Krause
AP Composition
Fall 2014
Process Essay
The process essay explains how to do something or how something occurs. It presents a sequence of steps and
shows how these steps lead to a particular result. Depending upon its purpose, a process essay can be either a set
of instructions or a process analysis. Instructions enable readers to perform a process; process analysis helps
readers understand how the process is carried out by identifying component steps that lead to a desired result.
Instructions
 Recipes
 Handout on how to use a library database
 DVD operating manual
Process Analysis
 How paper is made
 How to succeed in America
 How to tell a joke
 How to be humane
Effective, engaging process analyses move beyond objective instructions and provide or embed within the
instructions reflection on the purpose or meaning of the process. Thus, a process analysis can be used to explain
what unifies a group of people (Explain how a ritual is performed in a community of which you are a part), to
persuade (“The process of harvesting frog legs for restaurants is inhumane and sadistic”), or explain the meanings
and implications of a process or system as a reflection on a way of life or a philosophical outlook (write about how
a process you know well, such a planting a garden, embodies your idea of how to live life).
Readings (all are in The Writer’s Presence): ALL ESSAYS WILL BE READ IN CLASS
 Eighner, Lars: “On Dumpster Diving.”
o Prompt: Reflect on the effect (and effectiveness) of rhetorical decisions Eighner makes
seemingly in response to his consideration of audience.
 Hearne, Vicki: “What’s Wrong with Animal Rights.”
o Prompt: How does Hearne use definitions, specifically of “animal” and “happiness,” to move her
essay towards its purpose?
 Fallows, James. “Throwing Like a Girl.”
o Prompt: How does Fallow’s use of humor either affect the effectiveness of his essay OR enhance
the essay’s movement towards its purpose?
 King, Stephen: “Everything you Need to Know about Writing Successfully—in 10 Minutes.”
Responses are to be composed following analytical paragraph format.
Calendar
Monday
Tuesday
9/15
9/22

“From our Kitchen to Your
Table”

Fallows Response due

Work on Process essay; option
to bring in a draft for peer
response.
9/29
Thursday

Read Eighner essay


Eighner response due
Read Hearne essay


Hearne response due
Read Fallows essay

Read King essay

Work on Process Essay

Process Essay due
10/6