Verb Voice and Mood
Understand and use active and passive voice deliberately, and recognise verb moods (indicative, imperative, subjunctive, conditional) and their effects — choosing the appropriate voice and mood for purpose and audience
Suggested ages 12–14
Evidence of understanding
- Rewrite an active sentence in the passive voice and explain when the passive is more appropriate
- Identify the subjunctive mood in a formal text (e.g., 'If I were...', 'It is essential that he be...')
- Explain why a scientific report typically uses passive voice while a personal narrative uses active
Assessment prompt
When Verb Voice and Mood writes a formal report or analysis, can they choose between active and passive voice deliberately — for example, using passive voice in a science write-up to sound objective and impersonal?
Standards alignment
L.8.1b
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · 8
L.8.1c
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · 8
L.8.1d
Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts & Literacy in History/Social Studies, Science, and Technical Subjects · 8
Extend and apply grammatical knowledge
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 3
Study effectiveness of grammatical features
The national curriculum in England: Key stages 1 and 2 framework document · Key Stage 3