Describing a Process with the Passive

Ever read instructions for how something is made?

Notice

  • First, the coffee beans are picked. Then they are roasted.
  • The dough is mixed, then it is left to rise.
  • Finally, the product is packaged and shipped.

Rule

The Passive Voice is the natural choice for describing a process — how something is made, done, or produced — because the steps matter more than who performs them. Combine it with sequencing words (first, then, next, finally) from Module 1.

Practice

  1. First, the wheat ___ (harvest).
    Answer: is harvested
  2. Then it ___ (grind) into flour.
    Answer: is ground
  3. The bread ___ (bake) for 30 minutes.
    Answer: is baked
  4. Finally, it ___ (sell) in the shop.
    Answer: is sold
  5. The whole process ___ (repeat) every day.
    Answer: is repeated

Connect

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CEFR: Writing — write a simple connected description of a familiar process.

Azizul Hakim
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