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 make a certain dish or how to plant tulips) or an abstract process
(how to build self-esteem or how to overcome a loved one’s death).

How to Write an Effective Process Essay:

1. Present your stages and steps in chronological order. The correct order of your
steps is vital. They must follow the actual order in which they would be performed,
from beginning to end.

2. Divide your process into at least three major stages. Each major stage of a
process paper must correspond to a paragraph that elaborates and details the steps
included in that particular stage.

3. Create a paragraph on materials, if needed. Often the materials necessary to

perform a certain process must be listed. A paragraph, usually located directly after
the introduction, can be designated to address essential materials.

4. Use time-specific transitional words. Words like after, as, at last, before, during,
eventually, finally, first, last, later, meanwhile, next, now, second, since, soon, then,
when, and while can be used to indicate when you are moving from one step to the
next, i.e., establishing sequence.

5. Do not use imperative sentences. Sometimes an instructor will allow you to use
imperative second person point of view, such as "Mix the flour and eggs, then beat
for two minutes." However, the writing can end up sounding like an instruction
manual rather than a well-developed process essay. Therefore, use either first or
third person point of view.

Note:
A process paper should be more than a mere set of instructions. It should be smooth,
not choppy. Therefore, keep in mind the following points.

 Anticipate possible misunderstandings on the reader’s part and, if necessary, tell

the reader what not to do.
 Provide reasons why certain steps are performed if these steps seem extreme or
pointless.
 Define unfamiliar terms or materials that may not be clear to the reader.
 Process Sample
In the example below, the essay explains how to write an essay. Therefore, this is an
informational essay. Note the bold and underlined thesis statement that contains the unifying
theme for the essay. Also, transitions and key words that indicate the process essay
development are bold and italicized.

Title: The Essay Writing Process

Do not underline your
own title. Note how Writing is a process that allows ideas to be expressed on paper. Writing
the title complements an essay can be a task that requires some time to complete, but if a writer allows
the topic. preparation time, then the process can be quite simple. Several steps are involved
in the process of writing. Five basic steps will allow a writer to achieve the
Introduction: best possible outcome when trying to develop an essay.
First paragraph First , the writer must choose a topic or subject. If the topic is assigned,
contains the thesis this step is unnecessary. But, if the writer must choose, he or she can incorporate
statement (underlined) two questions into the selection process. What is my purpose for developing the
which informs the
essay? Who is my audience? When the answers are clear, and a topic has been
reader of the unifying
theme of the essay. chosen, it is time to formulate the thesis statement.
Next, step two of the writing process is drafting a thesis statement
which will make clear the author’s position on the topic. The thesis statement is
the central idea that the rest of the essay will support. It is the main point of the
paper and is usually written in one complete sentence. In the thesis statement,
the writer explains, defends, or proves the chosen topic. Usually, the thesis
Body paragraphs: statement also identifies the writer’s method of essay development. Examples of
Note how the author essay development are cause/effect, definition, compare/contrast,
makes effective use of exemplification or illustration, process analysis, classification, analysis, persuasion
transitional and key or argument, description, and narration. Once the thesis is declared, the writer is
words (bold and ready for the next step, organizing the ideas to support the thesis.
italicized). The use of Step three , organizing ideas, can be accomplished in a variety of ways.
transitions and key The writer can free-write, that is, begin writing whatever thoughts pop into his or
words helps the author her head, and organize them later. The writer can also organize ideas in a
to clearly spell out the prearranged fashion. If a writer chooses to brainstorm, he or she will write down
process to the reader. all of his or her ideas in no particular order. Clustering, sometimes called
mapping, is similar to brainstorming; however, it is a more organized way to write
ideas because a diagram is constructed to illustrate how one idea branches off
from another. Clustering can also be utilized as a flowchart. Finally , a writer
may choose to include an outline, which will arrange ideas in a logical order,
including the thesis statement, main ideas, and supporting points. Whatever way
a writer chooses to organize his or her ideas, once the ideas are structured, the
writer is ready for step four , writing the rough draft.

