The Correct Use of Passive Voice in Report Writing by Somali SPACE Students in UTM

Abstract

This study investigated the use of English passive voice by 20 intermediate Somali learners. Findings revealed that 7 out of 20 learners used this structure in their writing and among them only 3 learners could use the correct form. Generally it was indicated that most of them have problems using the passive voice in their writing. Although they were studying at intermediate level, they were considered as beginners in using the passive voice correctly in writing. This paper has suggested some strategies that could be employed by the teachers in classroom to help students appreciate the correct usage of passive voice in writing as well as speaking.