Process Essays
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A process essay explains how something happens
or how to do something.
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Topic Sentences
Imperative Mood Use
Dividing the Process
Linear Order
Transitions
Process Essay Checklist
Checklist continued
Table of Contents
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A topic sentence should focus on something
that can be explained briefly.
It should clearly state a part of the process
(procedure, technique, or routine) that will be
expanded on in the paragraph.
Topic Sentences
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When writing instructions, you can use the
imperative mood, often called the command, to
address the reader directly.
When using the imperative mood, the subject is
understood to be the person reading the piece.
The subject is not stated.
Imperative Mood Use
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The key to successful process writing is to
break down the process into small, manageable
steps and then to spell out these steps in detail.
Breaking the process down into steps, each
with its own function, makes the complex
process easier to understand.
Dividing the Process
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Linear order is the arrangement of steps in the
order they occur.
You are explaining a specialized process, so
you may need to define special terms.
Always remember to specify the materials or
tools needed to carry out the process.
Normally, this information should come after
the topic sentence so that the reader will be
fully prepared to complete the process.
Linear Order
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Process writing should list events in time order.
Transitional expressions that signal that order
help your reader.
Time order words: After, afterward, before,
then, once, next, last, first, second, etc., at first,
formerly, usually, another, finally, soon,
meanwhile, at the same time, later, ordinarily,
to begin with, afterwards, generally, in order to,
previously, in the meantime, immediately,
eventually, concurrently, simultaneously.
Transitions
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Does the introduction identify the procedure or
technique?
Is the reader addressed through the imperative
mood (you)? Is it appropriate for this essay?
Are the steps presented in linear order?
Underline steps that are out of order and draw
and arrow to the spot in the essay where it
belongs.
Is each step simple and clear? Mark the steps
that need to be explained further.
Process Essay Checklist
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Does each topic sentence state the procedure?
Is the process divided into simple, logical
steps?
Can you expand on any steps to make them
more clear?
Checklist Continued