Process Analysis Explaining How Something Works or Is

Process Analysis: Explaining How Something Works or Is Done Term 3 Writing

Assignment Goals Students will be able to: -understand what a process essay is -know how and when to use a process essay -explain, in writing, how to do something or how something works

Purpose of Assignment • Will prepare you for high school and college classes that require this type of writing • Will allow you to clearly provide directions in real life situations, including on the job

What is a Process Essay? • Explains in step-by-step fashion how something works or how something is done or made. • Provides practical information – Directions to a place, how to assemble something, instructions for doing something, explain how something works • Information must be accurate, clear, and easy to follow Two Types of Writing Situations • To explain how to do something to readers who want to perform the process • To explain how something works to readers who want understand the process but not actually perform it

Organization • Explicit thesis • Step-by-step description of the process • Define key terms • Give background • Describe equipment needed • Anticipate potential problems and offer solutions *usually written in chronological order—how the process is completed *Can be divided into sections with headings, if needed

Thesis Development The thesis should: • Identifies the process • Suggests why the process is needed Examples: By carefully preparing for a vacation in a foreign country, travelers can save time and prevent hassles. Voting for today’s leaders in important; by making sure that potential voters are registers, every potential voter can have an impact on the country.

Outline • Introduction – Grab attention – Provide needed background – Thesis • Body – Each paragraph should review a major part in the process – Go in chronological order, stopping to explain issues, provide solutions, review materials or unknown ides • Conclusion (usually just a few sentences) – Review the major steps – Detail any major problems anticipated – Review thesis

Sample How do kids learn to speak Intro • Importance of speech • Thesis: Although individual cases may differ, most children acquire language in a predictable series of stages. Body • Stage 1—babbling • Stage 2—single words • Stage 3—expressive speech • Stage 4—two work phrases to longer strings Conclusion • Restate major stages

Tips • Keep your audience is mind—explain reasons or potential problems • Describe unfamiliar equipment or materials • Use first or third period person—avoid second (you) • Be clear and concise—avoid digressions • Narrative your ideas—this is an essay not a list

Prompts How to apply to college How to decide on a college How to apply to financial aids How to avoid a speeding ticket How to get in shape How to use social media How to relax How to use equipment needed in a class, job, sport How to vote or register to vote How to give a speech How to get somewhere How to make something How to go on a job interview How to write a resume How to prepare for the apocalypse