1.
Definition of Active and Passive Voice
1.1. Active Voice, When a
sentence is in active voice, the subject does (or did or will do) the action
expressed in the verb:: Colombus discovered America in 1942
(Colombus is the subject of the sentence and the subject is perform something
“discovered”)
1.2. Passive Voice, A feature of sentences in which the object
or goal of the action functions as
the sentence subject and the main verb phrase includes the verb to be and the past participle: America was
discovered by Colombus in 1492.
2.
Some
of active and passive pattern
Tense
|
Active voice
|
Passive voice
|
Simple present tense
|
Verb form: first form of the verb
Examples
They speak English here.
He speaks English.
|
Verb form: is / am / are + past participle form of the verb
Examples
English is spoken here.
English is spoken by him.
|
Present continuous tense
|
Verb form: is/am/are + -ing form of the verb
Examples
She is writing a letter.
I am learning my lessons.
You are making a cake.
|
Verb form: is/am/are + being + past participle form of the verb
Examples
A letter is being written by her.
My lessons are being learnt by me.
A cake is being made by you.
|
resent perfect tense
|
Verb form: has/have + past participle form of the verb
Examples:
I have written a novel.
She has finished the job.
You have written letters.
|
Verb form: has/have + been + past participle form of the verb
Examples:
A novel has been written by me.
The job has been finished by her.
Letters have been written by you.
|
Simple past
|
Verb form: past tense form of the verb
Examples:
I wrote a letter.
Ram broke a glass.
You missed the chance.
|
Verb form: was/were + past participle form of the verb
Examples:
A letter was written by me.
A glass was broken by Ram.
The chance was missed by you.
|
Past continuous tense
|
Verb form: was/were + -ing form of the verb
Examples
I was learning my lessons.
She was writing a report.
They were making toys.
|
Verb form: was/were + being + past participle form of the verb
Examples
My lessons were being learnt by me.
A report was being written by her.
Toys were being made by them.
|
Past perfect tense
|
Verb form: had + past participle form of the verb
Examples
I had finished the project.
She had learned her lessons.
|
Verb form: had + been + past participle form of the verb
Examples:
The project had been finished by me.
Her lessons had been learned by her.
|
Simple future tense
|
Verb form: will/shall + first form of the verb
Examples
I will finish the job.
She will solve the problem.
|
Verb form: will/shall + be + past participle form of the verb
Examples:
The job will be finished by me.
The problem will be solved by her.
|
Future perfect
|
Verb form: will/shall + have + past participle form of the verb
Examples
I will have finished the job.
She will have solved the problem.
|
Verb form: will/shall + have + been + past participle form of
the verb
Examples
The job will have been finished by me.
The problem will have been solved by her.
|
3.
Identifying Active and
Passive Voice from an Article
Television is an electronic device that receives television
signals and displays them on a screen. Since its invention during the 1920’s
Television Technology has gone under a drastic and constant change. There was a
time when Televisions were Exclusive items affordable by the elite only; these
were Black and White then. Soon Colour Televisions were launched, they had a
further appeal as they brought colours in a picture. Then came the large screen
sized T.V.’s, Digital Television (DTV) and High-Definition Television (HDTV).
Television channels also expanded with the onset of Cable Television and DTH
services. Other equipments related with television like Video Cassettes, Laser
Discs, DVD’s and now Blu-Ray Discs have resulted in the television being extensively
utilised for various purposes in homes, businesses and institutions. As more
and more people purchased these, the more they got addicted and or dependent on
it for various reasons. With adults getting influenced by the television, kids
were not far behind. The influence of Television in modern times is much more
widespread as compared to the time when Television was in its initial stages.
Earlier Television had less content and was predictive; nowadays the variety of
programmes is far more than ever before. Internet television is another medium
which affects a kid’s behaviour – good or bad. Attachable Video Game
Consoles like Nintendo, Sega, Playstation etc. took a leap from conventional
T.V. viewing to a new level. With adults getting glued to their favourite Soaps
or Sports programmes, kids found their own spots in Cartoon Shows and many
times watching what their family was viewing. As a result a bond developed
between Children and Television and the outcome of that bond could be good or
bad or both.
Effects
of Television on Children
TV affects kids in various ways, more than which can be imagined. Researchers
have studied how TV affects kids' sleep, weight, grades, behaviour and more.
