Contested Usage Flashcards

Sort the sentences based on whether they use active voice or passive voice.

Active:
- We like to study biology.
- I bought a new bike.

Passive:
- The poem was written by Jo.
- Pandas are found in China.

Which statement best explains why a writer might revise the second sentence to use passive voice rather than active voice?

a. The writer wants to emphasize how the mural is different from other murals.
b. The writer hopes to conceal the name of the artist who painted the mural.
c. The writer does not know the name of the person who painted the mural.

C

A large mural decorates one wall of the community center. Some artist painted the mural last year. The mural shows groups of children singing, playing soccer, and reading books.

Which revision to the second sentence of the passage changes active voice to passive voice?

a. "Eduardo Vega painted the mural last year."
b. "The mural was painted last year."
c. "I think that some artist painted the mural last year."

B

Sort the sentences based on whether they contain an infinitive.

Infinitive:
- I hope to hike tomorrow.
- To worry is natural.

No Infinitive:
- Kaya sent an e-mail to me.
- I enjoy running and biking.
- Jess will go to the park.

Which sentences contain split infinitives? Check all that apply.

a. I hope to quickly finish the worksheets so that I can study for the quiz.
b. To get the most out of the class, you should plan to attend all the field trips.
c. We would like to go to a movie over the weekend.
d. Olivia and Jayson plan to compete in the chess tournament.
e. The dancers must take time to completely warm up before the performance.

A & E

Read each sentence and determine which revision, if any, makes the sentence stronger and clearer.

1. I hope to tomorrow finish my science project.I hope to finish my science project tomorrow.I hope to tomorrow completely finish my science project.No revision is necessary.
2. The usher asked us to proceed carefully to the exit.The usher asked us to carefully proceed to the exit.Carefully the usher asked us to proceed to the exit. No revision is necessary.
3. She encouraged the dancers to energetically, gracefully, and confidently perform the routine.

A,C,B

Which sentence best emphasizes the idea that one should eat a good breakfast before school every single day?

a. Mom always says that it is best to eat a good breakfast before school.
b. Mom says that it is best to always eat a good breakfast before school.
c. Always Mom says that it is best to eat a good breakfast before school.

B

Use the drop-down menus to identify the preposition in each sentence.

a. The life jackets are stored below the deck.
b. I hope to visit my grandmother on Wednesday.
c. If you walk across the bridge, you will see two windmills.

B,C,B

Which sentence must be revised to eliminate the preposition at the end?

a. Please invite the guests in.
b. Jenni did not know what the movie was about.
c. I don't know where Carlos is staying at.
d. Which town are you going to?

C

Cassidy does not know for which course she will register.

How could a writer best revise the above sentence to avoid overly formal language?

a. Cassidy does not know which course she will register for.
b. Cassidy does not know for which course she will choose to register.
c. Cassidy does not know for what course she will register.

A

Which sentences are written in passive voice? Check all that apply.

a. My little sister found three seashells in the tidal pool.
b. That book was written by one of my favorite authors.
c. Sebastian and Akiko are traveling to Ohio this summer.
d. The contestants will be judged on style and originality.
e. In my house, fruit is often served after a meal.

B,D,E

Have you heard about the movie Return of the Robots?

A movie studio will release this exciting new film tomorrow.
How should the writer revise the second sentence in the passage to use passive voice?

a. A movie studio made this exciting film and will release it tomorrow.
c. This exciting new film will be released tomorrow.
c. A movie studio releases this exciting new film tomorrow.
d. This exciting new film releases tomorrow.

B

Original version: Have you heard about the movie Return of the Robots? A movie studio will release this exciting new film tomorrow.
Revised version: Have you heard about the movie Return of the Robots? This exciting new film will be released tomorrow.

Which best explains why a writer might revise the second sentence to use passive voice?

a. to make it clear that the movie studio is performing the action of the verb
b. to intentionally conceal the name of the film
c. to put more emphasis on the film itself, rather than on the movie studio
d. to help the reader better understand how movie studios operate

C

Which sentences contain split infinitives? Check all that apply.

a. Ahmed decided to take a cooking class with his aunt.
b. I try to completely ignore my little brother when he's pestering me.
c. Daniella's parents asked her to quickly set the table.
d. If you want to make the team, you should plan to practice every day.
e. To try one's best is often more important than winning.

B,C

Read each sentence and determine which revision, if any, makes the sentence stronger and clearer.

1. Please plan to next week return.
2. Tiana always aims to completely, efficiently, and without error finish her homework.
3. You must force yourself to really think before making a final decision.
4. I advised them to at least explore some new options.
A,A,C,C