ELA.7.C.3.1

When writing, it is important to keep verb tenses appropriately consistent.

Writers may sometimes intentionally change the tense of a clause or sentence to convey a specific meaning. Appropriate changes in tense can indicate a certain order to actions or a specific time frame that an action occurred in.

There should not be sudden, inappropriate shifts in verb tense in the middle of a sentence or a paragraph.

Read the following paragraph before continuing.

Herman Melville's novel Moby-Dick is one of the most recognizable stories in the world. It detailed a sea captain's quest for revenge against a white whale that had bitten off one of his legs. Although much of the story focuses on Captain Ahab, whose desires drove the plot, the narrator of the novel is actually another member of the ship, Ishmael. Readers experience the turbulent tale of whaling, revenge, and stormy seas through Ishmael's first-person perspective.

Herman Melville's novel Moby-Dick is one of the most recognizable stories in the world. It detailed a sea captain's quest for revenge against a white whale that had bitten off one of his legs. Although much of the story focuses on Captain Ahab, whose desires drove the plot, the narrator of the novel is actually another member of the ship, Ishmael. Readers experience the turbulent tale of whaling, revenge, and stormy seas through Ishmael's first-person perspective.

Herman Melville's novel Moby-Dick is one of the most recognizable stories in the world. It ~~detailed~~ details a sea captain's quest for revenge against a white whale that bit off one of his legs. Although much of the story focuses on Captain Ahab, whose desires ~~drove~~ drive the plot, the narrator of the novel is actually another member of the ship, Ishmael. Readers experience the turbulent tale of whaling, revenge, and stormy seas through Ishmael's first-person perspective.

ACTIVE VOICE vs. PASSIVE VOICE

In active voice sentences, the subject of the sentence performs the sentence's action.

In passive voice sentences, the subject of the sentence receives the sentence's action. The performer of the action in passive voice sentences is either understood, or the object of the preposition by.

Sentences that have the same meaning can be written in either the active or passive voice.

Passive voice sentences often use more words than active voice sentences and can be a roundabout way to convey information. Generally, it is better to use active voice in your writing because it is more clear and concise.

However, there are some situations where passive voice may be more appropriate.

1. Use passive voice when the object or action is emphasized rather than who or what is performing the action.

2. Use passive voice when the performer of the action is unknown or not necessary to the main point.

3. Use passive voice sparingly to add sentence variety to your writing.

Sentences with different lengths and structures are more interesting to read. Adding the occasional sentence in the passive voice can help enhance your writing.

Verbs

Florida - Benchmarks for Excellent Student Thinking: ELA.7.C.3.1

Follow the rules of standard English grammar, punctuation, capitalization, and spelling appropriate to grade level.

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