2009 findings from The Nielsen Company show that on average, children aged 2-5
spend 32 hours a week in front of a TV—watching television, DVDs, DVR and
videos, and using a game console. Kids aged 6-11 spend about 28 hours a week in
front of the TV. The vast majority of this viewing (97%) is of Live TV. These
are old figures and by the time you would be reading this article, these
figures would have Tripled or Quadrupled and so will the Effect of Television
on Children. Effects of Television on Youth are almost the similar in nature
with certain exceptions. To assess the Television Influence on Children one can
see the both sides of the coin and analyse the topic at hand.
Positive
Effects of Television
Education
at an Early Age – Television is and
can be a very powerful and effective learning tool for children if used wisely.
Various educational CD/DVD’s are available in the shops which teach maths,
english and various other subjects in a very simple and interesting manner.
These have poems, stories, alphabets, counting which stimulates the young mind
into faster and better understanding of communication and relationships.
Televised educational programs for pre-schoolers tend to produce kids with high
grades, high achievement and creativity. Studies suggest that those exposed to
negative role models suffered while those who were exposed to positive models
behaved better. TV also has the potential to educate teens and foster
discussion with parents about sex. Television can be used very effectively in
the much debated ‘Sex Education’. Sexual content on TV can be used as an
excuse to talk with young ones about sex, responsible behaviour and safety. In
this way T.V. can be an excellent educator in all aspects of life.
Provides
Entertainment - Entertainment is one
thing which all ages of kids love. It provides them variety in their life and
provides a wider outlook towards life. Various entertainment programmes teach
them that it is O.K. 'To let your hair down every now and then'. It also
encourages cheer and glee and breaks the monotony of everyday life.
General
Knowledge – Television is one
medium which not only increases general knowledge of adults but it also opens
the minds of kids as well. Televised programmes open up a new world for kids,
providing them a chance to travel the globe, learn about different cultures,
wildlife, history etc. which they would otherwise never be able to do. Apart
from T.V. programmes the medium of knowledge is also available in other easy to
access formats like CD/DVD.
Induces Positivity – Television provides a variety of channels which not only
provide education, entertainment and General Knowledge they also acquaint kids
with positivity.
Health and sports channel display a positive attitude towards life through
various programmes. Similarly, there are channels that have a schedule for
spiritualistic and holistic broadcasts which inculcate positivity amongst the
teens.
Teaches
Etiquettes – Manners and attitude
are also influenced by watching television. Often shows or movies depict dining
scenes where the correct usage of eating and related etiquettes can have a
positive effect on kids' behaviour. Programs with positive role models can
influence kids into doing things which their parents had been asking to do.
Exposure
of Talent – Reality based Talent Shows have become quite a rage. And amongst the major beneficiaries
are gifted children who have a Talent which has not been discovered or polished.
Such T.V. shows provide a platform for them to show the world their talent and
get the acknowledgement for what is rightfully theirs.
Income
Generation – Certain kids have
the look, the attitude or just happen to be lucky, when they are chosen for a
certain commercial campaign or a contest etc. The concerned companies may offer
income to such prodigies. Similar is the case of young athletes and other
achievers for whom television becomes a source of income generation. In this
way television is good for children.
Reduces
Tension – There is no doubt
that today’s world is far more filled with worries and tensions as it was
before. Apart from tension generated by their immediate kin, they have to study
more and perform par excellence in this competitive world. To break the
monotony of this regime and get a diversion, television serves this purpose no
better than other. So be it Tom and Jerry or Mr. Bean it gives them the comic
relief which they require on daily basis.
Negative
Effects of Television
Makes
Kids Lazy – It is a well known
and the most serious outcome of Television. Today’s kids have developed a
tendency to give more priority to their favourite programmes than conventional
activities like playing outdoor games. The time and energy spent on watching
T.V. drains them of energy and they will shrug off any extra work like throwing
the garbage or going to a shop etc. Lack of physical activity also leads to
other health problems as discussed in the below passage.
Health
Problems – Excessive Television
viewing has a major negative effect on a child’s health, both physical and
mental. This is largely attributed to not only laziness but also to Advertisers
who target kids. It is estimated that on average, children see thousands of TV
commercials each year which promote unhealthy snack foods and drinks.
Few of the Major Health Problems:
· Obesity – The number one problem that results as a
result of watching T.V. is Obesity. Kids tend to munch on snacks and are more
likely to be inactive while watching TV. This viewing time tends to reduce the
metabolic rate to even lower rate than during rest. This by default means that
very few calories are being used for watching as compared to when just sitting
quietly, doing nothing.
· Anaemia – Excessive and addictive T.V. viewing alters
eating habits. Many kids will skip or eat less in anticipation or watching
their favourite show. Busy parents get the excuse that they are not hungry or
stomach is full. Eating later or sooner than routine causes a child to eat less
food as the food routine has been disturbed, this may lead to anaemia.
