BBC LEARNING ENGLISH

Take an English class on

when to use the passive

Language quiz

Now let’s practise what you learned in the live lesson! Fix the
mistakes in these sentences. Two sentences are correct.

Here’s an example to help you:

The book was wrote by an ex-journalist.

Answer

The book was written by an ex-journalist.

1. Jackie’s handbag stolen at the beach.

2. The text be send to everyone in the group.
3. Into work has been called Steve unexpectedly this morning.
4. In the woods was found a body.
5. We’re good planners. Our holiday is being booked for months.
6. The bed looked like it had been slept in.
7. Painkillers have prescribed to the patient.
8. Witness statements were taken at the crime scene.

Well done! Now you can check your answers at the bottom of the
next page.

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Speaking and writing practice

Now it’s time to practise writing and speaking! Use some of the verbs
below to describe a film, TV show or book to a friend. Once your
friend guesses what you are describing, change places.

written directed played filmed made performed

Example
A: It was written by JK Rowling. The films were directed by different
people but one director was Chris Columbus. The main character was
played by Daniel Radcliffe and it was filmed in the UK.
B: Is it Harry Potter?
A: Yes!

Remember to pay attention to the verb forms when you speak and
write.

Answers to exercise on page 1

1. Jackie’s handbag was stolen at the beach.

2. The text was sent to everyone in the group.
3. Steve has been called into work unexpectedly this morning.
(word order)
4. A body was found in the woods. (word order)
5. We’re good planners. Our holiday has been booked for
months.
6. The bed looked like it had been slept in. (correct)
7. Painkillers have been prescribed to the patient.
8. Witness statements were taken at the crime scene. (correct)

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