Writers use active voice most of the time. Read the following sentence, which uses…

Writers use active voice most of the time. Read the following sentence, which uses active voice. Then briefly describe why you think the writer chose the active voice.
I wrote a negative review of the play.
2. Now read this sentence, which is written in passive voice. How does the passive voice change the meaning and effect of the sentence?
The play was negatively reviewed.
Avoiding Unnecessary Shifts in Voice
Writers may choose to use active and passive voice for different effects, but they should avoid unnecessary shifts in voice.
3 Look at this sentence from a student’s essay about Othello. Underline the verbs.
The critic recalls the play, and Salvini’s terrifying portrayal of Othello is remembered.
4. What do you notice about the verbs in these two clauses? Look at the sentence, and make an observation about the verbs’ voice.
Exploring Verb Mood
5. The indicative mood is used most often. But there are specific situations when other verb moods are useful. Read the following sentence, which is in the imperative mood, and describe briefly when you would use this mood.
Go watch the play!
6. Now read this sentence, which is in the subjunctive mood. Describe briefly when you would use this mood.
If I were you, I would have played the part of Iago.
Avoiding Unnecessary Shifts in Mood
7. Look at this sentence from “Othello on Stage and Screen.” Highlight the verbs.
The critic is entertained, but he does not understand Othello’s complexity.
8. Continue examining the same sentence from the text, and determine the mood of the verbs you identified. Write new sentence that uses the same mood.
The critic is entertained, but he does not understand Othello’s complexity.
Mood:
Original Sentence:
9. Look at this sentence from a student’s essay about “Othello on Stage and Screen.” Highlight the verbs.
Think about the critic’s review. Imagine his perspectives.
10. What mood are these verbs in? Write new sentence that uses the same mood.
Think about the critic’s review. Imagine his perspectives.
Mood:___________/_____________
Original Sentence:
Editing
Read the following passage and revise the underlined words as needed to correct inappropriate shifts in voice or mood. If the sentence has no unnecessary shifts, write “no change.”
11. The audience watched the play and warmly receives Robeson’s performance.
12. If the survey were correct, American audiences would not have welcomed a black actor playing Othello in the United States.
13. Surprisingly, Robeson’s Othello is a success, and the audience watched the performance.
Check Your Understanding
Imagine you are editing a classmate’s writing, and you notice these sentences:
What would you do if you are cast as Iago in the play? You could act like a villain, or acting friendly.
14. Write explanation so that your classmate understands how to correct the unnecessary shifts.