Activity Tasks

Grammar - 7.       Find different newspaper headlines on the same story that use active and passive forms. What is the effect of this different use of voice? Is it related to a political ideology or another vested interest that the text producer might have? Think about whether agency is made explicit and foregrounded in an active construction or made less explicit or omitted in a passive one. Discuss.

Active: The Telegraph 
'The Syrian civil war is breeding a new generation of terrorist' 
This active use of voice shows that it is strongly against the war in Syria. It uses a verb to make it sound more threatening, and as though the threat is a bacteria that is growing. It is a piece of propaganda that is against the war, and wants to spread fear amounts readers. It uses the noun 'Terroist', to paint the picture of what many people would think a stereotypical terrorist would look like. Using 'Is' makes the statement appear more definite and factual, trying to convince the reader that this is the case in Syria. It suggests that there is political backing to create as much negativity to the war in order to get support to fight and help the people of Syria.

Passive: BBC News
'Syria Conflict: Aleppo rocket attack 'kills at least 18''
This headline appears to be reporting facts, as it quotes a source on how many deaths occur. it does not have a hate stance on the topic, merely stating a fact and reporting whats happened. It says conflict to ease the fear that people associate with war, and is trying not to fear monger when bringing the news of a rocket killing 18 people. It is a simple headline but still captures interest by mention the death toll, due to humans being interested in ideas of desturction.

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