Here is an excerpt from my grammar workbook, Simple Steps to Sentence Sense.

Tip #1: When writing simple sentences, learn to use active verbs.

Avoid the passive voice that slows the sentence down. (Verbs in the passive voice use “is, am, are, was, were ,be, been, or being” as a helping verb in front of the past participle.)

Examples: Kim was hit by Kerry.
(This sentence is in the passive voice.)
Kerry hit Kim. (This sentence is in the active voice.)

To eliminate the passive voice:
• remove the helping verb (is, am, are, was, were, be, been, being)
•flip/flop the ends of the sentence

Example: Passive voice - “The man was given an award by the service club.”

Active voice - “The service club gave the man an award.”