The document discusses maintaining consistency in verb tense when writing. It notes that if a story is written in the past tense, the verbs should remain in the past tense throughout unless the story ends in the present. An example is provided of inconsistent verb tenses and how to correct it. The document also discusses using active voice over passive voice, with active voice emphasizing the subject performing the action and passive voice emphasizing the action itself without identifying the actor.

1. Ch. 29

2. Consistency in Verb Tense
 When you are writing, you should make sure to stay in
the same tense. If you are telling a story in the past
tense, keep it in the past tense (unless the story ends at
the current moment).
 For example:
 The pitcher stands on the mound and stared at the
batter.
 Are these verbs in the same tense?
 No, it should be stands and stares OR stood and stared

3. Example
 Try this one:
We went downtown, and then we
watch a movie.
 Is there a problem with verb consistency?

4. Answer
 We went downtown, and then we watch a movie.
Past tense present tense
We went downtown, and then we watched a movie.
or
We go downtown, and then we watch a movie.

5. Active Voice
 Active voice puts the emphasis on the subject. The
subject is or is doing something.
 Ex. Sam threw the ball. Sam is doing something.
 Passive voice puts the emphasis on the action.
 Ex. The ball was thrown. We don’t know who threw the
ball, only that it was done.
When you are writing, you will want to use the active voice the
majority of the time. Passive is okay for variety, but it tends to be a
weaker sentence.

6. Practice
 David made several improvements in customer
service.
 Active or Passive?
 The stolen necklace was returned to its owner.
 Active or Passive?
 Last month, my roommate and I held a garage sale.
 Active or Passive?
 Cargo was seized and towns were plundered by pirates.
 Active or Passive?

7. Practice
 David made several improvements in customer
service.
 Active
 The stolen necklace was returned to its owner.
 Passive
 Last month, my roommate and I held a garage sale.
 Active
 Cargo was seized and towns were plundered by pirates.
 Passive