How to Write a Process Essay

Process essays are essays that explain to the audience how to do something or how to complete a task. This may involve explaining how to put items or ingredients together to make a finished product, such as in a recipe. These essays can also explain how to accomplish a goal. For example, a process essay could detail the steps that must be taken in order to graduate from a particular college. Regardless of the subject, all process essays must clearly explain in detail how to complete or perform a task.

Instructions

1 Plan the essay. It is helpful to use an outline format in order to map out the necessary background information about the chosen topic, to compile a list of needed supplies, to determine the steps that should be followed, to describe any tips or warnings, and to describe what the final goal or product should be. You may also be able to choose a title for your essay at this point; titles should clearly state what process the essay will be explaining. An example could be “How to Make Banana Bread.”

2 Write the introduction. The introduction should be viewed not only as a way to introduce the topic at hand, but to also offer background information about the process you are writing about. Tell what the goal of the process is and what items will be needed to meet that goal. You should also include any important general warnings or considerations that the reader should know prior to beginning the project or task. Also include the time it will take to complete the task.

3 Write the essay’s body. The body is made up of all the paragraphs between the introduction and conclusion. In a process essay, the body’s paragraphs will be made up of the steps that must be taken in order to complete the task. These steps should be detailed and written in clear, simple language. Make sure that all steps are written in the order they should be followed. Keep in mind that each body paragraph should be centered on a major step of the process. Minor steps can be included within one paragraph. For instance, in the banana bread recipe example, a whole paragraph would not be devoted to “Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.” Be sure to include any cautionary information associated with a particular action in the same paragraph of that step.

4 Compose the conclusion. The conclusion paragraph should detail what the finished product should be or what goal should be accomplished if the steps in the body are followed. If there are any tips that would not fit with the steps, they can be included here. As with all conclusions, this should bring the essay to a logical close.

5 Proofread and edit the essay. After writing the process essay, proofread to check for spelling and grammar errors. Try to read your essay as if you knew nothing about the topic. This way you can determine if your steps are detailed enough for

any reader to comprehend the process without prior information. Make editing changes accordingly.