Process Process Defined We write process papers to

Process

Process Defined We write process papers to explain clearly how to do something or how something works. For example, your boss might tell you to make a handout for new employees about how the computer system works. Or, in a science class, you might need to explain the process of photosynthesis.

Key Features of Process • • • Topic Sentence Step by step instructions Clear explanations Warnings Second person

Key Feature: Topic Sentence • The topic sentence for a process paragraph identifies two things: the topic and the point. The topic is the process. The point is why the process is important to readers. For example, the topic sentence for a paragraph about garage sales might say, “Having a garage sale can be profitable if you get organized and follow some basic steps. ” In this example, the topic is “having a garage sale. ” The point is that it can be profitable.

Key Feature: Step by Step Instructions • To write a process paragraph effectively, you must include clear, specific, step-by-step instructions. • State each step clearly and simply. • Then provide details and examples to show your readers how to successfully complete your step. • Be careful NOT to assume that your readers have the same knowledge you do. • Remember to carefully organize your steps. Often, steps go in chronological order, but sometimes they can be in emphatic order.

Key Feature: Clear Explanations • Explanations of how to complete each step should be very specific. Think about a time when you were told to do something and made a mistake because you weren’t given enough information to complete the task properly. For example, if we are writing about how to study, don’t just say study the class material. Instead, explain how to study. You might include study strategies like using a study guide or creating flashcards. Or you might tell where and when to study like in the library on Friday nights when no one else is around. • Also include tips that make the process easier for your readers. For example, if we are writing about how to study, you might provide the tip of leaving your cell phone at home so you’re not distracting while trying to concentrate for the big test.

Key Feature: Warnings • Your readers assume you are the expert on your process. Therefore, as the expert, you know things they don’t, so be sure to warn readers about things that might go wrong during your process (and tell them how to fix it). For example, if you’re writing about how to change the oil in the car, you need to warn your readers that the engine oil will be very hot if the car has been running for even a few minutes. Then tell readers to be sure to let the car sit for at least half an hour before they attempt to change the oil or it is very likely that they will be burned. • Be careful NOT to assume that your readers have the same knowledge you do.

Key Feature: Second Person • If you are writing a how to paper, you are explaining directly to your readers how to do something, it is okay to use second-person, you. However, if you are explaining how something works, it is not necessary to use you. For example, when writing about how to change the oil in a car, you might write: “Next, you should carefully remove the oil plug from the car. ” However, if you’re writing about how the combustion engine works you might write, “Next the sparkplugs fire, creating a spark which ignites the fuel. ” There is no reason to use second-person here as your readers aren’t doing anything in this process.

Example • For example, in our garage sale paragraph, we might write the following: Subtopic Sentence states the first step. Tip! The first step is to make sure you have plenty of items to sell. If people see only a few items, such as small piles of clothes, a bicycle, a toilet seat, and thinly scattered junk on the lawn, they are not going to park their cars to take a better look. Be careful that your items look clean and neat. Wash and iron the clothes. Clean and polish anything that needs cleaning. Remember, no one wants to buy a toaster filled with crumbs or a pot lined with dried baked bean scum. Notice the very specific details. Warning offered.