Active voice names who did the action. Passive voice names what was done, often with a form of be plus a past participle. The ACT prefers active when both versions are grammatical, because it is shorter and clearer. Wordiness is in redundancy and wordiness.
Spot the shift
The student finished the section is active. The section was finished by the student is passive. A sudden shift from one to the other in the same sentence is the error. Verb tense has to stay consistent too, in verb tense.
If the actor is unknown or unimportant, passive can be fine. If the choices include a clean active sentence, take it. Shortest legal version is in the shortest correct answer. The grammar map is in ACT grammar rules.
The bottom line
Name the actor unless the sentence has a reason not to. Do not flip voice mid-sentence.
Start practicing
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This article offers general ACT prep guidance. The ACT can change from year to year, including its format, scoring, policies, test dates, and fees, so always confirm the latest details on the official ACT website at act.org before you make decisions. ACT® is a registered trademark of ACT, Inc. thirty-six is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by ACT.