Mr. Huang-Dale
Transitional ESOL
Nov. 4, 2009
A Sample Process Essay
A Normal Life Process: Grieving over Death
At some point in our lives, each of us faces the loss of someone or something dear
to us. The grief that follows such a loss can seem unbearable, but grief is actually a
healing process. Grief is the emotional suffering we feel after a loss of some kind. The
death of a loved one, loss of a limb, even intense disappointment can cause grief. Dr.
Elisabeth Kubler-Ross has named five stages of grief people go through following a
serious loss: Denial and Isolation, Anger, Bargaining, Depression and at last Acceptance.
The first two stages of grief are called Denial and Isolation followed by Anger. At first, we tend to deny the loss has taken place, and may withdraw from our usual
social contacts. This stage may last a few moments, or longer. The grieving person may
then be furious at the person who inflicted the hurt (even if she's dead), or at the world,
for letting it happen. He may be angry with himself for letting the event take place, even
if, realistically, nothing could have stopped it.
Dr. Kubler-Ross refers to the third and fourth stages as Bargaining and Depression.
Now the grieving person may make bargains with God, asking, "If I do this, will you take
away the loss?" After that, the person feels numb, although anger and sadness may
remain underneath. This extreme sadness can sometimes be debilitating unless the person
can get to the final stage, Acceptance.
Finally the grieving process is near its end.
The final stage of grief is Acceptance.
This is when the anger, sadness and mourning have tapered off. The person simply
accepts the reality of the loss and goes back to the routines of their work, home, and
family.
Most people are unprepared for grief, since so often, tragedy strikes suddenly,
without warning. Knowing the stages of grief can help you get through them . If good
self-care habits are always practiced, it helps the person to deal with the pain and shock
of loss until acceptance is reached.
(This essay has been adapted from the original at, www.memorialhospital.org ).
Mr. Huang-Dale
Transitional ESOL
Nov. 4, 2009
Process Essay
TOPIC CHOICES
1. Describe the process that Rob goes through to become a man.
2. Describe the process that you have gone through and key experiences which
helped you mature into an adult.
3. Describe any process you have gone through which you think could be helpful for
others to read about, for example: “How to apply to study in the US”, “How to
adjust to life at FA”, or “How to plan your Thanksgiving break”
INTRODUCTION PARAGRAPH
1. State what the process is and why it is important.
The grieving process is something we all have to go through when friends or family die.
2. Give background information, and define the process.
Define the word “grief” when and why it happens.
3. State the thesis sentence to include the purpose and the main idea of the essay.
The process is divided into steps and named with key words. The number of steps should
be no less than 3 (one per paragraph) and no more than 5 (as in this essay).
3 BODY PARAGRAPHS
When you write an essay body paragraph, you need to remember two points.
First, each topic sentence must contain the main idea of the paragraph, and that main
idea must be a main point of the thesis sentence.
Furthermore, the body paragraphs must be written in the order that the main
points are listed in the thesis sentence. For example, if you write that there are five steps
involved in the grieving process. They are Denial and Isolation, Anger, Depression…and
finally Acceptance, then your first body paragraph must be about Denial and Isolation,
and the final body paragraph about Acceptance.
CONCLUDING PARAGRAPH
In conclusion, you should paraphrase your thesis sentence. Summarize the main
steps of the process. Give your opinion about the process and why it is useful for readers
to know.
This essay will be graded on
1. Form: Name, Class, Date; Title; Double space and indent; 12 point font; 300-500 words.
2. Organization: Intro with Thesis statement; Topic sentences and Support in Body;
Thesis and opinion in the Conclusion
Mr. Huang-Dale
Transitional ESOL
Nov. 4, 2009
3. Content: Clear meaningful thoughts; References to the book if you write about Rob;
Corrections to grammar after the first draft.