WRITING A

PROCESS ANALYSIS
ESSAY
WHAT IS A PROCESS ANALYSIS
ESSAY?
 A process analysis essay can either provide steps on how to do
something or provide information.

 A process analysis essay may explain to the reader:

 How to perform steps in a process.
 How something works.
 How the important steps in a process coalesce.
 The logical order in which to do something.

 A process analysis essay also may:

 Describe how something is done.
 Explain how something happens.
WHAT IS A PROCESS?
 A process may be:
 A series of actions.
 Specific changes.
 Certain steps, operations, or functions.
 All of these are meant to demonstrate how to achieve a particular result.
 While some essays may focus on what, process analysis normally focuses on how.
 Writing about a process should be accomplished in a logical order.
 Many times in a process, the logical order will be chronological.
 The logical order may also be order of importance in order to accomplish the
particular result.

Source: www.southtexascollege.edu/dev-english/…2/i-process_analysis.ppt.
PROCESS ANALYSIS ESSAY
CONSIDERATIONS
 Make sure that the process described is a “good fit” for the intended
audience.

 Make sure that the idea is unusual or even unique.

 Dig deep and find a novel point of view about which to write.

 Make sure that the process decided upon to describe can be fully
explained in a 5 paragraph essay.
 DIVIDING THE PROCESS
 For the purposes of this essay, focus in on three main steps, three main pieces of
information, three main actions, or three main changes needed in order to achieve the
particular result or goal.
 The essay should use this format for the thesis statement:

When considering family, some experts believe that
______________, __________, and ______________ be
completed in order for _______________________.
 The pattern for this essay will be:
 Introduction
 Step, information, action, or change #1
 Step, information, action, or change #2
 Step, information, action, or change #3
 Conclusion that demonstrates the end result of the process.
INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH
 Use a hook to engage the reader
 Make certain that the reader understands why knowing how this process works is
important.
 Transition from the hook to the thesis statement
 Thesis statement: follow the pattern required for this group essay:
When considering family, some experts believe that
___________________, _______________, and
___________________ be completed in order for
___________________________.
EACH BODY PARAGRAPH SHOULD
INCLUDE:
 A topic sentence that informs the reader what the paragraph will cover.

 Supporting details that include a quotation, summary statement, or

paraphrase of at least one of the authors read.

 A closing that explains the function of what was described in the

paragraph and that may help to transition to the next paragraph.
THE CONCLUSION
 The result of the process should be demonstrated.

 Restate the thesis statement in a novel way.

 Include closing remarks that give the reader something to think about:
 It may discuss the future.
 It may inspire the reader.
 It may provide contemplation on the impact the process has on families.
THE IMPORTANCE OF THIRD
PERSON
 Each essay for this course is a formal writing assignment.
 Even though the task of this essay is to describe a process, the paper
must be written in a formal voice.
 USE use second person in the directional process analysis essay. This
means that the essay must include these words:
 You
 Your
 You’re
 “You understood,” as in a command, is acceptable when explaining
steps in a process. This is the imperative form.
 Attempt to stay in third person: he, she, it, they, one, the family.