Royal Buckingham International School
www.royalbuckinghaminstitution.com
English
Grade 4: Paragraph Writing
A process paragraph (or essay) explains how to do something or describes or explains how something is
done. The process should be described in a series of steps that follow a logical time order.
1. Choose a topic that you have some knowledge about. It’s easier to write about
something you’ve done many times before.
2. Consider your audience. Who are you writing for and what background information
does your reader need to follow the steps? Most process writing is written in second
person (you). That gives your writing the feel that you are guiding another person through
the steps of how to do something.
3. Choose a topic that you can handle in a paragraph. You can’t cover how to fix the
Canadian health care system in a paragraph or even an essay, but you can mange to cover
how to quit smoking or how to change a bicycle tire flat.
4. Make sure that your topic sentence clearly states what you are going to explain and
also makes a point that indicates your view of your topic.
E.g., “By doing a little research
and planning, you can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars on a used car”. Avoid
simply announcing your topic: e.g., “This paragraph will explain how to get a deal on a
used car”.
5. Include every step. If you’re explaining how to change the oil in your car and you
instruct your readers to remove the plug from the oil pan to drain the oil, don’t forget to
tell them to replace it before adding the new oil.
6. Present the steps in the correct order. This helps avoid confusion.
7. Include all necessary details and steps. At the same time, you’ll have to decide how
much detail is sufficient within the limits of a paragraph.
Examples of Process Paragraph
Getting a Deal on Wheels
Finding a reliable used car at an affordable price requires both planning and persistence. A good starting
point is narrowing down the type car you want or need. Be realistic. You may envision yourself cruising
around town in a little convertible, but that won’t leave much room for the kids and dogs. Once you’ve
settled on the basic vehicle, do some research to find out which vehicles have good reliability ratings. The
internet and books like Lemonade can help you pick out the high maintenance turkeys. The next step is
finding the model you are looking for. Used car lots will give you an idea of price, but they can be
expensive and full of used car salesmen. Check your local paper, car buyers’ magazines and the internet.
When you finally track down what looks like the perfect car, the last step is the test drive and inspection.
If the car drives well and looks good, arrange to have your mechanic inspect it. Never omit this step. After
your mechanic gives the car the OK, all that’s left is to haggle over the price.
Achieving High Grades for Your Exam
If you want to get good results in an exam, you should carry out three steps. Firstly, you should revise
theories of all subjects. This step is very necessary because it helps us have an overall view and knowledge
of subjects. You can revise theories by reading books, reviewing the material after each class and doing
exercises regularly. One important thing you should remember is that you shouldn't learn new lessons but
the basic ones. Secondly, sometimes revising lesson, you may not uderstand it thoroughly. Don't worry
because this step will help you overcome it. You should discuss with your friends, your teachers and ask
them for help about the matters that you don't know well. If possible, you can ask them to give you some
exercises to make sure that you have a good understanding of them. Thirdly, don't forget to take care of
yourself during the exam preparation. It is very important to be in good mental and physical condition for
the exam. After you finish studying, take some time to relax. Don't stay up too late and try to get good
night's sleep. You should avoid heavy foods that can make you drowsy. And the last thing is to keep a
positive attitude about the exam as it is a way to demonstrate your knowledge but not as imposing
challenge. If you follow three steps above, I believe that you will be successful in the exam.