 Process analysis is a type of expository writing,

where the aim is to inform the reader about each

step of a process. The process is explained in such
a way that even the most difficult task is easy to
understand and perform.
 This type of essay provides people with practical
information
 Directions to do something
 Explanation of how something works
Process analysis essay definition:

“A process analysis essay is a simple piece of writing that

answers “how to and what” questions. In other words, it answers
what a particular thing or task is and how is it done?”

 Think of writing a process analysis paper as writing a recipe,

where you point out all the required ingredients with the
directions and detailing what to do at each step.
 The steps being described must always be presented in a
sequential order.
 • Gives instruction on how
Directional something is made or how
to accomplish a task.

• Describes how something

Informational works. It outlines a
sequence of events.
 It is important to utilize the appropriate vocabulary so that the
reader can follow and interpret the steps given correctly.
 Numerical terms are useful in emphasising the
time/chronological order of a process (first, second, third, firstly,
secondly, first step, second step, final step etc. )
 Time markers are necessary since time order is important in the
process. For example, words such as next, afterwards,
additionally, are also useful in indicating a logical or organized
sequence to information being presented.
 As the writer, you also need to vary terms used to indicate the end
of one stage and the beginning of another to avoid confusion.
 Research the topic to equip you with information.
 Determine the steps involved in the process.
 Select the steps to be included.
 Determine the basis for organizing the information.
 Determine the significance of each step.
 Use connectives
 Define technical terms.
 A detailed outline or structure of the essay must be
made.
 Similar to other modes of writing, a process essay
structure also comprises of an introduction, body and
conclusion.
Organisation
 Introduction
 Broad topic introduction, narrowed by contextualization

 Significance of topic

 Thesis Statement

 Body Paragraphs
 Topic sentence

 Explanation

 Example

 Evidence

 Summary / Significance of point statement

Body
 Determine the steps/stages/phases of the process
 Present each step/stage/phase in a separate paragraph.
 Use the transitional words to move from one paragraph
to another smoothly.
 Stay in the method of exposition via the language
Conclusion
 Summarize the overall steps of the process.
 Do not present any new information.
 Make no recommendations.
 Restate the thesis
 The thesis statement is placed in the sentence outline.
 There is a three-way relationship between the topic,
the sentence outline and the thesis statement. There is
also a three-way relationship between the elements
presented in the thesis statement. These three
elements are topic, language and point (TLP). These
elements must be evident in the thesis statement and
topic sentences.
• Avoid using a personal tone through the use of 1st
and 2nd personal pronouns like “I” and “You”.
• A clear thesis statement must be written. A thesis
statement is one sentence.
• A topic to sentence outline is based on the points
from the thesis statement.
TOPIC: Discuss THREE steps that one can take to save
when shopping online.
 Thesis Statement - Saving when shopping online begins
with holiday shopping, continues with buying sale
items and ends using promotion codes.

Sub-Topics Topic Sentences

Holiday shopping Holiday shopping is the first step to ensure that one
saves when shopping online

Sale items The second step one would take in order to save
when shopping online is buying sale items.

Promotion codes Utilizing promotion codes is the third step which

can be taken in order to save when shopping online.
▪ Note that the points in the topic to sentence outline come
directly from the thesis statement.
▪ The points are developed in the order that they are listed in
the thesis statement.
▪ The topic sentences will form the basis of developing the
paragraphs. This means that each topic sentence will be
used to develop a separate paragraph.
▪ Each topic sentence contains: the broad Topic (saving while
shopping online), the narrowed Point (using promotion
codes) and the Language/vocabulary of the method (first
step etc).
Edit and Proofread
Re-evaluate the Thesis Statement.
 When you have gathered all information, decided
on organization, etc., go back to the thesis
statement.
 The thesis statement should encompass everything
you discuss in the paper.
 Aim for a complex sentence with complex ideas.
Edit and Proofread Cont’d
 Check for forbidden words and contractions
 Check for appropriate language
 Is everything cited correctly?
 Check for comma splices (two independent clauses
connected with only a comma)
 Check for run-on sentences and sentence fragments
 Check for spelling errors and typos