Process Essay A Presentation By: Utsab Banskota Westcliff University, California, United States COM101: Composition 1 Prof. Deepa Silwal May 14, 2023 Introduction Types of Process Essay Features of a Process Essay Format of a Process Essay Agenda Steps of Writing a Process Essay Knowing the Audience Pre-Writing Outlining Drafting Revising and Proofreading Some Tips and Techniques Introduction What exactly is a Process Essay? • An essay written solely for describing a process • Can describe a process, procedure, or working mechanism of some thing • Consists of step-by-step instructions • Chronological order of steps, without missing any vital points • Aims to give guidance to the audience • Can be a simple guidance such as how to ride a bicycle, or complex ones such as chemistry lab experiments Back to Agenda Types of Process Essay • Informational Process Essay • Explains how something works • Doesn’t require the reader to perform any steps • Instructive Process Essay • Explains a procedure of doing something • Tells the reader what to do step-by-step • Written in second person - ‘you’ Although both types of process essays are widely used, we will focus on Instructive Process Essay. Back to Agenda Features of a Process Essay A good process essay ... • • • • • Provides a straightforward explanation Maintains logical order of the steps Explains the steps in detail Contains other necessary descriptions related to the steps Uses transition words like first, second, next, and then, finally, etc. to connect the steps Back to Agenda Format of a Process Essay As with other types of essays, process essay is written in a similar structure, which consists of introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Introduction • • • Use an emotional question or a hook to grab the attention Describe the importance of the process Include thesis statement Body Paragraphs • • • Describe the steps in chronological order Use transition words, and maintain clarity Minimum 3 paragraphs (one step per body paragraph works quite well) Conclusion • • • Restate the importance Summarize what you have written End positively with an encouragement to the readers Back to Agenda Steps of Writing a Process Essay As with other writings in general, a process essay is written through similar steps as well. Here are the 5 main steps to follow while writing a process essay. Know the Audience Pre-Writing Outlining Drafting Revising and Proofreading Back to Agenda Know the Audience … • • • • Whom are you writing for? Determine the skill level of your audience Is the essay going to be a simple one, or a sophisticated one? Determine how in-depth you should go with the steps For Example, If you are explaining a simple process to your friends, you can use basic terminologies and simple language If you are writing for your Chemistry professor, you should make use of technical writing style and jargons Back to Steps Back to Agenda Pre-Writing … As with other types of writings, a process essay requires planning as well … • • • • • • • Choose your topic, and start brainstorming ideas Perform research if necessary Write your ideas down without worrying about making mistakes List out the major steps you have come up with Use clustering method to map the steps and ideas Make sure that all the necessary steps are included Add any other necessary ideas and descriptions Also, create a working Thesis statement. In Process Essays, thesis statements can be simple. For example : “Follow these 4 simple steps to make a delicious pancake that will blow your mind.” is an acceptable thesis statement. Back to Steps Back to Agenda Outlining … After you have your ideas and thesis statement ready, you can start arranging them. Outlining helps to categorize and organize your main points and prevent ‘getting stuck’ • • • • • Write down the major steps in chronological order Under each steps, write down the related descriptions and other ideas Use leveling method to list these steps and supportive descriptions Aim to maintain a sensible flow and order Remove any unnecessary ideas Example of Leveling: 1) First, you have to adjust your mirrors, and wear your seat belt. 1.1) Doing this makes it easier to see behind you, and ensures your safety. 1.2) Many accidents happen because people neglect this vital step. 1.3) Currently, there is a $50 fine for not wearing your seatbelt. Back to Steps Back to Agenda Drafting … Once your outline is ready, write them down in paragraphs. Follow the format as described earlier. Go To Format Remember to use second person – “you” while writing Some Tips while making your first draft … • • • • • • Remember that this is just a working version which can be edited later Start from the part you know the most about Keep your audience in mind while writing Be relevant to the thesis statement, and your purpose Maintain a positive tone and attitude towards the subject Take short breaks in between to clear your mind Back to Steps Back to Agenda Revising and Proofreading … Once you have completed your first draft, it is time to revise and make necessary changes. • • • • • • Take a break to refresh your mind before revising Take a good look at your steps, ideas, tone, clarity, structure, grammar, punctuation, etc. Ask for feedback from someone you trust Make any necessary changes Remember that multiple drafts and revisions are common while writing essays Once you are confident with your draft, perform multiple final checks for any minor errors After going through these steps, your process essay should be ready! Back to Steps Back to Agenda Some Tips and Techniques Here are a few things to keep in your mind while writing your process essay … Prioritize on maintaining clarity of the steps Maintain relevance to the topic and thesis statement Maintain an engaging, polite, and active tone Know that you are guiding your audience on something you know well Be sure to list out any required materials or skills at the beginning Mention how much time the process is going to take Be sure to mention any potential risks and hazards Mention alternative steps, if any Remember that small information can have huge impacts Practice makes perfect! Back to Agenda Any Questions? Please ask away! Agenda Steps “The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but rising every time we fall” – Nelson Mandela Thank You! Have a Great Day!
