PROCESS

ANALYSIS
ESSAY
OBJECTIVES OF WRITING A
PROCESS ANALYSIS ESSAY
 1) DIRECTIONAL - when
you want to give step-by-
step instructions or
directions
 2) INFORMATIONAL -
when you want to inform
FOR YOUR MC#1, YOU ARE
GOING TO WRITE A

DIRECTIONAL
PROCESS
ANALYSIS ESSAY
IN THIS ESSAY:
 you will explain how to do, how
to make, or how to build
something
 you should choose your own
topic of interest
The introduction to a
process analysis
 is traditional in that it is a paragraph
that contains a concise thesis
sentence, which clearly states what
process will be discussed.
 An example of a good thesis
sentence is the following:
 Some people may think
that mastering the game
of Scrabble is difficult and
impossible, but this
process can be achieved
in six essential steps.
By examining this
statement, you will know
that the essay will be
about tips on being
skillful in playing
Scrabble.
Body paragraphs
 shouldcontain information that
systematically explains how to
accomplish the process.
 Make sure the information is
in proper sequence, so that
the reader can follow the
process easily.
Transitional Topic
Sentence
 You must provide appropriate
topic sentences to make the move
between the steps clear. An
example of a topic sentence might
be:
 The first step to
mastering the
Scrabble game is to
memorize all of the
two-letter words.
 Then, you will write a paragraph
that explains why memorizing all
of the two-letter words is
important in mastering the
game. Nothing else would be in
the paragraph but that step.
 Important: As you introduce
each step, you must explain why
each step is necessary.
Transitions
 You will then move to the next
step in the next paragraph, using
a transition word or phrase that
seems appropriate. For example:
The next step is…
Once you have finished
doing this…
Fourth, the following task
should be done…
Finally…
The conclusion
 should "tie up" your essay neatly--
it does not introduce new material
not covered in the body
paragraphs nor does it repeat
information.
 Conclusions differ with writers,
according to varying writing styles.
GUIDE QUESTIONS:
Paragraph One: Introduction
 Identify your topic.
 Have you selected a process that
can be told in five or six simple
steps?
 Why are you qualified to write a
"how to" paper on this process?
GUIDE QUESTIONS:
Paragraph One: Introduction

 Givethe purpose and

significance of the
instructions, indicating who
uses them, when, where and
why.
Sample Thesis
Sentence:

The culinary art of mud

pie making can be
accomplished in six
easy and fun steps.
 
Second Paragraph (1st
Step)
Explain how to
accomplish the first
step:
Explain why this first
step is necessary:
Sample Topic
Sentence:
First,the location of the
"kitchen" and
preparation of the area
is very important.
Third Paragraph (2nd Step)
Explain how to
accomplish the second
step:
Explain why this second
step is necessary:
Sample Topic
Sentence:
Second,between one
and three p.m. is the
best baking time.
Fourth Paragraph
(and so on)
 Explainclearly what is to be
done in each individual step
and what equipment,
materials, etc. are used to
complete the step.
 Emphasize the important
points of the step and include
any cautions about mistakes
that may possibly be made for
this step.
 Include any theory underlying
this part of the process, if
applicable.
 Follow these protocols for all
of the steps.
Last Paragraph
(Conclusion)
 Completion of the discussion of
the last step
 Summary of the main steps
 Significance of the process
 Discussion of other methods to do
this process or any feasible
shortcuts that could be taken to
complete the process