being prepared by her for her family.
Example 4:
Active: The zookeeper feeds the animals twice a day.
Passive: The animals are fed by the zookeeper twice a day.
Example 5:
Active: The students will complete the project by next week.
Passive: The project will be completed by the students by next week.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Changing the Tense Incorrectly: Ensure the tense remains consistent when converting.
- Incorrect: The book is read by her yesterday.
- Correct: The book was read by her yesterday.
2. Forgetting the Past Participle Form: Use the correct past participle of the verb.
- Incorrect: The cake was eat by the children.
- Correct: The cake was eaten by the children.
3. Unnecessary Use of “By”: Omit “by” if it’s not essential to the meaning.
- Active: People speak English worldwide.
- Passive: English is spoken
Practice Makes Perfect
To master active and passive voice, practice regularly with varied sentence types. You can create your own sentences or use past prelim papers to sharpen your skills.
Challenge Question:
- Active: The artist is painting a beautiful portrait.
- Passive: ?
(Answer: A beautiful portrait is being painted by the artist.)
At WRITERS AT WORK, we believe that every student has the potential to excel in synthesis and transformation questions. By following these hacks, practicing diligently, and understanding how to use transition words effectively, you’ll be well-prepared for your PSLE English exams. Remember, great writing starts with strong fundamentals. Let’s work together to achieve your goals!
Attain Stellar Results with WRITERS AT WORK!
English is a compulsory subject which all students must undertake. However, mastering the English language is not something which happens overnight – it takes consistent practice and effort to learn the nuances of the language. Students must read more and practice writing to gradually improve. Cramming for a language subject nearer to the exams is an impossible feat. After all, Rome was not built in a day! Attaining such a skill will have positive implications for not only your child’s education in school, but also employment prospects in future.
At WRITERS AT WORK, we are committed to providing the smoothest learning experience for your child sitting for their English exams. With our carefully curated methods of teaching your child how to write well, your child will learn how to present their thoughts and arguments in a coherent and concise manner. WRITERS AT WORK reinforces your child’s language skills and provides a strong foundation for their academic success, keeping up with all aspects of their progress both inside and outside of the classroom to nurture them holistically. For more information about how WRITERS AT WORK makes a difference, feel free to explore our website, watch our YouTube videos and catch us LIVE on TikTok!
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1. How Do I Find the Best English Tutor?
Start by seeking recommendations from family and friends. Next, research online and read the reviews of tuition centres to find suitable candidates. A good idea is to drop by the tuition centre and let your child participate in a trial lesson to find a good tutor.
2. What is the Purpose of An English Tutor?
An English tutor’s role is to help your child reach their full potential in mastering the English language. Since children have varying academic skills and capabilities, it is important that the tutor is able to identify the child’s strengths and weaknesses and provide them with tailored assistance.
3. What Skills Should an English Tutor Have?
A tutor should have a discerning eye for strengths and weaknesses of the student, patience to deal with different students, the requisite qualifications and experience, and they should be up to date on the relevant changes in the Singaporean English syllabus.
4. What are Some Important Skills in English?
Mastering English involves understanding basic rules like grammar and sentence structure, as well as developing more advanced skills such as inference and synthesis, which are needed for tackling more complex exercises as the student progresses.