Continued on next page

E-4 Process Essay Guidelines (July, 2011; ASC:EngRead) Page 2

 After organizing the ideas, all of the ideas are now formed into
complete paragraphs when writing the rough draft. The introduction
paragraph will include the thesis statement, normally located at the end of the
Body paragraphs: paragraph. The thesis statement is followed by supporting paragraphs using
Note the details at each the organized ideas. During this stage of writing, the writer writes without
step. Again, this helps worrying about sentence structure or spelling. Paragraphs are constructed as
the reader to clearly follows: main idea, major supporting sentences, and minor supporting details.
understand the process. When all of the ideas have been exhausted, and there is no more to write, the
writer is ready for the final step, revising the piece of writing.
Revising consists of two important parts: proofreading and editing.
The writer reads what he or she has written and uses this step to perfect
sentence structure and grammar. He or she must be sure that the essay follows
the expected pattern of organization, supports the main idea, and contains
enough examples and details so that the essay is clear to the reader. Writers
should ask themselves some questions before considering the essay finished. Is
the thesis clear and well supported? Are the sentences in the correct order? Is
every word necessary? Are the ideas fully explained? Are transitional words
used, and are they effective? Are words spelled correctly and capitalized when
Conclusion: necessary? Are punctuation marks used properly? These are some of the
The final paragraph questions that must be answered and changes may be made before the writer is
summarizes the main ready to present the final version for review.
idea (thesis statement). A writer’s point of view can be expressed on paper when it is presented
in a clear, concise form. By following the strategies outlined in the essay
writing process, a writer can expect his or her essay to make a lucid connection
with every person who reads it. Choosing a topic and considering the
assignment, drafting a thesis statement, organizing ideas, preparing a rough
draft, and revising an essay are five effective steps for writing that will allow a
writer to complete a well-developed essay.
--Josephine Lewis

Note to students: This essay is a sample to illustrate format. Course instructors have copies. Duplication or
near duplication would be regarded as plagiarism.

E-4 Process Essay Guidelines (July, 2011; ASC:EngRead) Page 3

Thesis Statements for a Process Essa!J

A thesis statement for a process essay in some way indicates the time order. Expres­
sions such as the process of, the procedure for, plan, develop, evolve, five stages, and
several phases indicate that time order will be used. Here are some examples:

One can follow these steps to make a beautiful ceramic vase for one's home.
The field of genetic engineering has developed rapidly in the past 10 years.
A child learns to share over a period of time.
Heating water by solar radiation is a simple process.

Sometimes the thesis statement tells the number of steps in the process.

The process of heating water by solar radiation involves three main steps.

The thesis statement may even name the steps.

The main steps in the process of heating water by solar radiation are trapping the
sun's energy, heating and storing the hot water, and distributing the hot water to
its points of use.

B. Exercise:

Write a thesis statement for a process essay on five of the follow ing topics.
Note: You may want to use one of these topics for your own essay at the end
of the chapter.
1. How to take a good photograph

2. How to research a topic for an essay

3. How diamonds are processed from a diamond mine to a diamond ring

4. How to perform a particular chemistry or physics experiment

5. How to transplant a tree

6. How a hybrid automobile works

Chronological Order Signal Words and Phrases

first, first of all, second, third, etc. First, choose a destination for your camping trip.
then, next, after that, soon, later, later on
Then make a list of supplies and equipment.
finally, last, last of all
meanwhile, at the same time, now Last of all, have a good time.
gradually, eventually
Meanwhile, have a supply of clean rags ready.

Gradually increase your child's allowance.

Subordinators
after since After you have chosen a destination, make a list of equipment
as until and supplies that you will need.
as soon as when
Praise your child when he or she does something well.
before while

Others
The last step is to decorate the cake.
the first (second, last, final) step
on the third day Continue stirring the soup for five minutes.
after leaving home
later that morning I n 2004, scientists announced a major discovery.

for five minutes After leaving home, I began to appreciate my parents.

in 2004
several years ago My parents emigrated to the United States several years
a few weeks later
ago. The court announced the decision a few weeks later.
in the next (past, last) 15 years