Special Agent Entrance Practice Exam

In which scenario would you correctly use an active voice?

1. When emphasizing the result of an action

2. When highlighting the performer of the action

3. When the subject is ambiguous

4. When writing a formal report

The correct answer is: When highlighting the performer of the action

Using active voice is most appropriate when you want to highlight the performer of the action within a sentence. In active voice, the subject of the sentence actively performs the action of the verb. For example, "The agent conducted the investigation" clearly indicates who is responsible for the action, making it straightforward and direct. This clarity is particularly important in contexts where the identification of the actor is essential, such as in law enforcement or agency reports, where accountability is crucial. In contrast, using passive voice, where the action is emphasized over the subject, can lead to ambiguity or a lack of clarity regarding who is responsible for the action, which may not be suitable in scenarios that require explicit identification of action takers. While emphasizing the result of an action, having an ambiguous subject, or writing formal reports can all have their place in writing, they do not require the use of active voice to convey information effectively.