Style: Active vs Passive Voice

Today we'll practice active vs passive voice. Brainstorm aloud first. Drafts get better when they're shared. Ask, 'What is the strongest sentence here? Why?' Reading drafts aloud is the single fastest way to improve. Edit on paper if you can.

• pencil
• paper

Free-write for ninety seconds about anything. Don't lift the pen. We'll mine it for ideas.

1. 1

   Write a topic sentence for a paragraph about a hobby.

   Parent tip: Topic sentence makes a claim, not just a description.
2. 2

   Identify the weakest verb in this sentence: 'The dog went into the yard.'

   Parent tip: Strong verbs do the lifting.

1. 1

   Write a 'show, don't tell' sentence about being nervous.
2. 2

   Revise this for stronger verbs: 'She put the book on the table and got up.'
3. 3

   Describe a sound, smell, and texture in one paragraph.
4. 4

   Write a short letter to your future self.
5. 5

   Define one figurative device (metaphor, simile, personification) and write an example.
6. 6

   Rewrite this sentence three different ways: 'The storm was loud.'
7. 7

   Compose a haiku (5-7-5) about something in your kitchen.
8. 8

   Write a transition sentence that moves from one idea to a contrasting one.
9. 9

   Write a paragraph (4-6 sentences) with a clear topic sentence about a place you'd like to visit.
10. 10

    Write three sentences that each start differently — vary the openers.

What is one sentence you wrote today that you're proud of? Why?