Page 105 - SpringBoard_ELD_Grade8_Flipbook

Language
resources
structure of an argument purpose: the goal the writer or speaker wishes to achieve audience: the specific person or group of people the writer is trying to convince
claim: an assertion of something as true, real, or factual evidence: knowledge or data used to prove truth or falsehood reasoning: logical conclusions based on evidence counterclaim: a claim that recognizes and then argues against the opposing viewpoints
Language Resources: Voice
Voice
Definition
emphasizes
example
active
The subject of the sentence does the action of the verb.
Who or what is doing the action of the verb
Cellphones cause distractions and accidents. (emphasizes cellphones)
Researchers studied drivers in three different countries. (emphasizes researchers)
Passive
The subject of the sentence is acted upon; the verb is a form of “be” with a past particple.
The person or thing being acted upon
Accidents are caused by cellphones and their distractions. (emphasizes accidents more than cellphones).
Frida was hugged by Felipe! (Emphasizes what happens to Frida rather than what Felipe does.)
sentences using Passive Voice
Rewritten sentence using active Voice
emphasis of the sentence
But two decades of research done in the U.S. and abroad have not yielded conclusive data about the impact cellphones have on driving safety,
it appears.
Researchers spent two decades studying the impact of cellphones on driving safety, but the studies did not yield conclusive data.
Passive: “two decades” is emphasized
active: “researchers” is emphasized
Passive: active:
Passive: active:
ACtiVitY 3.5
HEW How english Works: Active and Passive Voice Learning Targets
• Analyze the use and effects of active and passive verbs.
• Apply understanding of how arguments are structured to comprehending and
writing texts.
active and Passive Voice
Arguments are written to persuade readers to believe a certain way, and writers use evidence and reasoning to convince them. They also select the active and passive voice of verbs carefully, depending what they want to emphasize.
Read paragraph 4 of “Cellphones and driving: As dangerous as we think?” and find two sentences written in the passive voice. Write the sentences in the chart and rewrite the sentences using the active voice.
82 SpringBoard® English Language Development grade 8
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