The Process Essay

What is a process?

Characteristics of Process Writing 

 Strict chronological order 

 If the steps described are repeated, the same outcome should always be achieved.

Process Explanation 

• Purpose is to help reader understand how a process is carried out i.e.

• May be in present or past tense, depending on whether the writer is explaining a process that takes place regularly or one that occurred in the past, and on whether the writer or someone else carried out the process.

Present Tense First Person “After I place the chemicals in the tray, I turn out the lights in the darkroom.” (habitual process performed by the writer) Third Person “After photographers place the chemicals in the tray, they turn out the lights in the darkroom.” (habitual process performed by someone other than the writer) Past Tense “After I placed the chemicals in the tray, I turned out the lights in the darkroom.” (process performed in the past by the writer) “After the photographer placed the chemicals in the tray, she turned out the lights in the darkroom.” (process performed in the past by someone other than the writer) Using Process Writing  College writing for science, literature, history, or any other subject.

 A process essay should have a clear thesis statement that identifies the process and tells why it is performed.

Structure of Process Essay 

 Body of essay 

 One major stage of the process in each body paragraph.

Your body should be like this

 1- Topic sentence (Main idea) 

2- Supporting details (Examples, fact, statistic, short story) 

3- Closing remark (The function of this step) Structure of Process Essay, cont.

Revising Checklist for a Process Essay

  Does your assignment call for a set of instructions or a process explanation?

 Does your writing style clearly and consistently indicate whether you are writing a set of instructions or a process explanation?

 Does your essay have a clearly stated thesis that identifies the process and perhaps tells why it is (or was) performed?

Possible topics

-How to lose weight without losing your mind 

-How a particular accident occurred 

-How to end a relationship 

-How to avoid a nervous breakdown during exams 

-How to kick a bad habit In Class Process Writing Exercise Look at the photograph to the right.

Process Essay What is a Process Essay?

The process essay is writing that explains how to do something or how something works by giving a step-by-step explanation.

The explanation may be about a concrete process (how to skin a muskrat or how to plant begonias) or an abstract process (how to build self-esteem or how to overcome a loved one’s death).

Explaining Steps: This is a key step in writing a process essay.