Active vs. Passive Voice: Choosing the Right Tone for PTE Writing

When preparing for the PTE Academic test, sentence structure is often overlooked, particularly the choice between active and passive voice. While both are grammatically correct, knowing when and how to use them can significantly impact your writing score. We will explore the differences between active and passive voice, their appropriate use in PTE writing tasks, and how to strike the right tone for maximum clarity and effectiveness.

What Is Active Voice?

In an active voice, the subject of the sentence acts. This structure is direct, clear, and typically easier for readers to understand.

Example:

• The student wrote the essay.

In this sentence, “the student” is the subject who acts as writing. The focus is on the person doing the action.

What Is Passive Voice?

In a passive voice, the subject receives the action rather than performing it.

Example:

• The essay was written by the student.

Here, the subject of the sentence is “the essay,” which is receiving the action. The focus shifts from the person doing the action to the object being acted upon.

Why Voice Matters in PTE Writing

The PTE Academic writing tasks, especially the “Summarize Written Text” and “Write Essay” sections require clarity, logic, and cohesion. The voice you choose can affect all three.

1.  Clarity and Directness

Active voice is usually clearer and more straightforward. It helps the reader (or automated scoring system) follow your ideas without confusion.

Active example:

• Researchers discovered a new method of data analysis.

Passive version:

• A new method of data analysis was discovered by researchers.

While both are correct, the active sentence is cleaner and more concise.

2.  Word Count Efficiency

In timed tests like PTE, every word counts. Passive constructions are often longer and may use unnecessary helping verbs.

Example:

• The solution was implemented by the team (7 words)

• The team implemented the solution (5 words)

Choosing the active voice can help you stay within word limits and avoid redundancy.

3.  Formal Tone vs. Natural Flow

Some students believe that passive voice sounds more academic or formal. While this can be true in certain contexts, like scientific reports, PTE writing generally rewards clarity over formality.

In the PTE test, your writing should sound natural and logical. Overusing passive voice may make your writing sound distant or awkward.

When to Use Passive Voice

Although an active voice is often preferred, a passive voice can be useful in specific situations:

● When the actor is unknown or unimportant:

The rules were changed last year. We may not need to say who changed them.

● When the focus should be on the object:

The building was designed to withstand earthquakes. The design is more important than who designed it.

In such cases, using the passive voice helps emphasize the right part of the sentence without distracting the reader.

Striking the Right Balance

For PTE writing, the best approach is to use mostly active voice while allowing occasional passive constructions when necessary. Here are a few tips:

• Review your sentences for clarity: If a sentence feels long or confusing, try rewriting it in an active voice.

• Avoid overcomplicating ideas: Simpler structures are easier to follow and typically score better.

• Use passive voice sparingly and with purpose: Only use it when it improves the sentence’s focus or when the doer of the action is unknown or irrelevant.

Practice Example: Improving a PTE Essay Sentence

Let’s take a sentence that might appear in a PTE essay:

Passive:

The benefits of online education are often overlooked by policymakers.

Revised to active:

Policymakers often overlook the benefits of online education.

The second version is shorter, clearer, and more direct. In a timed writing test, these small changes can make a big difference.

In the PTE Academic writing section, your ability to express ideas clearly and efficiently is essential. While both active and passive voices are acceptable, using an active voice as your default choice will usually produce better results. It helps your writing sound confident, focused, and easier to understand.

Remember: good writing isn’t just about grammar, but it’s about making your message clear to the reader. By choosing the right voice for the right situation, you can present your ideas more effectively and boost your overall writing score.