Use ACTIVE and PASSIVE voice DELIBERATELY for rhetorical effect (CCSS L.6.3.a applied; Lanham Paramedic Method)
Exercise
Difficulty 3
~8 min
eng.g6.s.ex_28
Paramedic Method Drill
Prompt
Apply Lanham's Paramedic Method (5 steps) to convert 5 passive-voice sentences to active: (1) 'A decision was made by the school board to require uniforms.' (2) 'The book was read by Maya last night.' (3) 'The window was broken.' (4) 'It is believed by many that recess improves learning.' (5) 'The essay was written in three drafts by the student.'
M-6-S-GR-EX-28-A
Interactive
Physical / non-image
Paramedic Method drill worksheet with 5 sentences + 5-step columns. Self-check key on reverse. Print-ready 8.5x11.
Answer criteria
type
rubric
rubric
5 conversions with active voice + actor-first + verb-noun fix = 4; 4 = 3; 3 = 2; <3 = 1; sentence 3 may remain passive (agent unknown)
Hints
- Step 3 = put actor first.
- Step 4 = convert 'made a decision' → 'decided'.
Misconceptions to watch
- Converts sentence 3 (where passive is appropriate — agent unknown).
- Keeps the 'by' phrase instead of removing it.
Used in lessons