The Modes Process Analysis Process Defined A Process

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The Modes: Process Analysis

The Modes: Process Analysis

Process Defined A Process Analysis explains how to do something or how something works,

Process Defined A Process Analysis explains how to do something or how something works, providing practical (useful) information. The main kinds of processes explain How to: explains with specific instructions how to perform an activity. Every step is detailed. How to change a tire By carefully preparing for a vacation in a foreign country, travelers can save time and prevent hassles. How something works: presents the activity clearly enough so readers understand the process but does not give step-by-step instructions on how to perform an action; it explains what people need to know about something. How a person wins prizes from a radio station Advertisers often appeal to the emotions of the audience for whom a product is targeted; some of these appeals may be unethical.

Process Thesis Statement Process thesis statements contain two parts: the topic (the process) and

Process Thesis Statement Process thesis statements contain two parts: the topic (the process) and the point (why the process is significant for the audience). You may find it helpful to begin by naming the audience. Thesis = process + significance (audience-dependent) § Example Thesis: Mechanics need to know how to change the oil in a car as the task is one of their most frequent jobs. § Audience = mechanics § Process = changing car oil § Significance = need it for their job § Example Thesis: Car owners should know how to change the oil in their cars to save money. § Audience = car owners § Process = changing car oil § Significance = save money

Organization The organization of a process analysis depends on what you are trying to

Organization The organization of a process analysis depends on what you are trying to achieve, but generally it will be chronological (because you have to tell events in order). For many process essays (both how to and how it works) the steps have to be preformed in a specific order or the process won’t “work” right. (Think about baking a cake. What happens if you don’t turn the oven on until after you put the cake in? ) Sometimes, emphatic order is possible. For example, in a process about how to find a job, we might list several steps that don’t have to be preformed in a specific time order. We might include steps like looking in the newspaper ads, searching online, talking to our friends, going into stores, and writing our resume.

Key Features For each part of your essay, you must always think about your

Key Features For each part of your essay, you must always think about your audience. Who are they? What do they know about your topic? Background Information: Provide background information necessary to your specific audience. Some readers may need explanation of a subject before you tell them about the process. For example, if explaining how to do CPR, it would be good to start by explaining what CPR is and when to use it. Clearly State Steps: state each “step” (each act that must be completed), explain how to do it, and why it must be done. Equipment: Be sure to name (and describe if necessary) any items that will be needed to preform the process. Also be sure to include where to get these items. Remember, this too will be audience-dependent. Define Technical Terms: Explain terms that the reader might not know, especially if they are technical or unfamiliar. This will depend on your audience. Provide Enough Details: Clearly explain “how to” do each step and why you are doing it. Write careful and adequate details. This will depend largely on the type of audience you are writing to. Do they know a lot about your subject or a little? Anticipate problems: Identify things that could go wrong AND warn readers about them. Then, provide solutions.

Integrating process with other modes However, sometimes you are writing an essay where you

Integrating process with other modes However, sometimes you are writing an essay where you need a process but that is not the focus. Here is what you should do: 1. Provide a brief summary or overview of the process rather than the whole thing. Too much detail will confuse your reader about your primary mode. 2. Make it clear why the process is included. Don’t just add it to fill space. And use a transition. 3. Helpful words you can use to show that a process is include is “procedure” or “process. ” 4. When you have completed the process analysis, let readers know you are about to return to the primary mode. Transition, transition.

Point of View for processes 1 st person: We can write a process using

Point of View for processes 1 st person: We can write a process using ourselves as the “actor” completing the steps. How I learned to drive How I became really good at baseball The steps I took to do better in a hard class 2 nd person: Often process analyses are written in second person because the author is giving the reader instructions to follow. “First, unscrew the adhesive. ” 3 rd person: Write a process by naming the person who is doing the process. Mechanics begin by jacking the car up, so it is easier to access the bottom of the car.

Process Warnings Don’t announce in thesis or the steps. Avoid: “Now I will describe

Process Warnings Don’t announce in thesis or the steps. Avoid: “Now I will describe the second step. ” Instead say, “the second step is going shopping. ” Be sure to fully explain how to do each step. For example: “In order to be successful, students must be organized. Using a planner is a good way to get and stay organized. ” This is good advice; however, does it clearly and thoroughly explain HOW to use a planner? If your audience is disorganized, is just telling them to use a planner really going to help? Instead write: “In order to be successful, students must be organized. Using a planner is one good way to get and stay organized. Students should begin by buying or creating a calendar. A calendar that lists each day separately with blank lines to write on is best. Then, students should fill in each day with assignments that are due and record the homework assigned. Other students may need a time management planner. This planner divides the day into chunks of time (usually by the hour). The student should record each of his classes as well as other duties (work, practice, etc. ). Then, in the remaining blocks, the student should record study time, perhaps even writing in the specific assignment he is going to work on. ”

Process Warnings Be sure to fully explain why to do each step. For example:

Process Warnings Be sure to fully explain why to do each step. For example: On the previous slide, we did a good job explaining how to use a planner to be organized, but we didn’t explain why this is an important step. We might say: “Being organized can be difficult, especially for new college students who no longer have their parents and teachers to remind them to complete assignments. It is also easy to get distracted or to procrastinate. By scheduling time to study and placing our schedule where we can see it, we are more likely to stick to it, and therefore, complete our work on time. ” Avoid implied you. (If we are not writing in second-person, we must be very careful to avoid implying you as a subject in a sentence. ) For example, the following sentence gives an instruction and implies a subject of you: “Next, get out the scissors. ” (YOU are supposed to get out the scissors. ) Instead say: “Next, the kindergartener takes out his scissors. ”