Final answer:
The sentence in passive voice among the given options is b. 'Millions of dollars have been spent on public schools by the government' because the subject is acted upon by the verb and includes the preposition 'by.'
Step-by-step explanation:
To determine which sentence is in passive voice, we should look for a few key characteristics. First, the subject of the sentence is acted upon by the verb.
Second, the sentence usually includes a form of the be verb such as 'is,' 'are,' 'was,' or 'were,' accompanied by the past participle of the main verb. Lastly, the sentence may include the preposition 'by.' Using these criteria, let's look at each option:
- The government uses taxes to fund public education. - This sentence is in active voice; the subject (the government) performs the action (uses).
- Millions of dollars have been spent on public schools by the government. - This sentence is in passive voice because the subject (millions of dollars) is acted upon by the verb (have been spent) and it includes the preposition 'by.'
- Talk to your senator about your concerns. - This is an imperative sentence and is in active voice.
- Teachers are encouraging students to take up activities like music and painting. - This sentence is in active voice; the subject (teachers) performs the action (are encouraging).
Therefore, the sentence 'Millions of dollars have been spent on public schools by the government' is in passive voice.