Casa · B2 Upper Intermediate · Lesson 4 of 20 · Step 1

Crime & Justice

Advanced Passive Voice

Use causative structures: have/get something done
Form passive reporting structures: It is said that..., He is believed to...
Discuss issues of crime and justice using sophisticated passive constructions

Words · tap a card to see it used

Grammar

Advanced passive voice: causative have/get and passive reporting

Causative: Use 'have/get + object + past participle' when someone arranges for another person to do something: 'I had my car repaired' (someone repaired it for me). Passive reporting: Use structures like 'It is said/believed/reported that...' or 'Subject + is said/believed/reported + to + infinitive' to report information without stating the source: 'It is believed that the suspect fled the country' or 'The suspect is believed to have fled the country.'

She had her identity stolen after the data breach. (causative — someone stole it)

He got his sentence reduced on appeal. (causative — the court reduced it)

It is reported that crime rates have fallen by 15%. (passive reporting — impersonal)

The defendant is believed to have acted alone. (passive reporting — personal subject)

Exercises · type, then check

1. Rewrite the information using the passive structure indicated in brackets.

1.People say the new law will reduce crime. → It the new law will reduce crime. (passive reporting)

2.Someone broke into her office. → She her office . (causative — negative experience)

3.Experts believe the suspect has left the country. → The suspect the country. (passive reporting — personal)

4.The lawyer arranged for the documents to be reviewed. → The lawyer the documents . (causative)

5.People report that the prison system is overcrowded. → The prison system overcrowded. (passive reporting — personal)

2. Match each sentence beginning with its correct ending.

1.It is believed that

2.She had her passport

3.The witness is reported to have

4.He got his conviction

5.It is estimated that

0 of 10 answered · nothing you type leaves this device

Reading

Rethinking Justice

It is widely acknowledged that traditional approaches to criminal justice have not always achieved their goals. In many countries, incarceration rates have risen dramatically, yet crime rates have not fallen proportionally. It is estimated that recidivism — the tendency of convicted criminals to reoffend — affects nearly two-thirds of released prisoners within three years. Critics argue that the system prioritises punishment over rehabilitation. In Scandinavian countries, a different approach has been adopted. Prisons are designed to resemble normal living environments, and inmates are given access to education, vocational training, and mental health support. The results are believed to be significant: Norway, for example, has one of the lowest recidivism rates in the world. Proponents of this model argue that if offenders are treated with dignity and given the tools to reintegrate, they are far less likely to reoffend. However, opponents contend that such an approach may not serve as an adequate deterrent. The debate continues to shape criminal justice policy worldwide.

1. What does the passage say about recidivism rates?

2. How does the Scandinavian approach to prisons differ from traditional models?

Speaking · say it out loud, with a partner or alone

1Debate: 'Prisons should focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment.' Use passive reporting structures to cite evidence and opinions (e.g., 'It is argued that...', 'Rehabilitation is said to...').

2Discuss: Have you or anyone you know ever had something stolen or had a legal document processed? Describe the experience using causative structures.

Writing

Write 5–8 sentences about a criminal justice issue in your country or one you have read about. Use at least two passive reporting structures and one causative structure.

0 words

Finished?

Check your exercises first, then mark the lesson done.