Exercise: Style: Active voice

Look at the following sentences, which use the passive voice. Then rewrite each sentence in the active voice, and decide which version you prefer and why. Example:

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  1. Mistakes were made.

    Mistakes were made.
    Mistakes were made.
  2. The chair’s address was interrupted by hecklers.

    The chair’s address was interrupted by hecklers.
    The chair’s address was interrupted by hecklers.
  3. Numerous reports of loud music from bars and shouting neighbors were taken by the city’s new noise complaint hotline.

    Numerous reports of loud music from bars and shouting neighbors were taken by the city’s new noise complaint hotline.
    Numerous reports of loud music from bars and shouting neighbors were taken by the city’s new noise complaint hotline.
  4. The violin solo was performed by an eight-year-old.

    The violin solo was performed by an eight-year-old.
    The violin solo was performed by an eight-year-old.
  5. In a patient with celiac disease, intestinal damage can be caused by the body’s immunological response to gluten.

    In a patient with celiac disease, intestinal damage can be caused by the body’s immunological response to gluten.
    In a patient with celiac disease, intestinal damage can be caused by the body’s immunological response to gluten.