As an IELTS instructor with over two decades of experience, I’ve noticed a recurring challenge for many students: confidently and accurately using the passive voice, particularly phrases like “was given by one person.” This seemingly simple grammatical structure can often trip up even high-level English learners. Why is that? Well, it’s all about mastering a specific way of structuring your thoughts and expressing actions.

Understanding the Importance of the Passive Voice in IELTS Speaking

The IELTS Speaking test evaluates your ability to communicate effectively in a variety of contexts. The use of a wide range of grammatical structures, including the passive voice, demonstrates a higher level of fluency and sophistication in your spoken English.

Specifically, the phrase “was given by one person” falls under the umbrella of the passive voice used in the past simple tense. It’s employed when you want to emphasize the action itself, rather than the person who performed it. This is especially relevant in situations where:

• The doer of the action is unknown or unimportant. For example, “The present was given anonymously.”
• You want to emphasize the receiver of the action. For example, “I was given a beautiful painting for my birthday.”
• You’re describing a process or formal situation. For example, “The award was given by the president of the organization.”

Using “Was Given by One Person” Effectively in Your IELTS Speaking

Let’s break down how to use this structure correctly:

1. Identify the Verb: The core of the phrase is the verb “to give,” which is transformed into its past participle form: “given.”
2. Use the Correct Form of “To Be”: Since we’re dealing with the past tense and a singular subject (one person), we use “was.”
3. Introduce the Agent (Optional): The person performing the action (“one person” in this case) is introduced using “by.” Remember, mentioning the agent is optional, especially if it’s obvious or irrelevant.

Example within an IELTS Speaking Context:

• Examiner: “Tell me about a memorable gift you received.”
• You: “Well, for my graduation, I was given a vintage watch by my grandfather. It was incredibly special.”

In this example, the focus is on the gift and its significance, not necessarily on the grandfather who gave it.

vintage watch

Examples from Real IELTS Speaking Topics:

1. Describing an Object: “This antique vase was given to my grandmother by her aunt many years ago.”
2. Discussing a Past Event: “We were given a tour of the museum by a very knowledgeable guide.”
3. Talking about Skills: “I was given the opportunity to learn photography by a professional.”

Tips for Success:

• Practice Makes Perfect: The key to mastering any grammatical structure is consistent practice. Try incorporating “was given by one person” and similar passive voice structures into your daily English conversations.
• Listen Carefully: Pay attention to how native English speakers use the passive voice in different contexts. This will help you develop an ear for natural-sounding language.
• Don’t Overuse It: While important, don’t force the passive voice into every sentence. Use it strategically to enhance your fluency and clarity.

Remember, the IELTS Speaking test is about demonstrating your ability to communicate effectively. By mastering the passive voice, including structures like “was given by one person,” you can add another layer of sophistication to your spoken English and boost your confidence on test day!