By the end of this exercise, you can describe facts about a country using the passive voice in the simple present and simple past.
Free Year 9 English practice: Canada and multiculturalism, with the passive voice, self-marking gap-fills and a writing task.
Read the text about Canada. Choose the correct word for each gap.
Canada is often called one of the most multicultural countries in the world. Two 1 languages, English and French, are spoken across the country, and more than 200 other languages are used at home by immigrant families.
Every year, hundreds of thousands of new 2 arrive in Canada from all over the world, bringing their own food, music and traditions with them.
Toronto, the country's largest city, is one of the most 3 cities on Earth — more than half of its population was born outside Canada.
The government actively supports multiculturalism: it was made official policy in 1971, and it is protected by law today. Schools are encouraged to celebrate different cultural 4 throughout the year.
Of course, Canada's history also includes the 5 peoples who lived there long before any settlers arrived, and their cultures remain an important part of the country today.
For many Canadians, this mix of cultures is a source of national 6.
am / is / are + past participle. English and French are spoken in Canada.
1. English and French in Canada.
2. Maple syrup mostly in Quebec.
3. Many festivals across the country every year.
4. Ice hockey in almost every Canadian town.
5. New immigrants in most Canadian communities.
6. Multiculturalism by Canadian law.
7. Diversity as a national strength.
8. Different languages at home by many families.
was / were + past participle. Multiculturalism was made official policy in 1971.
1. Multiculturalism official policy in 1971.
2. Canada as a country in 1867.
3. Thousands of new immigrants last year alone.
4. The festival by local volunteers.
5. The law by the Canadian parliament.
6. Traditional foods by every family at the street party.
7. The documentary in three different provinces.
8. The new citizens to a special ceremony.
Write 6–8 sentences about your own country, region or city. Use at least three passive sentences — a mix of simple present and simple past.
• What languages are spoken where you live?
• What is your region famous for?
• What festivals are celebrated there?
• What important event happened there in the past?
Review your answers below, then send them to your teacher.
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