{Process Essays

A process essay explains how something happens or how to do something.

Topic Sentences Imperative Mood Use Dividing the Process Linear Order Transitions Process Essay Checklist Checklist continued

Table of Contents

A topic sentence should focus on something that can be explained briefly.

It should clearly state a part of the process (procedure, technique, or routine) that will be expanded on in the paragraph.

Topic Sentences

When writing instructions, you can use the imperative mood, often called the command, to address the reader directly.

When using the imperative mood, the subject is understood to be the person reading the piece. The subject is not stated.

Imperative Mood Use

The key to successful process writing is to break down the process into small, manageable steps and then to spell out these steps in detail.

Breaking the process down into steps, each with its own function, makes the complex process easier to understand.

Dividing the Process

Linear order is the arrangement of steps in the order they occur.

You are explaining a specialized process, so you may need to define special terms.

Always remember to specify the materials or tools needed to carry out the process. Normally, this information should come after the topic sentence so that the reader will be fully prepared to complete the process.

Linear Order

Process writing should list events in time order.

Transitional expressions that signal that order help your reader.

Time order words: After, afterward, before, then, once, next, last, first, second, etc., at first, formerly, usually, another, finally, soon, meanwhile, at the same time, later, ordinarily, to begin with, afterwards, generally, in order to, previously, in the meantime, immediately, eventually, concurrently, simultaneously.

Transitions

Does the introduction identify the procedure or technique?

Is the reader addressed through the imperative mood (you)? Is it appropriate for this essay?

Are the steps presented in linear order? Underline steps that are out of order and draw and arrow to the spot in the essay where it belongs.

Is each step simple and clear? Mark the steps that need to be explained further.

Process Essay Checklist

Does each topic sentence state the procedure?

Is the process divided into simple, logical steps?

Can you expand on any steps to make them more clear?

Checklist Continued