Process essays

1. Process Essays

2. What is Process Writing?
A process is a series of steps or actions
taken to accomplish a goal or result.
Process writing means writing about a
process for others to read and follow.
Writing about a process means giving a
detailed explanation of the steps
required to complete the process.

3. Kinds of Process Writing
There are two styles of process writing:
“How-to” writing explains how something is done.
For example, a cooking recipe often tells you
how to make a certain food dish.
“How-it-works” writing explains how something
operates or happens.
For example, a driver’s manual will tell you
how traffic laws work and how you need to
follow them.

4. Selecting a Topic
When selecting a topic for a process essay, it
is important that you choose a topic your
are familiar with or a process that you have
performed yourself.
Your thesis or main idea statement should
identify your process and explain to your
reader why they should follow your process
or why the process is important to
understand.

5. Developing Your Ideas
The following steps can help you effectively develop
your process essay:
1.Before writing, list or outline your steps;
2.Give an overview;
3.Devote one paragraph per step if necessary;
4.Offer advice, give examples, and make
comparisons;
5.Use the present tense and stick to it.

6. Help Your Readers
Because your reader is most likely
unfamiliar with the process you are writing
about, you need to provide helpful
information:
Provide definitions of unfamiliar words
or terms;
List needed equipment or supplies;
Tell your readers about potential
problems or issues.

7. Using Transitions
The steps of a process are usually
written in chronological or time order.
Transitions are words that help you
indicate the order of your steps.
Transition words include: First,
second, third, next, before, after,
finally, etc.