Process Essays

What is Process Writing?

A process is a series of steps or actions taken to accomplish a goal or result.

Process writing means writing about a process for others to read and follow.

Writing about a process means giving a detailed explanation of the steps required to complete the process.

Kinds of Process Writing

There are two styles of process writing:

“How-to” writing explains how something is done.

For example, a cooking recipe often tells you how to make a certain food dish.

“How-it-works” writing explains how something operates or happens.

For example, a driver’s manual will tell you how traffic laws work and how you need to follow them.

Selecting a Topic

When selecting a topic for a process essay, it is important that you choose a topic your are familiar with or a process that you have performed yourself.

Your thesis or main idea statement should identify your process and explain to your reader why they should follow your process or why the process is important to understand.

Developing Your Ideas

The following steps can help you effectively develop your process essay:

1. Before writing, list or outline your steps;

2. Give an overview;

3. Devote one paragraph per step if necessary;

4. Offer advice, give examples, and make comparisons;

5. Use the present tense and stick to it.

Help Your Readers

Because your reader is most likely unfamiliar with the process you are writing about, you need to provide helpful information:

Provide definitions of unfamiliar words or terms;

List needed equipment or supplies;

Tell your readers about potential problems or issues.

Using Transitions

The steps of a process are usually written in chronological or time order.

Transitions are words that help you indicate the order of your steps.

Transition words include: First, second, third, next, before, after, finally, etc.