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SATs practice · Year 6Chapter 3 · Active and passive voice, formal and informal, cohesion
Year 6 · Chapter 3

Active and passive voice, formal and informal, cohesion

By the end of this chapter you will be able to

  • Change a sentence from active to passive, or from passive to active, with the same meaning
  • Name the agent in a passive sentence, or explain why it is left out
  • Choose the formal sentence for a formal purpose
  • Name and copy an adverbial of time, place or number
  • Order sentences so that the links between them work

You should already know

  • Subjects and objects of verbs (Chapter 1 of this book)
  • Past participles and the verb to be (Chapter 2 of this book)

Where this leads

  • Sentence punctuation, with colons, semi-colons and dashes (Chapter 4 of this book)

KS2 SATs practice for grammar, punctuation and spelling (Year 6). Original questions in the style of the national tests. Content: Use the active and the passive voice, and explain how a passive changes the focus of a sentence (Year 5-6 grammar), Identify the agent in a passive sentence, and know when it can be left out (Year 5-6 grammar), Choose formal or informal language for a purpose, including contractions, slang and ellipsis (Year 5-6 grammar), Use adverbials of time, place and number to link paragraphs (Year 5-6 grammar), Use pronouns and synonyms to avoid repetition, and keep the reference clear (Year 5-6 grammar).

Exercise P  Do you remember?

1
FWhich word is an adverb in: The dog barked loudly. Choose one: dog, barked or loudly.
2
FWrite the past participle of hide. Write one word.
3
FWhich word is a pronoun in: They played outside. Choose one: played, outside or They.
4
FWrite the subject of: The wind blew the leaves across the yard. Write the subject only.
5
FWrite the object of: Ms Hart marked the spelling tests. Write the object only.
3.1

Active and passive voice

Year 6
Use the active and the passive voice, and explain how a passive changes the focus of a sentence (Year 5-6 grammar)
Video lesson: Active and passive voiceComing soon
Practice material. This is practice in the style of the Year 6 grammar, punctuation and spelling test. It is not the official test, and no official test item is used. Marks and timings are a practice guide only.
Story. The school garden is busy. "The window was broken by a ball," says the head, "but the gardeners planted the oak tree yesterday." Some sentences start with the doer, and some start with the thing that was done.

Rule

In an active sentence, the subject does the action: The dog chased the cat.

In a passive sentence, the object of the active sentence becomes the subject, and the verb uses the verb to be plus a past participle: The cat was chased by the dog.

A passive puts the focus on the thing that was done. For the full explanation, read Year 6 English, chapter 6.

Key ideas

  • Active: the doer is the subject. Passive: the receiver is the subject.
  • The passive uses was, were, is, are, has been, or have been, with a past participle.
  • Change the focus: the window was broken, not the ball broke the window.
Worked example 3.1.1
Write the passive version: The dog chased the cat.

Method. Turn the object of the active sentence into the subject of the passive.

  1. Find the object. The cat is what was chased.
    the cat
  2. Make it the subject, and add was. The passive needs was with the past participle.
    The cat was
  3. Add the participle and the agent. Chased is the past participle, and by the dog names the doer.
    The cat was chased by the dog.
  4. Write the answer.
    The cat was chased by the dog.

Check. the cat is now the subject. ✓

Worked example 3.1.2
Which version puts the focus on the window? Write the sentence. The ball broke the window. or The window was broken by the ball.

Method. The focus is on the first word of the sentence, and the passive starts with the window.

  1. Find the first word of each version. The active starts with the ball, the doer.
    The ball
  2. Find the first word of the passive. The passive starts with the window, the thing done.
    The window
  3. Decide the focus. The passive keeps the window as the focus.
    The window was broken by the ball.
  4. Write the answer.
    The window was broken by the ball.

Check. the passive focuses on the window. ✓

Worked example 3.1.3
Rewrite in the active voice: The letter was posted by Ahmed.

Method. In the active, the doer becomes the subject.

  1. Find the doer. Ahmed is the doer, after by.
    Ahmed
  2. Find the thing done. The letter was the thing posted.
    the letter
  3. Put them in active order. The doer comes first, then the verb, then the object.
    Ahmed posted the letter.
  4. Write the answer.
    Ahmed posted the letter.

