Page 1138 - Wordsmith A Guide to College Writing

led” . . . “street clothes smoothed onto my limbs.” Why might
the author use passive voice for that portion of the essay?

a. In a medical clinic, doctors and other medical personnel

take over, making the patient’s role a naturally passive

one.

b. Passive voice is generally recommended in writing

because it adds vitality.
c. Passive voice is a way of denying that the procedure

happened.

d. Passive voice adds variety to writing.

5. When the author tells her husband that she is pregnant, what is

his reaction?
a. He feels it is too early in their marriage for a baby.

b. He looks forward to fatherhood.

c. He is shocked but happy.

d. He asks if it is his.

6. The person who shows her the most kindness on that day is

a. the doctor at the clinic.

b. the nurse who holds her shoulder.

c. the pharmacist.

d. her husband.

7. After the day described in the essay, what happens to the

author and her husband?

a. They divorce.

b. They stay married but childless.