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Process Diagrams/The Passive
When writing 
Task One Process
essays, you will likely need to make use of the 
passive
form of the verbs you use. 
Present simple passive
looks like this:
Subject + is /are + past participle (+ agent)
Subject to be
(is/are)
Past
participle
(by agent)
An egg
is
laid
by the
butterfly.
Active:
The butterfly lays an egg.
Passive:
An egg is laid by the butterfly.

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Let’s look more closely at the difference between 
active
and 
passive
in the 
present
simple
.
In the present simple 
active
verb tense, the subject is followed by a present simple verb. 
In the following example, the object tells us what is being made (by the subject).
Present simple 
active
:
Subject
Present
simple
Object
The
caterpillar
makes
a chrysalis.
In the present simple 
passive
verb tense, 
the object becomes the subject
. The verb
becomes is/are, followed by the 
past participle
of the verb.
Present simple 
passive
:
Subject
is/are + past
participle
Agent
(can be implied, not
stated)
A chrysalis is made
by the caterpillar.
Now let’s practice using the passive.

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Exercise: The Passive
From the 
present simple active
 sentences given, choose the answer that is the correct
corresponding 
present simple passive
 sentence (A – D) from the choices below.
1. My grandfather builds houses.
A)
Houses are building by my grandfather.
B)
Grandfather is building a house.
C)
Houses are built by my grandfather.
D)
Houses is built by my grandfather.
2. Wires carry electricity.
A) Electricity is carried by wires.
B) Electricity are carried by wires.
C) Electricity is carries by wires.
D) Electricity are carry by wires.
3. The operator connects the telephone call.
A) The operator is connected by the telephone call.
B)
The telephone call is connecting to the operator.
C)
The operator is calling the telephone.
D)
The telephone call is connected by the operator.
4. The lumberjack cuts down the trees.
A) The trees are cutting down by the lumberjack.
B)
The trees are cut down by the lumberjack.
C)
The trees are cutted down by the lumberjack.
D)
The trees is cut down by the lumberjack.
5. The machine turns paper into pulp.
A) The paper is turned into pulp by the machine.
B)
The pulp is papered by the machine.
C)
The paper pulps the machine.
D)
The paper is turning into pulp by the machine.
Fill in the blanks with the correct words to form a present simple passive
sentence. Use the correct form of the verb in brackets.
6.
Research ____________________ 
(conduct)
by professional test writers before
the exams can be used.

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7.
Money _____________________ 
(raise) 
through fundraising events such as
charity auctions.