Post one paragraph from your recent writing that contains a sentence in passive voice. Bold the one sentence that is in passive voice. Remember that in a passive voice, the subject of the sentence does not do an action; the subject of the sentence is acted upon.

Example: The meeting minutes are written by a different committee member each month.

In this passive sentence, the subject, "minutes," does not do any writing. The minutes are written by committee members.

Then respond to the following:

1. Rewrite your sentence in active voice.
   • Example: A different committee member writes the meeting minutes each month.
2. Given the meaning and context of your particular sentence, which version is more effective: the active or the passive? Explain your answer.

My recent writing

Traditionally, being articulate has meant being able to communicate ideas clearly, smoothly, and effectively especially when speaking. This concept is frequently associated with competence in Standard American English (SAE), which is defined by the prevailing culture and includes correct vocabulary, syntax, and pronunciation. In contrast, Jamila Lyiscott's TedTalk, "3 ways to speak English," broadens this concept by demonstrating that being articulate can also refer to the capacity to function well in a variety of linguistic contexts, including those including diverse dialects and cultural usages of the language. According to Lyiscott, being truly articulate is having the flexibility and dexterity to transition between many forms, exhibiting both verbal dexterity and cultural understanding. Standard American English's necessity is a complex matter. Clear communication is often essential for success in professional, academic, and social contexts, and SAE provides a common language standard for these kinds of interactions. It serves as a common language that individuals with different origins can use to communicate. But the prevalence of SAE also makes those who speak other dialects or varieties of Englishwhich have their own grammatical conventions and subtle cultural differencesmore marginalized. Non-standard English speakers may be disadvantaged as a result of this marginalization in a variety of spheres of life, including work and education. According to Lyiscott's criticism, the promotion of SAE obscures the vast linguistic diversity found in English-speaking cultures and upholds Eurocentric ideas. Many of Lyiscott's points strike a chord with me, especially her claim that language diversity ought to be honored and celebrated. The capacity to transition between several versions of English fluently, or "code-switch," is an important trait that demonstrates adaptability and cultural diversity. This ability enables people to interact with others in various social circumstances and respect their cultural heritage. Lyiscott's performance emphasizes that being articulate is about having the ability to speak successfully and honestly in a variety of contexts rather than about adhering to a specific language norm. But I also understand that a standard form of English is practically necessary to guarantee successful and clear communication, particularly in academic and professional settings. When used as a bridge, SAE can help people with different language backgrounds communicate and collaborate. The difficulty is in striking a balance between respecting the validity and worth of various English dialects and using SAE as a tool for efficient communication. In order to be more inclusive, professional and educational organizations should recognize the diverse cultural and language origins of their students. This could entail introducing courses on various English dialects and forms, encouraging awareness of linguistic variety, and establishing environments that respect and value all kinds of expression. Indeed, it is important to remember that being articulate refers to the capacity for effective and clear communication both inside and between language settings. SAE is useful in helping people communicate clearly, but it shouldn't be the only indicator of intelligence or articulation. We can promote a more welcoming community that values the various dialects and celebrates the rich cultural fabric that shapes our communication by accepting linguistic diversity. Lyiscott's TedTalk serves as a potent reminder that languagein all of its formsis an integral component of who we are and should be honored.