Process Writing

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Process Writing

• The How to Paragraph

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What is a process?

• A process is a series of steps that lead to a
  desired result.
  
• A process paragraph explains how to do, create,
  or understand something.
  
• For example how to bake a cake or how to improve
  your grades.

Is there a process for getting rich?
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Must the title be specific?

• A clear and limiting title is needed
• Promise just what youre really going to deliver
  on.
  
• Dont write How to Bake Anything if youre just
  going to tell how to bake a cake!

Do politicians get away with too much?
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Is there much detail?

• You must know the procedure down to the smallest
  detail.
  
• Unless you have performed the task successfully
  yourself, don't try to write instructions for
  it.
  
• Can you write how to make a model airplane if you
  havent done it?

How well does the coyote follow directions?
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What are the right steps?

• Good procedures divide the process into logical
  steps.
  
• They also guide readers through the steps in
  order, to reduce the likelihood of mistakes.
  
• For example, what are the steps to log into Vista?

Did the janitor follow procedure?
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What is in the topic sentence?

• The topic sentence
• Names the process
• Gives background reasons one should be interested
  in knowing about the process
  
• Explains technical terms.
• Example
• Every student should want to know how to get
  better grades.

How successful was Bob?
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What is in the body?

• What parts are in the body sentences?
• Present the steps of the process in a clear
  manner and in sequential order
  
• Transitions like first and last illustrate the
  sequence and to add interest so that the
  paragraph doesn't sound like a mere laundry list.

What was the first thing the boy scout wanted?
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Can we use examples in process?

• Give examples that will show readers how to
  follow the procedure correctly.
  

Is the dad being a good example?
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What is in the body?

• Winter DrivingIf you ever need to drive in
  snowy, winter conditions, knowing five steps
  possibly can save your life. First, be sure your
  car is ready for winter weather. For the best
  traction and response time on snow and ice, check
  the tread and the air pressure in your tires.
  Check that your battery is working properly, that
  your car has the required level of antifreeze,
  and that the windshield-washing fluid is
  no-freeze fluid. Second, stock your car with
  emergency roadside supplies. Have a flashlight,
  jumper cables, a shovel, chains, warning flares
  or flashing lights, blankets, an ice scraper, and
  an abrasive material, such as sand or cat litter,
  for traction should you get stuck. Carry a cell
  phone if one is available. Third, practice winter
  driving before you drive on the roads. Go to a
  large ice or snow-covered parking lot to practice
  maneuvering, braking, rounding corners, and
  coming out of skids. When you do skid, avoid
  braking. Instead, ease your foot off the
  accelerator. Shift to neutral. Steer the car in
  the direction you want the front end to head.
  After you gain traction, shift back to drive and
  continue the forward motion. Next, before you get
  in your car and onto winter roads, plan your
  route in advance. Check the weather reports so
  you know what to expect and can plan additional
  travel time if it is necessary. Try to know your
  route in advance so your hands do not leave the
  steering wheel and your eyes do not leave the
  road in an attempt to find directions on a map.
  If you are traveling into isolated areas, let
  someone know your route. Notify the person when
  you arrive safely. The final step is to know what
  to do if you do get stuck, stalled, or stranded.
  Stay in your car where you will be warmer, safer,
  and protected from the elements. Tie a bright
  piece of cloth or a marker on your antenna and
  hang another bright piece of cloth on the outside
  of your window. Both of these are distress
  signals. Clear any ice or snow from your exhaust
  pipe before you run your car run your car long
  enough to remove the chill. Try to wait calmly
  and patiently for help to arrive. Do not leave
  your car and attempt to walk long distances for
  help. Following these five steps will lead to
  safer winter driving and even could save your
  life some day.

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If Needed, Use Three Levels of Precautions

• Warning! is used when there is immediate threat
  to life and/or limb if the step is mishandled.
  
• Caution! is used when there is an immediate
  threat of bodily harm if the step is mishandled.
  
  
• Attention! is used when there is an immediate
  likelihood of making a common error with the
  step.
  

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The Conclusion Can

• Summarize major steps in a long and complex
  procedure to help readers review performance.
  
• Describe results of process
• Offer follow up advice about what could be done
  next or refer reader to further sources of
  documentation.
  
• Give troubleshooting advice in case something
  goes wrong.
  

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Final Points

• Write the process essay to show someone how to do
  something.
  
• Make the directions complete so that the person
  can complete the process without confusion.
  
• Finish the process essay with a suggestion.