MTEL Communication Literacy Skills : Writing Practice Test

What is the primary focus of using active voice in writing?

1. To emphasize the actor.

2. To create longer sentences.

3. To include more descriptive language.

4. To make the text more difficult to read.

The correct answer is: To emphasize the actor.

Using active voice in writing primarily focuses on emphasizing the actor, or the subject of the sentence, making it clear who is performing the action. This clarity can enhance the reader's understanding and engagement with the text. In active voice, the structure typically follows a straightforward subject-verb-object format, which tends to convey information more directly and effectively compared to passive voice. As a result, sentences in active voice tend to be more dynamic and vigorous, capturing the reader's attention and making the writing more compelling. The other options suggest characteristics that are not inherently linked to the active voice. For instance, while it may be possible to create longer sentences in any voice, active voice does not inherently prioritize sentence length. Additionally, active voice does not focus on including more descriptive language; it can have a concise or elaborate style depending on the writer's choice. Lastly, making the text more difficult to read is contrary to the intent of using active voice, which aims to enhance clarity and simplicity in writing.