Question

Question 2: Write a paragraph (minimum 5 sentences) describing a memorable experience from your summer break. Write all of the sentences in the active voice. Next, write the paragraph again in the passive voice. Finally, explain in 2-3 sentences which of the two paragraphs best expresses the information.(4 points)

Answer 1

Active Voice Paragraph:

Last summer, I visited my grandmother’s house in the countryside. She welcomed me with open arms and prepared my favorite meals. Every morning, we picked fresh vegetables from her garden and made delicious salads. In the afternoons, we went on long walks by the river, where I marveled at the beauty of nature. Those moments filled me with joy and made me appreciate the simple pleasures of life.

Passive Voice Paragraph:

Last summer, my grandmother’s house in the countryside was visited by me. I was welcomed with open arms, and my favorite meals were prepared by her. Fresh vegetables were picked from her garden every morning, and delicious salads were made. Long walks by the river were taken in the afternoons, where the beauty of nature was marveled at. Joy was filled in those moments, and the simple pleasures of life were appreciated by me.

Explanation:

The active voice paragraph best expresses the information by emphasizing my actions and emotions throughout the experience. It creates a sense of engagement and brings the reader closer to my personal journey. The passive voice paragraph, while still informative, feels more detached and lacks the immediacy and vitality of the active voice, which showcases my direct involvement in the memorable experience.

Answer 2

Question 2: Write a paragraph (minimum 5 sentences) describing a memorable experience from your summer break. Write all of the sentences in the active voice. Next, write the paragraph again in the passive voice. Finally, explain in 2-3 sentences which of the two paragraphs best expresses the information.(4 points) Me and my family went to Los Angeles on my birthday, June 17th 2024. we first went to a luxurious hotel, where we stayed at for a few days. on the second day, we explored the city where we saw all the famous actors and the famous Hollywood sign. on the third day, we went to universal studios where we rode on rollercoasters and rides and had fun with each other. on the last day we packed our things and drove back home, never going to forget the memories we have made together on that trip

Answer 3

Active Voice Paragraph:

My family and I went to Los Angeles on my birthday, June 17th, 2024. We first checked into a luxurious hotel, where we stayed for a few days. On the second day, we explored the city, where we saw famous actors and took pictures with the Hollywood sign. On the third day, we visited Universal Studios, where we rode roller coasters and enjoyed various rides together. On the last day, we packed our things and drove back home, cherishing the unforgettable memories we made during that trip.

Passive Voice Paragraph:

Los Angeles was visited by my family and me on my birthday, June 17th, 2024. A luxurious hotel was checked into by us, where a stay of a few days was enjoyed. On the second day, the city was explored by us, where famous actors were seen, and pictures with the Hollywood sign were taken. On the third day, Universal Studios was visited, where roller coasters were ridden, and various rides were enjoyed. On the last day, our things were packed, and a drive back home was taken, with unforgettable memories made during that trip.

Explanation:

The active voice paragraph best expresses the information by highlighting my family's actions and experiences, creating a vivid and engaging narrative. It draws the reader into my perspective, allowing them to feel connected to the joyful memories of the trip. The passive voice paragraph, while still informative, feels more impersonal and detached, making it less impactful in conveying the excitement and emotions of the experience.

Answer 4

Question 3: Read the following anecdote and then answer the question: An English professor asked his students to punctuate the following sentence: A woman without her man is nothing. All of the males in the class wrote: A woman, without her man, is nothing. All of the females in the class wrote: A woman: without her, man is nothing. In 3-5 sentences, explain how this anecdote demonstrates the importance of punctuation. Then, come up with your own example of how the meaning of a sentence can change based upon what punctuation is used.

Answer 5

This anecdote highlights the crucial role punctuation plays in shaping meaning and interpretation. The same sentence was punctuated differently by male and female students, leading to two vastly distinct ideas about relationships and gender roles. The use of commas versus a colon not only alters the grammatical structure but also shifts the emphasis and interpretation, demonstrating how nuanced meaning can depend on punctuation choices. This illustration reinforces the idea that punctuation is not merely a grammatical tool, but also a powerful element that conveys intention and clarity in communication.

Example:
Consider the sentence: "Let’s eat, Grandma!" versus "Let’s eat Grandma!" The first sentence, with the comma, invites Grandma to join in the meal, while the second sentence, without the comma, implies a rather grisly interpretation of eating Grandma herself. This dramatic shift in meaning underscores the importance of correct punctuation.