Building a Better You
- Jen Lemen
- Apr 22
- 3 min read
Updated: May 6
Property Elite’s sole aim is to build better property professionals - supporting your career every step of the way, whether you are an AssocRICS or RICS APC candidate, or a MRICS or FRICS Chartered Surveyor seeking engaging CPD.
We provide a wide range of training and support. So why not find out more on our website about how we can assist you? We work with candidates across all RICS APC and AssocRICS pathways, as well as various routes to assessment and geographic regions.
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What is this blog about?
In this week’s blog, we explore a top tip for writing your RICS APC or AssocRICS final assessment submission: using the active voice.
This tip is crucial as you need to present your submission concisely and clearly. This involves telling a logical and coherent story about your actions (level 2) and advice (level 3). Using the active voice helps you achieve this goal.
What is the active voice?
The Cambridge Dictionary defines the active voice as:
‘the grammatical form in which the subject performs the action of the verb.’
In contrast, the passive voice indicates that the subject has the action of the verb done to it.
Here’s an example:
Active voice: I am sitting for my APC interview in March.
Passive voice: The APC interview will be sat by me in March.
Which version is more succinct? Which is easier to follow?
Why should I use the active voice?
Some candidates opt for the passive voice to sound more formal, as it is often used in professional reports. For instance, “The property was built in 1965” is completely acceptable. Here, we care about the property’s history, not the builder’s identity.
However, using the passive voice can make your RICS APC or AssocRICS submission feel indirect and difficult to follow. It also detaches the work from you, which reduces its relevance to the reader (your assessors).
Moreover, the passive voice typically requires more words than the active voice. This contradicts the need to stay concise within RICS word counts.
So, make sure to use the active voice for an engaging, concise story about your experiences to your assessors.
How do I know which voice I am using?
If you notice the word "by" in your sentences, you are likely in the passive voice. To rewrite in the active voice, focus on who the subject is (i.e., you – write, "I...") then add the verb and the object.
I hate grammar…
Many people either love or hate grammar! If you belong to the latter group, consider downloading an app like Grammarly. It can be a game changer if grammar feels overwhelming. This tool assists in structuring your sentences effectively.
Which do you prefer?
Here’s a comparison:
Active voice:
I used a laser distometer to measure a retail shop in Bristol. I took the necessary dimensions to calculate the Net Internal Area (NIA) back in the office. I excluded the WCs and took check measurements for accuracy.
Passive voice:
A retail shop in Bristol was measured using a laser distometer. Sufficient dimensions were taken to calculate the Net Internal Area (NIA) back in the office. The WCs were excluded, and check measurements were taken for accuracy.
The active voice is easier to understand and effectively conveys your actions. It helps your assessors grasp your experiences more clearly, allowing for better questions.
How can we help?
Don't wait too long to book your submission feedback and review, APC question pack, e-mock interview, or 1-2-1 mentoring. We also offer revision quizzes, revision guides, and a CPD Webinar Package.
We have various short and long-term support packages available in our eShop. Our popular options include the Monthly Mentoring and Kick Start packages. Some of these packages may include an RICS APC or AssocRICS Counsellor.
Explore our blog archive for even more free CPD and AssocRICS as well as RICS APC training and support.
Download your free AssocRICS and RICS APC resources, including e-books and revision quizzes.
Discover more about our bespoke AssocRICS and RICS APC training and support. Then, book your free 15-minute consultation.
Still unsure about signing up? Read what our recent successful candidates have shared in our Testimonials.
Stay tuned for our next blog post to help build a better you.
N.b. Nothing in this article constitutes legal, professional, or financial advice.
