Table of Contents

Intentions & Reasons Level 6

Introduction

Have you ever wanted to express why you want to do something? Whether it’s sharing your plans for the weekend or explaining why you chose a particular book, being able to express intentions with reasons is an essential skill in communication. Understanding how to articulate your intentions and the reasons behind them can help you convey your thoughts clearly and effectively.

Definition and Concept

Intentions refer to the plans or goals that a person has, while reasons are the explanations or justifications for those plans. In English, we often use phrases like ‘I intend to…’ or ‘I want to…’ followed by a reason to communicate our thoughts.

Example:
‘I intend to study hard for my exams because I want to achieve good grades.’

Relevance:

  • Communication: Helps in expressing thoughts clearly.
  • Writing: Important for essays and narratives.
  • Everyday Life: Useful in conversations and decision-making.

Historical Context or Origin​

The ability to express intentions and reasons has been a part of human communication since ancient times. Philosophers like Aristotle emphasized the importance of reasoning in rhetoric, which laid the groundwork for effective communication. Over time, this skill has evolved and become an integral part of language education.

Understanding the Problem

When expressing intentions, it’s crucial to connect them with appropriate reasons. This helps the listener understand not just what you plan to do, but why you plan to do it. Let’s break this down with an example:

Example Statement: ‘I plan to join the basketball team because I enjoy playing sports and want to stay active.’

Methods to Solve the Problem with different types of problems​

Method 1: Using Simple Sentences

  • Start with your intention: ‘I want to…’
  • Add your reason: ‘because…’
  • Combine them: ‘I want to learn guitar because I love music.’

    • Method 2: Using Complex Sentences

  • Begin with your intention: ‘My goal is to…’
  • Follow with a reason: ‘since…’
  • Example: ‘My goal is to improve my writing skills since it will help me in my future career.’

    • Method 3: Using Transitional Phrases

  • Use phrases like ‘In order to…’ or ‘For the purpose of…’ to introduce your intention.
  • Example: ‘In order to become a better reader, I plan to read more books.’

    • Exceptions and Special Cases​

  • Ambiguous Intentions: Sometimes, intentions can be vague. For example, ‘I want to do well’ lacks specificity. Adding a reason can clarify this: ‘I want to do well in school because I aim for a scholarship.’
  • Conflicting Intentions: It’s possible to have intentions that conflict, such as ‘I want to go out with friends, but I also want to finish my homework.’ In such cases, it’s important to weigh the reasons for each intention.

    • Step-by-Step Practice​

    Problem 1: Express your intention to travel and give a reason.

    Solution:

  • Intention: ‘I want to travel to Paris’
  • Reason: ‘because I love art and history.’
  • Combined: ‘I want to travel to Paris because I love art and history.’

    • Problem 2: Write about your intention to learn a new skill.

    Solution:

  • Intention: ‘I plan to learn coding’
  • Reason: ‘as it will help me in my future job.’
  • Combined: ‘I plan to learn coding as it will help me in my future job.’

    • Examples and Variations

    Easy Example:

    • Statement: ‘I want to read more books because I love stories.’

    Moderate Example:

    • Statement: ‘I plan to volunteer at the animal shelter since I care about animals.’

    Advanced Example:

    • Statement: ‘I intend to pursue a career in medicine because I want to help people and make a difference in their lives.’

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    Common Mistakes and Pitfalls

    • Being vague: Not providing clear reasons can lead to misunderstandings.
    • Overcomplicating: Using overly complex sentences can confuse the listener.
    • Neglecting to connect: Failing to link the intention and reason can weaken communication.

    Tips and Tricks for Efficiency

    • Practice combining intentions and reasons in everyday conversations.
    • Use clear and concise language to convey your message.
    • Think about the listener’s perspective to ensure your reasons are relevant.

    Real life application

    • Job Interviews: Explaining your career goals and motivations.
    • School Projects: Justifying your choices in presentations.
    • Everyday Decisions: Discussing your plans with friends and family.

    FAQ's

    Use casual language and personal anecdotes to make your intentions relatable.
    Yes! Just make sure to clearly separate each intention and its reason.
    It’s okay! Just be honest and explain your thought process.
    Use examples or personal experiences to support your reasons.
    Yes! Clear intentions in writing can improve communication and understanding.

    Conclusion

    Expressing intentions with reasons is a vital communication skill that enhances clarity and understanding. By practicing how to articulate your thoughts, you can become a more effective communicator in both spoken and written forms.

    References and Further Exploration

    • Books on Effective Communication: ‘Crucial Conversations’ by Patterson et al.
    • Online Resources: Websites that focus on writing and communication skills.

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