Level 9B Introduction to Process Writing

Task description: Students should be able to explain a process such as how a product is
made. This requires the use of the passive, sequence markers and logical coherence.

Example Task: The diagram below shows the process of how cocoa beans are prepared for export.
Write a report describing the process as shown below.
Use 140 words. You have 30 minutes to complete this task.

Describing a Process
Level 9B (140 words, 30 minutes)

A process is a series of actions or steps that need to be done to achieve an outcome. For
example, if we want to show how paper is made, we must describe all the things that must be
done from the time the tree is cut down until the wood is turned into paper.

A process essay usually includes two paragraphs:

1. Introduction

Paraphrase (use your own words) the information from the task question. Example: The
diagram explains how cocoa beans are made ready for shipping to other countries.
Say how many separate stages are involved (you can count them in the diagram). You
must state the first stage and the last stage. Example: There are eight stages in the
process, starting with fermentation and ending with the beans being exported.
Full introduction: The diagram explains how cocoa beans are made ready for shipping to
other countries. There are eight stages in the process, starting with fermentation and
ending with the beans being exported.

2. Main Body
Describe each stage of the process.
Use linking words to show sequence and purpose.
Use the present simple passive – and, occasionally, active.
Are there any stages you can link together?
 Using the Passive

When we write about a process, we are interested in what happens, not who/what does it.
Therefore, we use the passive voice because it is normally used when we are not interested in
who or what is doing an action.
In the active voice, the subject does the action; in the passive, the subject is the receiver of the
action.

Active voice
The truck (subject) delivers the milk (object) to the supermarket.
Passive voice
The milk (subject) is delivered to the supermarket (object).

** The truck is not mentioned because in the passive we are not interested in what does the
action.**

Not every sentence in a process has to use the passive, but most use it because the action is
what we are interested in.

Linking words to show sequence (the order)

A process is a series of actions or steps taken to achieve an outcome. The first step happens
first in the process, the second one is next, and we continue until we reach the end of the
process. Therefore, we use time connectors to join the steps.

Some common transition words include:

First(ly), / First of all, / To start/begin with, When the pan is hot, oil is poured…
After this/that, / Afterwards, While the pan is heating, oil is poured…
Then, / Next, Once the pan is hot, oil is poured…
Following this/that,
In the next stage/step,
Finally, / Lastly, / In the last/final stage,

Linking words to show purpose (why something is done)

…so (that)... (subj + verb)

…to… (+ verb)
…in order to…(+verb)
…because… (subj + verb)
…to ensure (that)… (subj + verb)

A simple example:

First, the cows are milked. After this, the milk is cooled and stored in large, refrigerated
containers. Then, the milk is pasteurised in order to kill bacteria. Once the milk has been
pasteurised, it is then homogenised to ensure it does not separate into milk and cream.
Following this, the milk is packed and labelled. Finally, the milk is delivered to supermarkets.