Check. the doer is the subject. ✓

Exercise 3A  Practice: active and passive voice

1
FWhich sentence is in the passive voice? Choose one: The farmer fed the hens., The hens were fed by the farmer. or The hens ate the corn..
2
FWrite the passive version: The gardener planted the oak tree.
3
FWrite the active version: The jam was made by Grandma.
4
FWhich version puts the focus on the cake? Choose one: The baker iced the cake. or The cake was iced by the baker..
5
FRewrite in the passive, keeping the same meaning: Everyone enjoyed the film.
6
FIs this sentence passive? The bridge was built in 1920. Choose one: True or False.
7
FWhich verb form is passive? The letters ___ by the postman every morning. Choose one: delivered, are delivered or deliver.
8
PSWrite the passive with has been: The council has cleaned the park.
9
PSWrite a passive sentence about a school event.
10
PSWrite the past participle in: The window was broken by the ball. Write one word.
11
RWhy might a writer choose the passive in: The vase was broken during the play.?
12
PSRewrite in the passive, keeping the same meaning: Chloe wrote the poem last night.
3.2

The agent in a passive

Year 6
Identify the agent in a passive sentence, and know when it can be left out (Year 5-6 grammar)
Video lesson: The agent in a passiveComing soon
Story. The council notice says: "The park was closed by the council. The lights were switched off at nine. The bike was stolen." Who closed the park, and does the notice need to say who stole the bike?

Rule

In a passive sentence, the agent is the doer of the action, and it is usually after by: was closed by the council.

The agent can be left out when the doer is unknown, obvious, or not important. Then the sentence is still passive: The bike was stolen.

Key ideas

  • The agent is the doer in a passive sentence, usually after by.
  • The agent can be left out, and the sentence is still passive.
  • A phrase with to, such as sold to a museum, is not the agent.
Worked example 3.2.1
Write the agent in: The park was closed by the council.

Method. The agent is the doer, after by.

  1. Find the passive verb. Was closed is the passive.
    was closed
  2. Find the word after by. By the council names the doer.
    by the council
  3. Write the agent without by. The agent is the council.
    the council
  4. Write the answer.
    the council

Check. the council closed the park. ✓

Worked example 3.2.2
Rewrite without the agent: The window was broken by the ball.

Method. Remove the by phrase, and the sentence is still passive.

  1. Find the by phrase. By the ball is the agent.
    by the ball
  2. Remove the agent. The sentence still has was broken.
    The window was broken
  3. Check the sentence makes sense. It is still complete and passive.
    The window was broken.
  4. Write the answer.
    The window was broken.

Check. it is still passive. ✓

Worked example 3.2.3
Why is the agent left out of The bike was stolen.? Write one word.

Method. The agent is left out when the doer is not known.

  1. Find the passive. The bike was stolen, so the verb is passive.
    was stolen
  2. Check for an agent. There is no by phrase.
    no by phrase
  3. Explain the omission. The writer does not know who stole the bike.
    unknown
  4. Write the answer.
    unknown

Check. the writer does not know who did it. ✓

Exercise 3B  Practice: the agent in a passive

1
FWrite the agent in: The poem was written by a child from Leeds.
2
FWrite this sentence without the agent: The tickets were sold by the school.
3
FWhich sentence leaves out the agent? Choose one: The cake was baked by Mum., The cake was baked. or Mum baked the cake..
4
FIs there an agent in this sentence? The lights were switched off at nine. Choose one: True or False.
5
FWrite the agent for this passive sentence: The field was flooded by the storm.
6
FWrite a passive sentence with no agent.
7
PSRewrite with an agent: The rules were changed. Add the agent the committee.
8
RExplain why a scientist might write The samples were measured twice, without saying who did the measuring.
9
PSDoes this sentence have an agent? The painting was sold to a museum. Write yes or no.
10
PSWrite the passive version that keeps the agent: The team captain chose the music.
11
PSCopy the agent phrase, including by: The message was sent by Dad.
12
PSTurn into a passive sentence, leaving out the agent: Someone stole the bikes.
3.3

Formal and informal register

Year 6
Choose formal or informal language for a purpose, including contractions, slang and ellipsis (Year 5-6 grammar)
Video lesson: Formal and informal registerComing soon
Story. Two pupils write notes after a trip. Ellie texts her friend: "Trip was well cool, can't wait!!" Her teacher writes: "Thank you for a most enjoyable day. We would welcome your comments on the itinerary."

Rule

Formal writing uses full words (do not, it is), polite requests (could you, please), and standard vocabulary. It avoids contractions, slang and text talk.