· Vision Impairment – In the absence of parents children have the
habit of watching T.V. at close quarters or while lying on bed. Such viewing
exposes eyes to radiation which leads to various eye problems – like dryness,
redness, itchiness etc. Some may develop serious eye problems leading to vision
improvement operations or high numbered spectacles.
· Reduces Brain
Development - TV can and does
discourage reading. It may replace reading all together. T.V. doesn’t cause as
much brain activity as compared to reading. Reading is universally
accepted as a Healthy Brain Developer. It is a common observed phenomena that
kids from families which spend a lot of time on TV spend less time reading and
being read to, and are thus less likely to be able to read.
· Lack of Concentration – Television sucks up all the attention of
teens and when the same is needed for studies, there is lack or total absence
of it. Thought watching TV in children is less calorie burner it doesn’t reduce
the burden on the brain. The concentration required to study has all ready been
consumed whilst watching T.V. so there is not much left for one to study.
Moreover, the thought process while studying is till absorbed in the thoughts
related to it, not to mention tierdness of the eyes.
· Development of Fear
and or Phobia – Often families watch
together all the programs irrespective of age and if such a show happens to be
fear based, it may result in development of certain fears and phobias amongst
the young ones. Sometimes kids may unwillingly happen to watch horror movies or
shows which are full of blood and gore, this can have long term effect on the
young viewer. He/she may develop certain fear and phobias and non-disclosure of
such can hamper a child’s intellect and unwanted/irrational behaviour. Children
may start to view the world as scary and dangerous place. They may see bad
dreams, develop anxious feelings, being afraid of being alone, withdrawing from
friends, and missing school. Fears caused by TV can also cause sleep problems
in children. Children of 8-12 years may not be convinced even if they are told
the difference between fantasy and reality by their parents.
· Sleeping Disorders – Though horror programmes does induce
sleeplessness, it is also caused otherwise and it may not become apparent
immediately. This is because regular sleep schedules are an important part of
healthy sleep. Studies have shown that Teens who watched 3 or more hours of TV
per day had higher risk of sleep problems by early adulthood. Watching
Television especially when the show slot has been changed it causes altered
sleep patterns and sleep disorders among children and adolescents.
· Substance Addiction – Television is full of smoking, drinking and
consumption of illegal substances. And it goes without saying that if the
adults cannot escape their influence, how come teens wouldn’t be. TV ads are
the number contributors in establishing the norm that it is normal to consume
alcohol in the minds of children, adolescents and college students. These
advertisements portray people as being happier, sexier, and more successful
when they drink. Movies show the Hero having alcohol or cigarette to ease
himself and it sends a wrong message across the teenagers. Various sports shows
and other events have sponsors who deal in beer and cigarettes’, consistent
appearances also establish the norm to be normal. Lobbying by such companies
ensure that they remain in limelight and they might not be shown in a negative
light. Consuming marijuana and other illegal substances in various movies and
shows also lead to immediate or later addiction.
· Reduced Socialisation – Watching Television with and without parents
and siblings present also contributes towards less time interacting with family
members. As per a research - watching more TV in childhood increased chances of
dropping out of school and decreased chances of getting a college degree, even
after controlling for confounding factors. Spending time watching TV takes time
away from socialising activities like playing outside with friends, eating
dinner together; participation in extracurricular activitieslikes music, art or other activities that require practice to
become skilful.
Poor Academic Results – Spending excessive time in watching TV
largely contributes to poor grades. The time spent on watching time cuts down
the time to study. While some students may cope up with less time on study,
most of the students are not able to. The tiredness accompanying excessive T.V.
viewing also hampers quality study time. The span of attention also decreases as
the mind is still engaged in thoughts of the show which has been just viewed.
TV viewing may replace activities which are helpful in school performance, such
as reading, doing homework, pursuing hobbies etc. As per one research study
TV's effects on education are long term.
Violence
on Television – A big issue that
needs to be dealt is children and TV violence. Media violence and Violent
Behaviour is normal even in the mildest of shows even if they are shown in a
lighter vein. Violence is also prevalent in music videos and news channel which
makes violence glamorized. It is not a difficult to assess that media violence
can and has contributed to aggressive behaviour, desensitization towards
violence, occurrence of nightmares and fear of being harmed. Watching violent
shows is also linked with having less empathy toward others. Aggressive
behaviour can be seen in the form of bullying amongst teens and ragging amongst collegiate. Children under age eight
do not have the intellect to differentiate between reality and fantasy and they
end up imitating the violence they see on TV.
Wrong
Notions – There are certain
acceptable and unacceptable norms in a society, these norms keep us disciplined.
