MCOLES State Licensing Practice Exam

When writing a report, what voice should be used for documenting actions?

1. Passive voice

2. Active voice

3. Third person

4. Future tense

The correct answer is: Active voice

Using active voice when documenting actions in a report is essential because it enhances clarity and makes the writing more direct and engaging. When the active voice is employed, the subject of the sentence performs the action, which creates a clearer connection between the actor and the action. This results in reports that are easier to read and understand, which is particularly important in law enforcement documentation where precision and comprehensibility are vital. In contrast, passive voice can obscure who is responsible for the action and may lead to ambiguity. It often makes the text longer and less straightforward, which can detract from the report's effectiveness. Writing in the first-person perspective or using future tense can also create confusion or suggest a subjective viewpoint rather than focusing on clear and factual reporting of events. Therefore, using active voice is the best choice for documenting actions in a report, as it maintains the report's objective tone while ensuring that the information is communicated clearly and effectively.