Informal writing can use contractions (don't, it's), slang, short phrases and ellipsis (three dots) for a pause.

Key ideas

  • Formal: full words, no contractions, no slang, polite requests.
  • Informal: contractions, slang, and ellipsis may suit a friendly note.
  • Choose the register for the reader and the purpose.
Worked example 3.3.1
Which sentence is more formal? Write the sentence. It is not fair. or It's not fair.

Method. A formal sentence uses full words, not contractions.

  1. Look for a contraction. It's is a short form of it is.
    It's
  2. Check the other. It is uses full words.
    It is
  3. Choose the formal one. The full form is more formal.
    It is not fair.
  4. Write the answer.
    It is not fair.

Check. full words are formal. ✓

Worked example 3.3.2
Rewrite formally: Don't worry, we'll sort it out.

Method. Replace each contraction with the full words.

  1. Find the contractions. Don't and we'll are contractions.
    don't, we'll
  2. Expand don't. Don't is do not.
    do not
  3. Expand we'll. We'll is we will.
    we will
  4. Write the answer.
    Do not worry, we will sort it out.

Check. the full words are formal. ✓

Worked example 3.3.3
Which word is the most formal? Write one word. Choose from: kids, children, nippers.

Method. A formal word is standard and clear, and not slang.

  1. Look at each word. Kids and nippers are informal.
    kids, nippers
  2. Find the formal word. Children is the standard word for young people.
    children
  3. Check the meaning. Children fits any formal writing.
    children
  4. Write the answer.
    children

Check. children is standard and formal. ✓

Exercise 3C  Practice: formal and informal register

1
FWhich sentence is formal? Choose one: We're going to be late, so hurry up!, We are going to be late, so we must hurry. or We gonna be late..
2
FRewrite this request formally: Can't you just wait a sec?
3
FRewrite formally: They're not ready.
4
FWhich word is informal in: The results were fine, but the team was a bit gutted. Choose one: results, fine or gutted.
5
FIs this sentence formal? Lots of people turned up, which was cool. Choose one: True or False.
6
PSWrite a formal sentence that asks for help.
7
PSFind the two informal words and replace them with formal ones, in order: The kids looked knackered after the trip.
8
PSRewrite formally, without the ellipsis: We could try the bridge... or maybe the tunnel.
9
PSReplace the contraction in: It's wise to check the forecast. Write the two words that replace It's.
10
PSWhich sentence is the most formal? Choose one: Thanks for your help., Thank you very much for your help. or Cheers for the help..
11
RExplain why a formal letter to a headteacher should not use slang, even if the writer is friendly.
12
RRewrite formally: I don't think we'll make it.
3.4

Adverbials that link paragraphs

Year 6
Use adverbials of time, place and number to link paragraphs (Year 5-6 grammar)
Video lesson: Adverbials that link paragraphsComing soon
Story. A hiking diary: "At dawn, we set off. Later that morning, the path grew steep. Further up the hill, we stopped to rest. Finally, we reached the top." Each opening phrase tells the reader when or where.

Rule

An adverbial is a word or phrase that tells when, where or how many times. It links one paragraph or sentence to the next.

An adverbial of time tells when: later that morning, the next day. An adverbial of place tells where: further up the hill, nearby. An adverbial of number orders points: firstly, secondly, finally.

A fronted adverbial at the start of a sentence is followed by a comma.

Key ideas

  • Adverbials of time, place and number link paragraphs.
  • A fronted adverbial is followed by a comma.
  • Choose an adverbial that fits the order of events or the place described.
Worked example 3.4.1
Name the adverbial in: Later that afternoon, the rain stopped.

Method. An adverbial of time tells when the rain stopped.

  1. Find the adverbial. Later that afternoon tells when.
    Later that afternoon
  2. Check the rest. The rain stopped is the main clause.
    The rain stopped
  3. Check the comma. The comma shows the adverbial is at the start.
    Later that afternoon
  4. Write the answer.
    Later that afternoon

Check. the adverbial tells when. ✓

Worked example 3.4.2
Copy the adverbial of place in: Across the valley, a small farm sat beside the river.

Method. An adverbial of place tells where.

  1. Find the place words. Across the valley tells where the farm is.
    Across the valley
  2. Check the main clause. A small farm sat beside the river is the main clause.
    a small farm sat beside the river
  3. Copy the phrase. The phrase is the adverbial of place.
    Across the valley
  4. Write the answer.
    Across the valley

Check. across the valley tells where. ✓

Worked example 3.4.3
Which adverbial of number starts a list of three steps? Write one word.