Television becomes a disruptor of these norms when kids indulge in socially
unacceptable behaviour. Television provides a narrow view of society; it shows
what is popular and that which will generate more revenue. Because of narrow
outlook of TV, children establish some wrong notions. Every household has a
different environment and it may not conform to similar environment portrayed
on TV. This may result in a development of a notion amongst kids that either
their house hold is inferior or demented. Certain communities like Islamic and
Blacks are shown in poor light again and again; shows are filled with
stereotypes. Thus a notion that all Islamic people are evil and blacks are
thugs, develops. Certain communities or personalities are always mocked and
this mockery gets implanted in the innocent minds as well. Sex is another major
issue about which teenagers form opinions. Since education by adults is missing
the television becomes their guide to love. Most of the programmes have a lot
of sexual content and most of them tell nothing about sex education. Most of
the advertisements, music videos, prime time shows, soap operas are not
depicting real life sexual behaviour, this leads to misconceptions about sexual
activity. Teenagers are not fully aware of premature sex, safe sex, pregnancy,
contraceptives, sexually transmitted diseases and host of related issues. Sex
scenes in TV show promiscuity and infidelity and teenagers develop wrong ideas.
What the kids see and how they perceive it is more important than what is being
shown. Young minds are fragile and innocent, any misconception which develops
in these years tend to linger on till adulthood or the rest of the life.
Virtual
World – Most of the parents
have hectic schedules and children are often given less attention or no
attention at all. Such conditions are suitable for children to develop a
virtual world where they see and perceive behaviour patterns. TV may become
their foster parents, partners, friends or guide. They may develop faux or parasocial
relationship with characters from their favourite television shows and movies
as a means to counter or fill the void of loneliness and social deprivation.
Humans are social in nature and they need to have relationships to live and
progress. Thus TV characters become their imaginary mates, lovers, fathers,
mother etc. with whom they can share their feelings, opinions and thoughts just
like they would do in real life.
Injurious
Imitations – Superheroes or even
ordinary heroes perform extraordinary stunts which seem very reasonable even to
the youth. In real life stunts are coordinated and performed by professionals
but the youth ignores or doesn’t conform to injuries, for them it is all about
adrenaline rush. Famous among the imitation of heroes has been witnessed in
‘Shaktiman’ case wherein the kids tried to perform the circular motion of the
superhero shaktiman and ended up getting seriously injured. Another example is
that of ‘Ninja Turtles’ where the kids started to live in underground sewage.
Certain reality based shows show performance of weird and dangerous acts
performed by novices which stir the imagination of the kids. Teens and kids
have been injured trying to repeat dangerous stunts they have seen on
television shows and they continue to do so.
Unimaginable
Consequences – While there are
imaginable outcomes of the television mania, certain unimaginable consequences
are still to be realised, the reason being lack of research and lack of
possible evidence. When a child is in the womb of the mother who knows what
type of effect does it have on baby when a mother is watching her favourite
programme. There are also videos and DVDs especially created for babies and
toddlers and not to mention cable channel for babies. There is insufficient or
no data available as to how will TV-viewing affect babies.
What
can and should be done?
It is easy to come to a conclusion from the above passage that the Negative
Aspects overwhelm the Positive effects of Television. Different researchers and
different people will have different opinions but one thing is certain that the
issue is relevant and cannot be ignored. While some may say TV is good, some
may say it is not and some may have a mixed opinion. However, whatever the
reasons are for Pros and Cons, there is always a better approach or less
harmful approach, if not any at all.
Moderation – Moderation is the key just like it is in all
facets of our lives. Total ban is no solution as it will instil more curiosity
and rebellion. Considering today’s technological gadgetry kids will find a way
to see what they want. Instead let them watch TV for a limited period of time,
this way they will be able to watch TV and perform other tasks as well
efficiently.
Spend
more time with Children – If parents were to
provide substantial amount of time on regular basis children wouldn’t rely on
TV for imaginative relations. Socialising with children decreases the
dependence on TV for entertainment. Parents also remain in constant touch with
their kids activities and can guide them as well.
Rules
for Viewing – Parents or Kins
should know type of shows kids are watching. Advice them not to watch certain
channels and programs as they are not appropriate for their age. Post Rules for
Viewing besides the TV where it is mentioned that they are not supposed to
watch a certain TV program and Channel and prompt them that they should stick
to their rules or face a mild punishment in reformative manner.
