Advanced / Intermediate English Lesson: Ways to make extra cash. Passive and active

In this weeks lesson we are going to look at the language of making a little extra cash. These days we all need more money and the opportunities have never been greater, especially with the fast moving AI revolution also known as the third industrial revolution.  It has been said many times by experts that with the fast developing AI you will either be a victim of AI and be replaced by AI or be one of those people who take advantage of AI. Which one of these two are you?  During the following paragraphs I will include examples of the passive voice and active voice.

TEN MINUTE STUDENT-TEACHER DISCUSSION:

Have you ever thought about trying to make a little extra money using a passive or active approach?

INTRODUCTION:

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized many industries, creating numerous passive income opportunities for entrepreneurs and individuals alike. By leveraging AI tools and platforms, people can generate revenue streams that require minimal ongoing effort once established. These opportunities include creating AI-powered content, developing automated trading systems, and building AI-driven online courses. As AI continues to evolve, its potential to generate passive income grows exponentially, making it an appealing option for those seeking financial independence.

PARAGRAPH ONE:

One of the most popular passive income ideas using AI involves creating content with AI writing assistants. Many bloggers and content creators now use AI to generate articles, social media posts, or even books. Once the content is published, it can generate ongoing ad revenue or sales without much additional input. Additionally, AI can automate social media management, which saves time and allows users to earn passive income through scheduled posts and engagement analytics. These tools are designed to work in the background, earning money while the user focuses on other projects.

PARAGRAPH TWO:

AI also opens up opportunities in automated trading and investing. Many traders use AI algorithms that analyze market data and execute trades automatically. The AI systems are designed to identify profitable patterns and make investment decisions without human intervention. These systems can operate 24/7, earning passive income through well-timed trades. Investors who set up such systems benefit from the AI’s ability to process vast amounts of data quickly and accurately, which would be impossible for humans to do manually.

PARAGRAPH THREE:

Another promising avenue is developing AI-powered online courses and educational platforms. Once a course is created and uploaded, it can be sold repeatedly, generating passive income. AI can personalize learning experiences, increasing student engagement and satisfaction. This reduces the need for continuous instructor involvement, as AI handles assessments and feedback. As a result, educators can earn income from their courses long after the initial creation, with minimal ongoing effort required.

PARAGRAPH FOUR:

While passive income opportunities abound, it is important to recognize the active effort needed upfront. Building a successful AI-driven business or platform requires technical knowledge, strategic planning, and often, initial investment. However, once these systems are in place, they tend to run with little supervision, providing steady income streams. The key is to identify the right AI tools and platforms that align with one’s skills and goals. As AI technology advances, the balance of active and passive involvement will likely shift further toward automation and passive income generation.

DEFINITIONS:

Active voice occurs when the subject of the sentence performs the action. For example, “The entrepreneur developed an AI-powered app,” and “She writes content using AI tools.”

Passive voice happens when the subject receives the action, as in “An AI-powered app was developed by the entrepreneur,” and “Content is created using AI tools by her.” Both voices are useful in different contexts, but active voice tends to be clearer and more direct, while passive voice can emphasize the action or the recipient of the action.

WRITING EXERCISE:

TITLE:  Writing Exercise: Active and Passive Voice on Making Extra Money

For this exercise, you will write two short paragraphs (about 100 words each) on the same topic: making a little extra money as a passive income. In the first paragraph, use the active voice to describe how someone can generate passive income. Focus on clear, direct sentences where the subject performs the action. In the second paragraph, rewrite the same ideas using the passive voice, emphasizing the actions being done to the subject rather than who is doing them.

Example prompts:
– Describe how a person creates an online course to earn passive income.
– Explain how investments generate money without constant involvement.
– Talk about how digital products can be sold repeatedly with minimal effort.

Your goal is to demonstrate your mastery of both voices while maintaining coherence and variety in sentence structure. After completing both paragraphs, review your writing to ensure that the active sentences clearly show the subject performing the action, and the passive sentences emphasize the actions being done to the subject. This exercise helps improve your flexibility in choosing the appropriate voice for different contexts.