Passive Voice for IELTS Writing: Full Guide, Examples, and Band 9 Tips
π Quick Summary
Passive voice is one of the most important grammar structures in IELTS Writing. It is essential for achieving a Band 7, Band 8, or Band 9 in Grammatical Range and Accuracy, especially in Writing Task 1 and Writing Task 2.
In this complete guide, you will learn:
- What passive voice is
- Why it is important in IELTS
- How to form passive voice (all tenses)
- Passive voice examples for IELTS Task 1 and Task 2
- Band 9 tips
- Common mistakes
- Practice exercises
This page is designed for IELTS students aiming for Band 7+.
What Is Passive Voice?
Passive voice is used when the focus is on the action, not the person who does the action.
Active Voice
The government built the bridge.
Passive Voice
The bridge was built by the government.
Focus: the bridge, not the government
Why Passive Voice Is Important in IELTS
Passive voice is extremely common in IELTS, especially in:
- Academic writing
- Reports
- Processes
- Graph descriptions
It helps you:
- Sound more academic
- Increase grammatical range
- Achieve Band 7+
Passive Voice in IELTS Writing Task 1
Passive voice is used in:
- Process diagrams
- Maps
- Charts
Example: Process Diagram (Band 9)
Active:
Workers collect the coffee beans.
Passive:
Coffee beans are collected.
Better IELTS version:
Coffee beans are collected and then transported to the factory.
β Real IELTS Examples
The water is heated to 100 degrees.
The mixture is filtered.
The product is packaged.
Passive voice is used because the person is not important.
Passive Voice in IELTS Writing Task 2
Passive voice makes your essay more formal and academic.
Band 9 Example
Active: People believe that technology causes problems.
Passive: It is believed that technology causes problems.
Another Example
Active: The government should improve education.
Passive: Education should be improved.
How to Form Passive Voice
Formula:
Object + be + past participlePassive Voice Table (All Tenses)
| Tense | Active | Passive |
|---|---|---|
| Present Simple | They build houses | Houses are built |
| Past Simple | They built houses | Houses were built |
| Present Perfect | They have built houses | Houses have been built |
| Future | They will build houses | Houses will be built |
| Modal | They can build houses | Houses can be built |
Most Common Passive Voice in IELTS
These are used the most:
Band 9 IELTS Task 1 Example
Original: The graph shows population growth.
Band 9: Population growth is shown in the graph.
Another Example
Original: The chart shows sales.
Band 9: Sales are illustrated in the chart.
Passive Voice for Process IELTS (Essential)
β Example
First, the raw materials are collected.
Then, they are processed.
Finally, the product is delivered.
β This is the correct IELTS style.
Advanced Passive Voice (Band 8-9)
These structures increase your score:
It is believed that
It is believed that education is important.
It is said that
It is said that exercise improves health.
It is expected that
It is expected that prices will rise.
π‘ These are very high-level IELTS structures.
Passive Voice vs Active Voice in IELTS
Active
People use the internet every day.
Passive
The internet is used every day.
Passive is better in academic writing.
When to Use Passive Voice in IELTS
Use passive voice when:
- The doer is unknown
- The doer is not important
- Writing process diagrams
- Writing academic essays
When NOT to Use Passive Voice
β οΈ Do NOT overuse passive voice.
Bad example:
It is believed that exercise is done by people and is considered important by many people.
Too much passive = unnatural
β Mix active and passive for the best score.
Common Passive Voice Mistakes (IELTS Students)
Mistake 1 - Missing "was"
β Wrong: The bridge built in 1990.
β Correct: The bridge was built in 1990.
Mistake 2 - Wrong past participle
β Wrong: The product is produce.
β Correct: The product is produced.
Mistake 3 - Wrong past participle
β Wrong: The houses are build.
β Correct: The houses are built.
Passive Voice Band 9 Task 1 Introduction Examples
You can use these:
Active Introductions
- The graph illustrates...
- The graph shows...
Passive Introductions
- The graph is illustrated...
- The data is presented...
- The information is given...
Passive Voice for Maps IELTS
Band 9 Examples
A new road was built.
The park was expanded.
Several buildings were demolished.
β This is Band 9 style.
Passive Voice Vocabulary for IELTS
These verbs are very important:
Band 9 Sample Paragraph Using Passive Voice
The diagram illustrates how coffee is produced. First, coffee beans are harvested and then they are transported to the factory. After that, the beans are processed and dried. Finally, the finished product is packaged and delivered to stores.
β This is perfect IELTS grammar.
Passive Voice and IELTS Band Score
| Band Score | Passive Voice Usage |
|---|---|
| Band 6 | Limited passive voice |
| Band 7 | Some passive voice used correctly |
| Band 8 | Good range of passive voice |
| Band 9 | Wide range used naturally |
π‘ IELTS Examiner Tip (Important)
IELTS examiners look for:
- Grammatical range
- Complex structures
Passive voice helps achieve this.
Practice Exercise
Change to passive voice:
1. People produce cars in Germany.
2. The government built the road.
3. They will finish the project.
Click to see answers
1. Cars are produced in Germany.
2. The road was built.
3. The project will be finished.
Quick IELTS Passive Voice Templates
Use these in your exam:
Task 1
- The data is presented in the graph.
- The process is shown in the diagram.
Task 2
- It is believed that...
- It is argued that...
Passive Voice for IELTS Writing Task 1 Process (Full Example)
π Question
The diagram shows how paper is made.
Band 9 Version
The process of paper production is illustrated in the diagram. First, trees are cut down and transported to the factory. Then, the wood is processed and converted into paper. Finally, the paper is packaged and delivered.
Summary
Passive voice is essential for IELTS Writing. It helps you:
- Sound academic
- Increase band score
- Improve grammar range
You must use passive voice, especially in Task 1.
Final Band 9 Tips
Use passive voice in:
- Process diagrams
- Maps
- Formal essays
Use these structures:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is passive voice in IELTS?
Passive voice focuses on the action, not the person. Example: The bridge was built.
Is passive voice important in IELTS?
Yes. It helps increase grammatical range and band score.
Is passive voice used in IELTS Task 1?
Yes. It is essential for process diagrams.
Can passive voice increase IELTS score?
Yes. It helps achieve Band 7+.