A PROCESS PARAGRAPH

I. Definition
1. A process paragraph describes how to perform a certain task (task-oriented type)
i.e: How to write a process paragraph, how to send an e-mail, how to create a google account,
etc.
2. A process paragraph describes the process of something happening.
i.e. How a rainbow appears, how a hurricane develops, how the process of the rain, etc.

II. Process
A process paragraph consists of three points:
1. topic sentence
A topic sentence is a sentence, sometimes at the beginning of a paragraph, that states or
suggests the main idea (or topic) of a paragraph. Not all paragraphs begin with topic
sentences. In some, the topic sentence appears in the middle or at the end. In others, the topic
sentence is implied or absent altogether.
2. supporting sentence
The primary function of the topic sentence is to make it clear to the reader the main
idea of the paragraph. Additionally, the topic sentence can be used to clarify the
point or position you wish to take in that paragraph. While the goal of the topic
sentence is to create a specific focus for a single paragraph, it should also present
an idea that needs further development in the body of the paragraph.
3. concluding sentence
A concluding sentence is used to signal that your paragraph is coming to an end. Writing a
concluding sentence can be more difficult than you realize. Failing to realize that it is used to
close the final thoughts on a subject is a common mistake many writers make. For any piece
of writing to be effective, there has to be definitive and conclusive concluding sentences. A
concluding sentence should be a summary of the previous discussion and not include any new
information. The reader should be able to identify the key points in a text by reading the
concluding sentence.

A process paragraph typically begins with a topic sentence, which clearly labels the process and
explains its relevance to readers. Any materials needed are listed, followed by the stages of the
process; most of the time, this is in chronological order. Each step is typically numbered and
includes examples and elaboration with specific details. This is particularly important for task-
oriented process paragraphs so that a reader can duplicate the process.

Process paragraphs should provide the rationale for each step and provide warnings when
necessary. Terms that might be unfamiliar should also be explained. A task-oriented process
paragraph should end with a way for readers to know if they have successfully duplicated the
process. Editing is important when writing a process paragraph; some writers may skip a step
that seems too obvious to need explaining. One way to test a process paragraph is to see if
someone unfamiliar with the process is able to do it using the paragraph.

III. Example
(1) The writing process has four distinct phases. (2) The first is invention, which is aided by any
number of techniques, including free-writing, mind-mapping and outlining. (3) In this first stage,
it’s important for a writer not to edit but to let ideas flow and to simply get them down on paper.
(4) After invention, comes the first draft—the stage where the ideas start to take shape. (5) Many
writers use a sentence outline at this stage to see where they need to cut and where they need to
add material. The first draft is also where writers should develop a tentative thesis to guide the
structure of their essay. (6) The next stage of the process is when both the second and third
drafts are done. (7) Here, ideas and structure are refined, and the thesis is revised until it
becomes the unifying idea of the paper. (8) Finally, comes the last stage, that of editing. (9)
Writers should take care at this stage that all sentence structure and punctuation is correct, and
they should make corrections to documentation format as needed. (10) Writers often repeat these
four phases more than once, or skip a phase and go back to it, making the writing process more
cyclical than linear.

Explanation:
1. Topic Sentence
 Notice how the topic sentence. (1) introduces the number of steps in the process.
2. Supporting Sentence
 Then, the next two sentences, (3) and (4), name and comment on the first step.
 The next series of sentences, (4) to (7) go on to enumerate and comment on the next two
steps.
 sentence (8) and (9) complete the description of the process.
3. Concluding Sentence
 The paragraph ends with a general statement (10) about the writing process that
characterizes