Casa ESL · B2 Upper Intermediate · Unit 4 of 20 · Step 1
Advanced Passive Voice
Name
Date
Vocabulary
prosecution
nounThe process of officially charging someone with a crime and presenting the case in court.
"The prosecution presented compelling evidence against the defendant."
rehabilitation
nounThe process of helping someone to readapt to society after imprisonment or addiction.
"Many experts argue that rehabilitation is more effective than punishment."
verdict
nounThe decision reached by a jury or judge at the end of a trial.
"The jury delivered a unanimous guilty verdict."
deterrent
nounSomething that discourages or prevents a particular action, especially a punishment.
"Long prison sentences are often seen as a deterrent to crime."
allegation
nounA claim that someone has done something illegal or wrong, typically without proof.
"The politician denied all allegations of corruption."
incarceration
nounThe state of being confined in a prison.
"The rate of incarceration in the country has risen sharply over the past decade."
acquit
verbTo declare someone not guilty of a criminal charge.
"The defendant was acquitted due to insufficient evidence."
jurisdiction
nounThe authority of a court or official body to make legal decisions within a particular area.
"The case fell outside the court's jurisdiction."
Grammar Focus
Advanced passive voice: causative have/get and passive reporting
Causative: Use 'have/get + object + past participle' when someone arranges for another person to do something: 'I had my car repaired' (someone repaired it for me). Passive reporting: Use structures like 'It is said/believed/reported that...' or 'Subject + is said/believed/reported + to + infinitive' to report information without stating the source: 'It is believed that the suspect fled the country' or 'The suspect is believed to have fled the country.'
She had her identity stolen after the data breach. (causative — someone stole it)
He got his sentence reduced on appeal. (causative — the court reduced it)
It is reported that crime rates have fallen by 15%. (passive reporting — impersonal)
The defendant is believed to have acted alone. (passive reporting — personal subject)
Exercises
Exercise 1
Rewrite the information using the passive structure indicated in brackets.
1. People say the new law will reduce crime. → It the new law will reduce crime. (passive reporting)
2. Someone broke into her office. → She her office . (causative — negative experience)
3. Experts believe the suspect has left the country. → The suspect the country. (passive reporting — personal)
4. The lawyer arranged for the documents to be reviewed. → The lawyer the documents . (causative)
5. People report that the prison system is overcrowded. → The prison system overcrowded. (passive reporting — personal)
Exercise 2
Match each sentence beginning with its correct ending.
Reading
Rethinking Justice
It is widely acknowledged that traditional approaches to criminal justice have not always achieved their goals. In many countries, incarceration rates have risen dramatically, yet crime rates have not fallen proportionally. It is estimated that recidivism — the tendency of convicted criminals to reoffend — affects nearly two-thirds of released prisoners within three years. Critics argue that the system prioritises punishment over rehabilitation. In Scandinavian countries, a different approach has been adopted. Prisons are designed to resemble normal living environments, and inmates are given access to education, vocational training, and mental health support. The results are believed to be significant: Norway, for example, has one of the lowest recidivism rates in the world. Proponents of this model argue that if offenders are treated with dignity and given the tools to reintegrate, they are far less likely to reoffend. However, opponents contend that such an approach may not serve as an adequate deterrent. The debate continues to shape criminal justice policy worldwide.
1. What does the passage say about recidivism rates?
2. How does the Scandinavian approach to prisons differ from traditional models?
Speaking
Discuss these questions with a partner or your teacher.
Writing
Write 5–8 sentences about a criminal justice issue in your country or one you have read about. Use at least two passive reporting structures and one causative structure.
Example: It is widely reported that overcrowding in prisons has become a serious problem. The government is believed to be considering alternative sentencing for non-violent offenders. Many prisoners have had their sentences extended due to administrative delays rather than criminal behaviour. It is argued that community service programmes could be more effective for minor crimes.
Answer Key — For Teacher Use
Exercise 1
1. is said that · 2. had / broken into · 3. is believed to have left · 4. had / reviewed · 5. is reported to be
Exercise 2
1. It is believed that → the defendant acted in self-defence. · 2. She had her passport → confiscated at the border. · 3. The witness is reported to have → changed her testimony under pressure. · 4. He got his conviction → overturned after new evidence emerged. · 5. It is estimated that → white-collar crime costs billions annually.
Reading Comprehension
1. It is estimated that recidivism affects nearly two-thirds of released prisoners within three years. · 2. Scandinavian prisons are designed to resemble normal living environments, and inmates are given access to education, vocational training, and mental health support, prioritising rehabilitation over punishment.