PROCESS ANALYSIS

ESSAY

OBJECTIVES OF WRITING A PROCESS ANALYSIS ESSAY

1) DIRECTIONAL - when you want to give step-by-step instructions or directions

2) INFORMATIONAL - when you want to inform

FOR YOUR MC#1, YOU ARE GOING TO WRITE A

DIRECTIONAL PROCESS ANALYSIS

ESSAY

IN THIS ESSAY:

you will explain how to do, how to make, or how to build something

you should choose your own topic of interest

The introduction to a process analysis

is traditional in that it is a paragraph that contains a concise thesis sentence, which clearly states what process will be discussed.

An example of a good thesis sentence is the following:

Some people may think that mastering the game

of Scrabble is difficult and impossible, but this

process can be achieved in six essential steps.

By examining this statement, you will know that the essay will be about tips on being skillful in playing Scrabble.

Body paragraphs

should contain information that systematically explains how to accomplish the process.

Make sure the information is in proper sequence, so that the reader can follow the process easily.

Transitional Topic Sentence

You must provide appropriate topic sentences to make the move between the steps clear. An example of a topic sentence might be:

The first step to mastering the

Scrabble game is to memorize all of the two-letter words.

Then, you will write a paragraph that explains why memorizing all of the two-letter words is important in mastering the game. Nothing else would be in the paragraph but that step.

Important: As you introduce each step, you must explain why each step is necessary.

Transitions

You will then move to the next step in the next paragraph, using a transition word or phrase that seems appropriate. For example:

The next step is…Once you have finished doing this…

Fourth, the following task should be done…

Finally…

The conclusionshould "tie up" your essay

neatly--it does not introduce new material not covered in the body paragraphs nor does it repeat information.

Conclusions differ with writers, according to varying writing styles.

GUIDE QUESTIONS:

Paragraph One: Introduction Identify your topic.Have you selected a process that

can be told in five or six simple steps?

Why are you qualified to write a "how to" paper on this process?

GUIDE QUESTIONS:

Paragraph One: Introduction

Give the purpose and significance of the instructions, indicating who uses them, when, where and why.

Sample Thesis Sentence:

The culinary art of mud pie making can be accomplished in six easy and fun steps.

 

Second Paragraph (1st Step)

Explain how to accomplish the first step:

Explain why this first step is necessary:

 

Sample Topic Sentence:

First, the location of the "kitchen" and preparation of the area is very important.

Third Paragraph (2nd Step)

Explain how to accomplish the second step:

Explain why this second step is necessary:

 

Sample Topic Sentence:

Second, between one and three p.m. is the best baking time.

Fourth Paragraph (and so on)Explain clearly what is to

be done in each individual step and what equipment, materials, etc. are used to complete the step.

Emphasize the important points of the step and include any cautions about mistakes that may possibly be made for this step.

Include any theory underlying this part of the process, if applicable.

Follow these protocols for all of the steps.

Last Paragraph (Conclusion)Completion of the discussion of

the last stepSummary of the main stepsSignificance of the processDiscussion of other methods to

do this process or any feasible shortcuts that could be taken to complete the process