Hi

As nearly as I can tell, the sentence marked as correct by the test maker is actually in the passive voice.  The answer the student chose is in the active voice and so should be marked correct.  What I think this illustrates is the general futility in trying to enforce a blanket ban on the use of the passive.  Like every other construction, passives can be misused, but that doesn't mean there is no use for them. Most of the what I see written about the passive for the general public seems to be not just wrong but wrong-headed.

Janet

-----Original Message-----
From: Assembly for the Teaching of English Grammar [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Beth Young
Sent: Tuesday, March 10, 2015 11:46 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: Assessment question

Honestly, I can't see any reason for the student's answer to be marked wrong, or any reason to prefer the "correct" answer.  

Beth

________________________________________
From: Assembly for the Teaching of English Grammar [[log in to unmask]] on behalf of Shana Schmidt [[log in to unmask]]
Sent: Tuesday, March 10, 2015 2:06 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Assessment question

Please help us settle a debate about this sample 8th grade Kansas state assessment question.

Rosa was admiring the moon when ____________.

Which of the following completes the sentence in the active voice?

A. she spotted a shooting star (this what student selected)

B. she was surprised by a shooting star (this is marked as the correct answer)

C. shooting star was spotted by her

D. a shooting star was wished upon by her



Thanks for your help on settling this debate so we can explain to the student.

Shana



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