Discussion – Often kids ask about some uneasy scenes
appearing on TV and parents lie or pass the query for later on. This norm is
not advisable as a kids curiosity has not been fulfilled. One should accompany
their children while watching TV and explain them as to what is happening and
other areas of curiosity. This way the kids will always seek their parents
advice and will always be pre-informed about what’s happening on TV.
Watch
and Observe – One can install
surveillance cameras to observe what types of shows are being watched by the
teens; especially for those who are very busy. One can also observe from far or
close, the reactions of their siblings while watching certain shows. This
observation can be used to decide what is needed to be done.
Diffuse
Peer Pressure – Teenagers might be
persuaded by their equivalents in the school or neighbour for watching certain
shows. Watching certain shows makes teens to be familiar with each other
because there is a common ground for interaction. Not watching a show makes
them a non-member in discussions etc. Here parent’s intervention is required,
indirect or direct to diffuse peer pressure. Talking to the peers and their
parents on this issue can resolve the situation.
Parental
Association – A neighbourhood
association or a formal parental association can enforce certain laws and
regulation regarding the viewing of T.V. Parents can keep a tab on each other’s
child and find, consensual advice can be reached upon for the proper course of
action.
Locking
or censoring the Channels – Though not a major
or the most efficient method to prevent excessive TV viewing but still
effective to a certain degree. Not all kids know the technological aspects of a
TV. Certain channels can be removed by the cable operator himself.
Support
and Promote Social and Physical Activities – Kids need to get out of the house and have some fun. Parents
can play with them or accompany them. They should encourage and support their
participation in school games, debates,
flower decoration, arts and crafts, exhibitions etc. This way kids will remain
healthy both physically and mentally.
Set
an Example – Sometimes you have
to follow the rules yourself in certain situations. Kids may question – “Why
are you watching this when we cannot watch it?” Kids might not understand what
you are trying to tell them because of their intellect. So you have to set an
example by not watching TV and show them the path. One can record his/her show
and watch it later.
ACTIVE
Television is an
electronic device that receives television signals and displays them on a
screen.
This sentence is
clearly an active voice because this sentence is a simple present that have S+V
1 and television as a subject
Today’s kids have developed a tendency to give
more priority to their favourite programmes than conventional activities like
playing outdoor games.
This sentence is an
active voice, beacuse the sentence is present perfect S+Have+V3 and the subject
(Kids) comes before the verb “developed”.
Researchers have
studied how TV affects kids' sleep, weight, grades, behaviour and more.
This sentence is
an active voice, because the sentence is also present perfect that has S+Have+V3. The subject is the researcher who did a study. And the verb is “studied”.
The subject comes before the verb.
Since its invention
during the 1920’s Television Technology has gone under a drastic and constant
change.
This sentence is
an active voice, because the sentence has a present perfect pattern S+Has+V3. The subject is television
Technology and the verb is “gone”
Kids found their own
spots in Cartoon Shows and many times watching what their family was viewing.
This sentence is
an active voice, because the sentence has simple past pattern S+V2. The subject is Kids and the verb is “found”.
PASSIVE
Soon Colour
Televisions were launched, they had a further appeal as they brought colours in
a picture. Then came the large screen sized T.V.’s, Digital Television (DTV)
and High-Definition Television (HDTV).
This sentence
include to the passive voice because the sentence has a simple past passive voice pattern S+to be (was/were)+V3,
to be from this sentence is” were” and the past participle is “launched”. The subject
“Colour televisions” comes before the verb.
2 TV affects kids in
various ways, more than which can be imagined. Researchers have studied how TV
affects kids' sleep, weight, grades, behaviour and more.
This sentence
include to the passive voice because this sentence has modals passive voice
pattern S+Can+be+V3. “Can be imagined” the subject “kids” comes before the modals.
3
Manners and attitude
are also influenced by watching television.
This sentence
include to the passive voice because this sentence has “by”.
And amongst the major
beneficiaries are gifted children who have a Talent which has not been
discovered or polished.
This sentence
include to the passive voice because this sentence has simple present passive
voice pattern S+to be(is/am/are)+V3. The subject “The major benefictiaries”, to
be for this sentence is “are” and the verb of this sentence is “Gifted”.
Eating later or sooner
than routine causes a child to eat less food as the food routine has been
disturbed, this may lead to anaemia.
This sentence
include to the passive voice because this sentence has present perfect passive
voice pattern S+Has/Have+Been+V3. The subject comes before the verb.
http://targetstudy.com/articles/children-and-television.html
http://www.englishgrammar.org/active-passive-voice-overview-chart/
Read more at
http://www.englishgrammar.org/active-passive-voice-overview-chart/#0Xrtl0qqcEXIgpih.99
Nama : Dian Wulandari
NPM : 12611041
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