IELTS Grammar Rule #3: ACTIVE & PASSIVE VOICE FOR IELTS WRITING
20 Band 9 Rules with Formula & Examples
RULE 1: USE ACTIVE VOICE WHEN THE DOER IS IMPORTANT
Formula
Subject + Verb + Object
Use when
- The subject performs the action.
- Giving opinions.
- Explaining reasons.
- Suggesting solutions.
Examples
❌ New policies were introduced by the government.
✅ The government introduced new policies.
❌ Research is conducted by scientists.
✅ Scientists conduct research.
Shortcut: Ask, "Who performed the action?" If the answer matters, use Active Voice.
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RULE 2: USE PASSIVE VOICE WHEN THE ACTION IS MORE IMPORTANT
Formula
Object + Be + V³ (+ by + doer)
Use when
- The result is more important than the person.
- The doer is unknown.
- The doer is obvious.
Examples
❌ People recycle millions of bottles every year.
✅ Millions of bottles are recycled every year.
❌ The company manufactured electric cars.
✅ Electric cars were manufactured.
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RULE 3: PASSIVE IS VERY COMMON IN IELTS TASK 1
Formula
Object + Be + V³
Use for
- Process diagrams
- Manufacturing
- Scientific procedures
- Maps
- Life cycles
Examples
The mixture is heated.
The bottles are transported.
Electricity is generated.
The bridge was constructed in 2018.
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RULE 4: ACTIVE IS PREFERRED IN IELTS TASK 2
Formula
Subject + Modal + Verb + Object
Use for
- Opinions
- Arguments
- Recommendations
- Responsibilities
Examples
Governments should invest in healthcare.
Parents must supervise children's internet use.
Avoid:
Healthcare should be invested in by governments.
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RULE 5: DON'T MENTION THE DOER IF IT IS UNKNOWN
Formula
Object + Be + V³
Examples
The report was published.
The bridge was opened in 2015.
The data were collected.
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RULE 6: DON'T OVERUSE PASSIVE
Too much passive makes writing weak.
❌ New laws were introduced. New taxes were imposed. New schools were built.
✅ The government introduced new laws, imposed taxes and built schools.
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RULE 7: USE PASSIVE FOR GENERAL FACTS
Examples
Rice is grown in India.
English is spoken worldwide.
Solar energy is widely used.
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RULE 8: USE ACTIVE FOR CAUSE & EFFECT
Examples
Technology creates employment.
Pollution damages ecosystems.
Poor diet causes obesity.
Avoid
Employment is created by technology.
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RULE 9: USE ACTIVE FOR ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES
Examples
Artificial intelligence improves productivity.
Public transport reduces pollution.
Exercise improves health.
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RULE 10: USE PASSIVE FOR FORMAL REPORTS
Examples
The findings were analysed.
Samples were collected.
The results were published.
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RULE 11: PASSIVE WITH MODALS
Formula
Modal + Be + V³
Examples
Rules should be followed.
Plastic can be recycled.
The law must be enforced.
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RULE 12: PRESENT PASSIVE
Formula
am / is / are + V³
Examples
Electricity is generated.
Cars are manufactured.
Water is purified.
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RULE 13: PAST PASSIVE
Formula
was / were + V³
Examples
The road was constructed.
The law was introduced.
The school was renovated.
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RULE 14: PRESENT PERFECT PASSIVE
Formula
has / have been + V³
Examples
Many hospitals have been built.
New policies have been introduced.
Several bridges have been repaired.
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RULE 15: FUTURE PASSIVE
Formula
will be + V³
Examples
More schools will be built.
The project will be completed.
Taxes will be reduced.
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RULE 16: NEVER USE PASSIVE FOR PERSONAL OPINIONS
❌ Recycling should be promoted by governments.
✅ Governments should promote recycling.
❌ Parents should be encouraged by schools.
✅ Schools should encourage parents.
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RULE 17: ACTIVE MAKES ARGUMENTS STRONGER
Weak
The environment should be protected by governments.
Strong
Governments should protect the environment.
Weak
Healthy lifestyles should be encouraged by schools.
Strong
Schools should encourage healthy lifestyles.
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RULE 18: MIX ACTIVE & PASSIVE NATURALLY
Example
Factories collect plastic waste.
It is sorted and washed.
Workers melt the plastic.
Finally, new bottles are produced.
This sounds more natural than using only one voice.
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RULE 19: ACTIVE → PASSIVE SHORTCUT
1. Find the object.
2. Move it to the beginning.
3. Add the correct form of "be."
4. Use V³.
5. Add "by + doer" only if necessary.
Example
Scientists discovered a vaccine.
↓
A vaccine was discovered (by scientists).
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RULE 20: IELTS BAND 9 SHORTCUT
Use ACTIVE when:
- Giving opinions
- Explaining reasons
- Suggesting solutions
- Discussing advantages
- Discussing disadvantages
- Talking about responsibilities
Use PASSIVE when:
- Describing processes
- Reporting facts
- Explaining scientific procedures
- Writing formal reports
- The action is more important than the doer
- The doer is unknown or obvious
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Common IELTS Active Verbs
encourage • improve • reduce • increase • provide • promote • support • create • develop • protect • invest in • introduce • implement • regulate • strengthen
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Common IELTS Passive Verbs
is produced • is manufactured • is recycled • is generated • is transported • is collected • is processed • is constructed • is introduced • is implemented • is published • is measured • is recorded • is distributed • is analysed
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Examiner Tip
Task 1: Passive voice is expected because you describe processes, maps and diagrams.
Task 2: Active voice is generally preferred because it makes opinions, arguments and solutions clearer, more direct and easier to read. Use passive only when it naturally fits the sentence.
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