Purpose Statements

PARK COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH

HS 8251 TECHNICAL ENGLISH

(Learning material)

PURPOSE STATEMENTS

EXPRESSING PURPOSE:

1.      So ( that)

So that is usually followed by can, could, will and would

1.      The police locked the door so that no one could get in.

2.      He got a visa so that he can travel to the U.S.A.

3.      He decided to study in England for a while so that he could practice his English.

2.      Infinitive of purpose:  to

1.      Arun went to England to study Engineering.

2.      He is looking for a part time job to earn some pocket money.

     3.   In order to/ so as to

            These are more formal ways of expressing purpose

            1. Scientists used only local materials in order to/ so as to save money.

            2. She wakes up early in order to be on time for work.

            3.  They visited him so as to offer their condolences for the death of his wife.

    4.   So as not to/ in order not to

            We use so as not to/ ‘in order not to’ to express purpose in the negative form.

            1. They woke up early so as not to/ in order not to be late.

            2. She exercises regularly so as not to get fat.

            3. Concentrate on your work so as not to make any mistakes.

   5.    For

            For describes how something is used,

            1. This button is for starting the engine.

            2. This seat is for the VIP.

Example 1:

Write purpose statement for the following:

            1.   Hammer    2. Barometer

Answer:

            1. A hammer is used to fix any object to the base, using a nail. (or)

               The purpose of a hammer is to fix any object to the base, using a nail.

            2. A barometer is used to measure atmospheric pressure.( or)

                The purpose of a barometer is to measure atmospheric pressure.

Example: 2

Make purpose statements for the following:

1. Safety valve:

Answer:

1. The purpose of a safety valve is to release excess pressure. (or)

    A safety valve is used to release excess pressure.

Guide lines:

You can begin your answer in any one of the following ways:

1. The purpose of a + object+ is to+………. (or)

2. The+ object+ is used to₊ ………

Caution:

Don’t combine both as in the following:

The purpose of a safety valve is used to release excess pressure.

More examples:                                         

Make sentences expressing purpose, using the hints given:

1. Catalyst       : speed up chemical process

A catalyst is used to speed up a chemical process. (Or)

The purpose of a catalyst is to speed up a chemical process.

2. Aerial          : receives broadcast signals

An aerial is used to receive broadcast signals. (Or)

The purpose of an aerial is to receive broadcast signals

Further examples

1. Write purpose statements:

            1. Refrigerator             2.washing machine                  3.constructing a by-pass road,

            4. cell-phone                5.computer

Answers:

1. The purpose of a refrigerator is to preserve food items.

2. The purpose of a washing machine is to wash and dry clothes

3. The purpose of constructing a by-pass road is to reduce traffic

4. The purpose of a cell-phone is to make communication easier and immediate.

5. The purpose of a computer is to perform mathematical and scientific tasks and to store information.

ASSIGNMENT:

1. Write purpose statements for the following:

            1. aircraft                     to transport travelers from  one place to another via air

            2, train                         to transport people and goods over railway tracks

            3. rocket                      to carry satellites into space.

            4. painting iron parts   protection from rust

            5. experiment              demonstrate a principle

            6. camera                     taking photographs

2. Answer the questions using the pattern to/ in order to/ so as to + verb

            1. Why did he study engineering?

            2. Why do people study medicine?

            3. Why is drinking water filtered?

            4. Why are dams built?

3. Join each of the following using to/ in order to/ so as to

            1. He fitted a silencer

                He wanted to reduce the noise

            2. I wanted to stop the car

                I operated the brake.

            3. He wanted to check the oil in the engine

                He used the dipstick.

            4. He wanted to start the engine

                He pressed the switch.

4. Rewrite the following into sentences indicating purpose:

            1. a clock                     to show time of the day

            2. a calendar                to show the days, weeks, and months of a particular year.

            3, a flow chart             to represent a process as a series of steps

            4, a litmus test             to identify acids and alkalis