EXERCISE 2–4Active 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. Answers may vary.

Click Submit after each question to see feedback and to record your answer. After you have finished every question, your answers will be submitted to your instructor’s gradebook. You may review your answers by returning to the exercise at any time. (An exercise reports to the gradebook only if your instructor has assigned it.)

Example

1 of 10

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

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2 of 10

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

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3 of 10

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

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4 of 10

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

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5 of 10

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

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6 of 10

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

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7 of 10

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

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8 of 10

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

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9 of 10

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

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10 of 10

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

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