purpose statements

 

PARK COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY, KANIYUR

 

DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH

 

HS 8251 TECHNICAL ENGLISH

 

PURPOSE STATEMENTS

 

LEARNING MATERIAL

 

PREPARED BY

C.GOVINDASWAMY

AP/HOD/ ENGLISH

 

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 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 in order not to be late.

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

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

5. For

‘For’ describes how something is used.

            1. This button is for starting the engine.

            2. These seats are for the VIP’s to sit.

 

 

Examples:

1. Write purpose statements for the following:

1) hammer       2) barometer

Answer:

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

1. a. 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)

2. a. The purpose of a barometer is to measure atmospheric pressure.

Example 2

Make purpose statement for the following: safety valve.

Answer:

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

1.a. The safety valve is used to release excess pressure.

Note:

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

1. The purpose of a + object + is to+…………

2. The+object+ is used to +…………….

Don’t combine both as in the following:

The purpose of a safety valve is used to release excess pressure ( wrong)

More examples:

Make sentences expressing purpose, using the hints given:

1. Catalyst       : speeds up chemical process

Answer:

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

Answer:

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:  

            a) refrigerator              b) washing machine                c) constructing a by- pass road

Answers:

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

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

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

 

2. Write purpose statements for the following:          a) cell- phone               b) computer

Answers:

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

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

 

PARK COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY, KANIYUR

DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH

HS 8251- TECHNICAL ENGLISH

PURPOSE STATEMENTS

ASSIGNMENT 1

NAME:…………………………………….                          REGISTER NO: ……………..

……………………………………………………………………………………………………

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 of the exhaust.

            2. I wanted to stop the car. I applied the brake.

            3. He wanted to check the oil in the engine. He used the dip stick.

            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

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

            4. a litmus test             to identify acids and alkalis.