Shaban, Abdulkarim2020-04-262020-04-262012Shaban, A. (2012) The use of passive voice in scientific writing: a study of Sokoine University chemistry students’ laboratory reports, Master dissertation, University of Dar es Salaam. Dar es Salaam.http://41.86.178.5:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/10259Available in printed form, East Africana Collection, Dr. Wilbert Chagula Library, Class mark (THS EAF T11.S52)The primary objective of this study was to examine the use of passive voice as a characteristic of scientific writing in students’ laboratory reports. The study also meant to examine challenges that students face in using passive voice. The sample of the study comprised 50 laboratory reports and 50 Special Project (SP) reports which were used for comparative purposes. It was hypothesised that: the passive voice frequency in students’ laboratory reports is higher than that in the SP reports; the mean difference between the passive and active voice in students’ laboratory and the SP reports is zero and students face multiple challenges in using the passive voice. The documentary review technique was used as a method of data collection. The collected passive and active constructions were used for calculating the frequency of each voice in the Laboratory and SP reports. The passive constructions from the laboratory reports were examined to identify challenges that students face in using passive constructions. Descriptive and referential analyses were used in categorising, analysing and discussing the results. The findings show that the use of the passive voice in the laboratory reports is relatively higher than that in the SP reports. It was also found out that in using the passive voice, students encounter some difficulties. Therefore, students are aware of the need to use the passive voice frequently in scientific writing but they make several mistakes due to parametric variations between English and students’ first language(s). The study recommends the use of Communicative Language Teaching Method. Also, communication skills courses should be offered according to students’ specific needs to make them function efficiently in their areas of specialization.enTechnical writingTechnical reportsPassive voiceSokoine UniversityChemistry students' laboratory reportsTanzaniaThesis