ATI TEAS (Test of Essential Academic Skills) Version 7English and Language UsageHard
A medical student is revising a research paper on patient outcomes. One sentence reads: 'The data was analyzed by the research team, and conclusions were drawn.' To improve the scientific tone and directness, which of the following revisions would best convert the sentence to active voice?
- AAnalysis of the data and conclusions were drawn by the research team.
- BThe research team's analysis of the data led to drawn conclusions.
- CThe data was analyzed and conclusions were drawn by the research team.
- DThe research team analyzed the data and drew conclusions.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. The research team analyzed the data and drew conclusions.
Active voice means the subject of the sentence performs the action. In option C, 'the research team' is the subject performing the actions 'analyzed' and 'drew', making it active voice and more direct than the original passive construction.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This sentence uses nominalizations ('analysis') and retains passive structure for 'conclusions were drawn'.
- B. This sentence uses nominalization ('analysis') and a less direct construction ('led to drawn conclusions') rather than a clear active voice.
- C. This sentence remains in passive voice ('was analyzed', 'were drawn').
Active vs. Passive Voice
Active voice means the subject performs the action. Passive voice means the subject receives the action.
- Active: Subject-Verb-Object (e.g., 'The nurse administered the medication.').
- Passive: Object-Verb (to be + past participle)-Subject (e.g., 'The medication was administered by the nurse.').
- Active voice is generally preferred for clarity, directness, and conciseness, especially in scientific writing.
Memory trick: Actor Acts Active, Receiver Reacts Passive