(1)The article was intended to provoke discussion.  这篇文章只在引发讨论。（被动结构）

(2)People intended the article to provoke discussion  人们想要这篇文章引发讨论。（主动结构）
备注(1)：第1句是第2句被动结构用法

备注(2)：intend sb/sth to do sth=sb/sth be intended to do sth

The writer clearly intends his readers to identify with the main character.

=His readers are clearly intended to identify with the main character (by the writer.)

作者显然想使读者能与主人公产生共鸣。

be intended to do sth打算/意图是做某事

The building was intended to be a museum.这栋房子是用来作博物馆用的。

His remarks were intended to be a compliment.他说的那些话是想表示赞美。