Question

Which revision of sentence 13 correctly uses passive voice to focus on the action expressed rather than on the performer of the action?
A. By adding sections over the years, workers sheltered more than ten miles of coast.
B. Over the years, to shelter more than ten miles of coast, engineers added sections.
C. People added sections over the years, sheltering more than ten miles of coast.
D. Sections were added over the years, sheltering more than ten miles of coast.

Learning to Rebuild


  (1) In 1900, a Category 4 hurricane struck the port city of Galveston, Texas. (2) Winds exceeded 135 miles per hour, and between 6,000 and 12,000 people died. (3) The storm caused more than $700 million worth of damage in today’s money, and it remains the largest natural disaster in the nation’s history.

  (4) After the tragedy, people were determined to rebuild. (5) They had a two-step plan. (6) The first step was raising the level of the entire city. (7) Engineers first lifted houses off the ground. (8) Then they pumped in sand and seawater from the shipping channels. (9) When the water drained off, the sand was left in place, raising the level of the ground. (10) By the time the work was finished, 500 city blocks had been raised between 1 and 11 feet.

  (11) Engineers also built a seawall for protection that covered almost 50 blocks. (12) The wall successfully endured a Category 3 hurricane in 1915. (13) Somebody added sections over the years, sheltering more than ten miles of coast.

  (14) In addition, the National Hurricane Center was formed after the tragedy. (15) Scientists there locate approaching storms and make predictions about their possible damage. (16) These weather watchers also partner with part of the military the United States Air Force in their work. (17) They use specially equipped planes that can fly into a hurricane and measure humidity, pressure, temperature, and wind. (18) Efforts to protect people from extreme weather can save lives, and be sure to do your part by staying alert and being prepared.

Answer 1

D. "Sections were added over the years, sheltering more than ten miles of coast."

This uses passive voice (sections were added) to emphasize the action/result rather than the people who performed it; the participial phrase "sheltering..." correctly modifies "sections."