Question

Maintaining a Point of view
 (a) Read the following passage. Underline the verbs in the active voice and put circles around verbs in the passive voice. The first two have been completed.

Dr. Godbole arrived at the station at 6.30 pm and (was met) by Professor Salisbury of the Institute of Environmental Studies. After being driven to the Conference Centre for a brief meeting, the Indian forestry expert was taken to his hotel. The following morning, he presented his paper entitled “Save the trees — Save the world” which was greeted with prolonged applause. After his brief visit, Dr. Godbole is reported to have said he was very pleased with its outcome.

(b) From whose perspective or point of view is this description given? How does the use of the passive voice help maintain this?

Answer 1

(a) Dr. Godbole arrived at the station at 6.30 pm and (was met) by Professor Salisbury of the Institute of Environmental Studies. After (being driven) to the
Conference Centre for a brief meeting, the Indian forestry expert (was taken) to his hotel. The following morning, he presented his paper entitled “Save the trees — Save the world” which (was greeted) with prolonged applause. After his brief visit, Dr. Godbole(is reported) (tohave said) he (wasveiy pleased) with its outcome.

(b) The description is given from the point of view of Dr. Godbole. The active voice is used when Dr. Godbole is doing something. However, the passive voice is used when something is being done to/for him