This is a speaking exercise to practise clauses and infinitive of purpose:

• to ...

• in order to ...

• so ...

• so that ...

There are two versions; Worksheet A for pre-intermediate and Worksheet B for intermediate. Worksheet A asks learners to use only the infinitive of purpose in the communicative activity. Worksheet B asks them to use a variety of forms and add their own questions. A good pre-intermediate class could use this worksheet also. The form itself is used in a free way, making it suitable for a class who are practising after more controlled work.

Preparation
You will need to explain the question 'Why bother?' - which is used to mean why fight against troubles or problems, why make an effort etc.

Before the class, prepare enough photocopies of the worksheet for each learner to have a copy.

Warning: Learners may notice the abbreviated form of the questions, i.e. no auxiliary and no subject. Acknowledge their concerns and tell them this is a form native speakers use when talking generally.

• Worksheet A 50k pdf

• Worksheet B 50k pdf

Procedure

• Ask the learners the question 'Why learn English?'. They will have lots of answers. Try to elicit some examples of the target language, e.g.'So that I can get a better job'.

• Give out a copy of Worksheet A to each student. Tell learners to ask each other the questions and complete the worksheet, asking a different person each question.

• Give out a copy if Worksheet B to each student. Tell learners to add three more questions, then ask each other as above.

• Monitor as the students work and try to make notes of any errors of form.

• Elicit any interesting answers open-class.

• Put up some examples of errors you have heard while monitoring (don't say who made the error) and see if the students can correct them.

Paul Kaye, British Council, Syria

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