Passive Voice in IELTS Writing Task 2: Examples and Usage Guide

Introduction

Using the passive voice effectively in IELTS Writing Task 2 can show grammatical range and control, especially when the subject is unknown, unimportant, or obvious from context.

This guide will help you:

Understand when to use passive voice in essays
See clear Band 7–8 examples in IELTS contexts
Avoid overusing it or applying it awkwardly
Compare active vs passive constructions

This article is part of our full writing series, alongside:

IELTS Grammar for Writing Task 2
Common Grammar Mistakes to Avoid
Sentence Variety for Higher Bands
Band 7 and 8 Writing Samples
Linking Words for IELTS Essays

What is Passive Voice?

In passive voice, the object of an active sentence becomes the subject of the passive sentence.

Structure:
be (is/was/have been etc.) + past participle

Example:
Active: The government introduced the policy.
Passive: The policy was introduced by the government.

When Should You Use Passive Voice in IELTS Task 2?

When the actor is unknown or irrelevant
When you want to focus on the action/result, not the person doing it
In formal or academic writing, where the tone benefits from neutrality

IELTS Passive Voice Examples (Band 7–8)

Topic: Government & Policy

A new tax policy was implemented to reduce income inequality.
The law was passed in response to rising public pressure.
Public services are often underfunded, especially in rural areas.

Topic: Education

Students are assessed regularly to measure academic progress.
In many countries, school funding is determined by local governments.
Online courses have been introduced to meet the demand for flexible learning.

Topic: Environment

Forests are being destroyed at an alarming rate.
Renewable energy sources are expected to replace fossil fuels in the future.
Environmental laws were strengthened after international pressure.

Topic: Society & Culture

Traditional customs have been forgotten in many modern societies.
New communication habits are being shaped by digital platforms.
In some cultures, marriage is still arranged by parents.

Compare: Active vs Passive in IELTS

Active Sentence	Passive Version
The government should increase taxes.	Taxes should be increased by the government.
People support the new recycling law.	The new recycling law is supported by many people.
Researchers found a strong correlation.	A strong correlation was found by researchers.

When to Avoid Passive Voice

Avoid passive stacking: “The policy was introduced and was reviewed and was accepted…”
Don’t use passive just to sound formal: If the subject is important, keep it active.
Mix sentence types: Examiners look for variety. Passive is one tool, not the only one.

Common Passive Voice Structures for IELTS

Structure	Example
It is believed that…	It is believed that urbanization causes mental stress.
X is considered…	Online learning is considered more accessible.
X has been shown to…	The method has been shown to reduce traffic congestion.

Final Tip

Use passive voice when:

The actor is obvious (e.g., “laws are made”)
The focus is on process or result
You want to vary your sentence structure and avoid repetition of “people” or “they”

But don’t overuse it — strong IELTS writing combines clear active voice with occasional passive variety for tone and structure.

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For more grammar and writing strategies:

Download: “25 Academic Sentence Templates for IELTS Task 2”
Explore: Band 8 Essay Samples and Feedback
Practice: Sentence Transformation Exercises
Join: The IELTS Power Writing Program to learn how to write with range, clarity, and impact

This content is part of our full IELTS grammar toolkit, created by a teacher with 25+ years of writing and exam prep experience, helping students around the world move from Band 6.5 to Band 8+.