What to expect on the gmat 10 doc

This is an example of a common pronoun error: using a vague they when specific people are behind the

action. You may not know exactly who those people are, but you know enough to say something like the

following:

It has been years since a demolition crew tore down that building.

People are always behind actions, and your sentences should indicate this.

Rule #21: Avoid ambiguity. Make sure word choice and pronoun references are clear and modifiers are

properly placed.

Active and Passive Voice

In most cases, effective writing will use the active voice as much as possible. In an active sentence, the sub￾ject directly performs the action:

James filed the papers yesterday.

Jin Lee sang the song beautifully.

In a passive sentence, on the other hand, the person or thing who actually completes the action of the

sentence is put into a prepositional phrase. Rather than performing the action, the true subject is acted upon:

The papers were filed by James yesterday.

The song was sung beautifully by Jin Lee.

Active sentences are more direct, powerful, and clear. They often use fewer words and have less room

for confusion. However, sometimes the passive voice is preferable, such as when the source of the action is

not known or when the writer wants to emphasize the recipient of the action rather than the performer of

the action:

Protective gear must be worn by everyone entering this building.

As a general rule, however, sentences should be active whenever possible.

Using the active voice means making sure a sentence has a clear agent of action and a direct approach.

For example, compare the following sentences:

Passive: The patient was given the wrong prescription.

Active: Someone gave the patient the wrong prescription.

–SENTENCE CORRECTION–

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