Method. An adverbial of number orders points in a list.

  1. Look for a number word. Firstly starts an ordered list.
    Firstly
  2. Check the others. Secondly and finally come later in the list.
    secondly, finally
  3. Choose the first. Firstly is the first step.
    Firstly
  4. Write the answer.
    Firstly

Check. firstly starts the list. ✓

Exercise 3D  Practice: adverbials that link paragraphs

1
FCopy the adverbial of time: The next morning, the boats set out.
2
FCopy the adverbial of place: Beyond the hills, the sun was setting.
3
FWhich word is an adverbial of number? Choose one: Secondly, Yesterday or Nearby.
4
FPut these sentences in the order that makes the links work. A: Finally, the crowds went home. B: First, the band played a new song. C: Then, the mayor gave a speech. Write the letters in order.
5
PSPut in order so the time links work. A: Later, we walked to the shops. B: In the morning, we packed the bags. C: In the evening, we came home tired. Write the letters in order.
6
PSWhich adverbial of place links two paragraphs about a hike? Choose one: Meanwhile, Further up the path or Yesterday.
7
PSWrite a sentence that begins with an adverbial of time, followed by a comma.
8
PSName the adverbial of number in: Firstly, we need a plan. Write the word only.
9
PSPut these sentences in the order that makes the links work. A: In the end, the team won. B: At the start, the team was nervous. C: After half time, the team began to play better. Write the letters in order.
10
RWhich adverbial of time means at the same time as the events before? Choose one: Meanwhile, Afterwards or Finally.
11
RWhy do adverbials of time help a reader follow a story?
12
PSAdd a fronted adverbial of time to make this sentence link to the last paragraph: The bus arrived late.
3.5

Pronouns and synonyms for cohesion

Year 6
Use pronouns and synonyms to avoid repetition, and keep the reference clear (Year 5-6 grammar)
Video lesson: Pronouns and synonyms for cohesionComing soon
Story. Ravi is writing about the school fair. "Ravi found a stall. Ravi bought a cake, and the cake was sweet." A better version would replace some of the repeated words.

Rule

A pronoun (it, they, he, she) can replace a noun that has already been named, so the text does not repeat it.

A synonym (the vehicle, the creature) can replace a repeated noun, to add variety.

Check that the reader can tell which noun a pronoun refers to.

Key ideas

  • A pronoun replaces a named noun: Ravi bought a cake, and it was sweet.
  • A synonym avoids repeating a noun: the creature, the animal.
  • A pronoun must be clear: check which noun it refers to.
Worked example 3.5.1
Replace the repeated noun with a pronoun: Sam picked up the ball. Sam threw the ball. Write the second sentence.

Method. The pronoun it stands in place of the ball.

  1. Find the repeated noun. The ball is repeated.
    the ball
  2. Choose the pronoun. It stands in place of a thing.
    it
  3. Write the sentence. Sam threw it keeps the meaning.
    Sam threw it.
  4. Write the answer.
    Sam threw it.

Check. it refers to the ball. ✓

Worked example 3.5.2
Replace the repeated noun with a synonym: The dog ran fast. The dog jumped. Write the second sentence, using a synonym for dog.

Method. Choose a noun with a similar meaning.

  1. Find the repeated noun. Dog is repeated.
    dog
  2. Choose a synonym. Animal means a similar kind of creature.
    animal
  3. Write the sentence. The animal jumped keeps the meaning.
    The animal jumped.
  4. Write the answer.
    The animal jumped.

Check. animal is a synonym for dog. ✓

Worked example 3.5.3
Write the pronoun that refers to Mo: Tia gave the parcel to Mo, and he opened it.

Method. A pronoun refers to the person named before it.

