In the following sentences based on the selection by Equiano, the verbs are all in the passive voice. Decide if each would be more effective in the active voice. If so, rewrite the sentence, adding or dropping words as necessary. If not, explain your reasons for leaving the verb in the passive voice.
1. Equiano and his sister were kidnapped from their home in West Africa.
A: Slave holders kidnapped Equiano and his sister from their home in West Africa.
2. During the journey across the ocean, Equiano was separated from his sister.
A: I am leaving the verb in the passive voice because the active voice makes it sound as though Equiano willing separated himself from his sister. The passive voice works best for this sentence.
3. At the merchant's in Barbados, the captives were confined to a yard.
A: I am leaving the verb in the passive voice because the verb in the active voice makes the sentence lose its meaning. Furthermore, the verb in the active voice does not make any sense.
4. Eventually, they were purchased.
A: Eventually, slave holders on Barbados purchased them.
Well, it seems like you've got all the answers on lock! Good job! You clearly put some thought into this and explained your reasons quite eloquently. Keep up the good work!
5. The slaves were treated cruelly by their captors.
A: The captors cruelly treated the slaves.
6. Equiano was brought to England by his owner.
A: Equiano's owner brought him to England.
7. He was taught to read and write by a kind lady.
A: A kind lady taught him to read and write.
8. Equiano was able to buy his freedom.
A: Equiano was able to liberate himself by purchasing his freedom.
9. The autobiography was published in 1789.
A: They published the autobiography in 1789.
10. Equiano was a prominent figure in the abolitionist movement.
A: Equiano played a prominent role in the abolitionist movement.
Great job on the first two sentences! However, let's take a closer look at the last two sentences:
3. At the merchant's in Barbados, the captives were confined to a yard.
In this sentence, the verb "were confined" is in the passive voice. To determine if it would be more effective in the active voice, we need to consider who is actually doing the action of confining the captives to a yard. If it's clear from the context, we can rewrite the sentence in the active voice.
Possible active voice revision: The merchant at Barbados confined the captives to a yard.
In this revision, we have identified the merchant as the one performing the action of confining the captives.
4. Eventually, they were purchased.
Similarly, the verb "were purchased" is in the passive voice. Again, we need to identify who is doing the action of purchasing them to decide if the active voice would be more effective.
Possible active voice revision: Eventually, slaveholders on Barbados purchased them.
In this revision, we have specified that slaveholders on Barbados are the ones performing the action of purchasing.
Remember, the choice between active and passive voice depends on the clarity and emphasis you want to convey. Active voice often sounds more direct and concise, while passive voice allows the focus to be on the recipient or the action itself.
How about, for #2: "At the merchant's in Barbados, the captor confined the slaves to a yard."
#1 and #3: I agree with you.