EXERCISE 8–6 Active verbs

EXERCISE 8–6Active verbs

Edit each sentence to make it more emphatic and vigorous. (Although passive-voice sentences and be verbs can be effective, in the examples in this exercise they don’t work as well as active alternatives.) Before working the exercise, read the example, which establishes context for the numbered items. When you have finished each item, click on Submit both to check and to record your answer. Answers may vary.

Example

1 of 10

The Russians’ routine exercises were watched by nearby American submarines.

Possible revision:

Question

Nearby American submarines watched the Russians’ routine exercises. For more help, see section 8.
EXERCISE 8–6 Active verbs - 1 of 10: The Russians’ routine exercises were watched by nearby American submarines.

2 of 10

Suddenly, the American submarine crews were startled by a pair of explosions.

Possible revision:

Question

Suddenly, a pair of explosions startled the American submarine crews. For more help, see section 8.
EXERCISE 8–6 Active verbs - 2 of 10: Suddenly, the American submarine crews were startled by a pair of explosions.

3 of 10

Nuclear reactors are a source of power for many naval submarines.

Possible revision:

Question

Nuclear reactors power many naval submarines. For more help, see section 8.
EXERCISE 8–6 Active verbs - 3 of 10: Nuclear reactors are a source of power for many naval submarines.

4 of 10

The result of the explosions was the sinking of the Russian nuclear submarine Kursk.

Possible revision:

Question

The explosions sank the Russian nuclear submarine Kursk. For more help, see section 8.
EXERCISE 8–6 Active verbs - 4 of 10: The result of the explosions was the sinking of the Russian nuclear submarine Kursk.

5 of 10

Russian and American officials were in disagreement about the cause of the accident.

Possible revision:

Question

Russian and American officials disagreed about the cause of the accident. For more help, see section 8.
EXERCISE 8–6 Active verbs - 5 of 10: Russian and American officials were in disagreement about the cause of the accident.

6 of 10

The United States was not asked by the Russian navy for help with the rescue operation.

Possible revision:

Question

The Russian navy did not ask the United States for help with the rescue operation. For more help, see section 8.
EXERCISE 8–6 Active verbs - 6 of 10: The United States was not asked by the Russian navy for help with the rescue operation.

7 of 10

Meanwhile, information about the rescue operation was demanded by the families of the Kursk’s 118 crew members.

Possible revision:

Question

Meanwhile, the families of the Kursk’s 118 crew members demanded information about the rescue operation. For more help, see section 8.
EXERCISE 8–6 Active verbs - 7 of 10: Meanwhile, information about the rescue operation was demanded by the families of the Kursk’s 118 crew members.

8 of 10

Norwegian rescue divers were finally allowed by Russian leaders to look for possible survivors.

Possible revision:

Question

Russian leaders finally allowed Norwegian rescue divers to look for possible survivors. For more help, see section 8.
EXERCISE 8–6 Active verbs - 8 of 10: Norwegian rescue divers were finally allowed by Russian leaders to look for possible survivors.

9 of 10

When it became clear that everyone on board the Kursk must have drowned, efforts were ended by the Norwegian divers.

Possible revision:

Question

When it became clear that everyone on board the Kursk must have drowned, the Norwegian divers ended their efforts. For more help, see section 8.
EXERCISE 8–6 Active verbs - 9 of 10: When it became clear that everyone on board the Kursk must have drowned, efforts were ended by the Norwegian divers.

10 of 10

People around the world were saddened by the submarine’s tragic story.

Possible revision:

Question

The submarine’s tragic story saddened people around the world. For more help, see section 8.
EXERCISE 8–6 Active verbs - 10 of 10: People around the world were saddened by the submarine’s tragic story.