  1. Find the people. Tia and Mo are the named people.
    Tia, Mo
  2. Find who opened it. Mo is the person who opened the parcel.
    Mo
  3. Choose the pronoun. He refers to Mo, a man.
    he
  4. Write the answer.
    he

Check. he refers to Mo. ✓

Exercise 3E  Practice: pronouns and synonyms for cohesion

1
FReplace the repeated noun with a pronoun: The painting was huge. The painting hung in the hall. Write the second sentence.
2
FReplace the repeated noun with a synonym for car: The car stopped. The car started again. Write the second sentence.
3
FWhich pronoun best refers to the twins? The twins shared a tent, and ___ slept well. Choose one: it, they or she.
4
FIs the pronoun clear? Ben met Sam at the gate, and he waved. Choose one: True or False.
5
FRewrite to avoid repeating house: We bought a house. The house had a green door.
6
FWhich synonym for happy fits best in a formal report? Choose one: chuffed, delighted or buzzing.
7
PSWrite the pronoun that refers to the teacher: The teacher handed out the maps, and then she gave the class a quiz. Write one word.
8
PSRewrite to avoid the repetition: Ravi likes football. Ravi plays every Sunday.
9
PSGive a formal synonym for quickly.
10
PSWhich pronoun is correct? The farmers gathered the apples, and ___ sold them at market. Choose one: they, it or he.
11
RWhy can too many pronouns make a paragraph hard to follow?
12
RRewrite using a pronoun to link the sentences: Mia found the map. Mia read the map on the bus.

Chapter summary

SkillMethod
Active voiceThe subject does the action: the dog chased the cat.
Passive voiceThe receiver is the subject: the cat was chased by the dog.
AgentThe doer in a passive, usually after by. It can be left out.
Formal registerFull words, no contractions or slang, polite requests.
Informal registerContractions, slang and ellipsis, for a friendly or casual purpose.
AdverbialA word or phrase of time, place or number that links paragraphs.
Pronoun and synonymReplace a repeated noun, and keep the reference clear.

Can you…?

  • I can change a sentence between active and passive, keeping the meaning
  • I can name the agent in a passive sentence, or explain why it is left out
  • I can choose formal language for a formal purpose
  • I can name an adverbial of time, place or number
  • I can use a pronoun or a synonym without making the reference unclear

Key terms

active
a sentence in which the subject does the action
passive
a sentence in which the receiver of the action is the subject
agent
the person or thing that does the action in a passive sentence
register
the level of formality in writing
ellipsis
three dots used to show a pause or a missing word
adverbial
a word or phrase that tells when, where or how many
cohesion
links between sentences and paragraphs that help the text hold together

Exercise 3Z  Check-up

1
Which sentence is in the passive voice? Choose one: The team won the match. or The match was won by the team..
2
Write the active version: The fence was painted by Dad.
3
Write the agent: The bridge was repaired by workers from the city.
4
Which sentence leaves out the agent? Choose one: The window was broken by Tom., The window was broken. or Tom broke the window..
5
Rewrite formally: We're sure it won't rain.
6
Which word is informal in: The match was rubbish, but the crowd was fine. Choose one: match, rubbish or crowd.
7
Copy the adverbial of time: In the morning, the birds sang.
8
Put these sentences in the order that makes the links work. A: Finally, the sun came out. B: First, the rain fell. C: Then, the wind rose. Write the letters in order.
9
Replace the repeated noun with a pronoun: The bell rang. The bell echoed across the field. Write the second sentence.
10
Give a formal synonym for ask.

Total 15 marks. Allow about 15 minutes.

Exercise 3X  Practice test questions

1
FWhich sentence is in the passive voice? Choose one: The gardener cut the grass., The grass was cut by the gardener. or The grass is long..[1 mark]
2
PSWrite the passive version: The children planted the seeds in spring.[2 marks]
3
FWrite the agent in: The results were announced by the council on Friday. Write the agent only.[1 mark]
4
FWhich sentence is the most formal? Choose one: Can't you hurry up?, Could you hurry up, please? or Hurry up, will ya?.[1 mark]
5
PSRewrite formally: It's not fair that we've been left out.[2 marks]
6
FCopy the adverbial of place: Beyond the bridge, the path became steep.[1 mark]
7
PSPut in the order that makes the links work. A: Finally, we reached the summit. B: At dawn, we set off. C: After two hours, we stopped to rest. Write the letters in order.[2 marks]
8
PSReplace the repeated noun with a pronoun: Mum bought a kite. Mum flew the kite on the beach. Write the second sentence.[2 marks]
9
FWhich word is an adverbial of number? Choose one: Meanwhile, Secondly or Nearby.[1 mark]
10
RExplain why a passive sentence can be useful in a science report.[2 marks]
← Chapter 2: Verb forms: tense, modal verbs, the perfect and the subjunctiveChapter 4: Sentence punctuation: colon, semi-colon, dash, bullet points, hyphen →

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