Telling how something works . . .

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Telling how something works . . . From Reading to
Writing In To Build a Fire, Jack Londons
meticulous description of the steps needed to
build a fire in the Arctic gives the reader a
keen awareness of what a traveler must do to
survive.
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Telling how something works . . . In everyday
life, you frequently rely on process descriptions
to figure out how something works or to learn how
to do something. You use them to get from your
home to an unfamiliar destination, to cook
dinner, or to assemble furniture, for instance.
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B a s i c s i n a B o x
Process Description at a Glance
Standards for Writing
A successful process description should

• begin with a clear statement of the topic and
  your purpose
• explain to readers how to do something or how
  something works
• present the steps of the process in a logical
  order
• define any unfamiliar words or phrases and
  provide background information that is essential
  to the readers understanding
• use precise language and transitional words to
  describe each step clearly

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Writing Your Process Description
Write what you care about and understand. Richar
d North Patterson, novelist
One way to find an interesting process to
describe is simply to observe people. Watch
someone cook a dish you like, or study an
athlete, artist, or family member in action. You
may want to consider describing something you
already know how to do well.
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Planning Your Process Description
1. Know your audience. How much will they know?
What information will be most helpful? What
special terms might they need to know? Consider
whether a humorous or more serious tone best
suits your audience. 2. Gather information.
What do you need to know to describe your process
clearly and completely? Also, consider whether
you or your readers will need background
information or certain skills or materials before
beginning. 3. Organize your information. You
might make a numbered list of the steps in
chronological order before you begin writing.
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Writing Your Process Description

• Begin by explaining why the process is important
  or useful. Tell your readers what you will be
  describing and why. Use the following strategies
  to make your description clear and interesting
• Details Include all the steps, described in
  enough detail for the readers to carry out each
  part of the process themselves. Also, list any
  equipment or materials readers might need.

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Writing Your Process Description

• Definitions Explain any words or phrases your
  readers might not know.
• Illustrations Use maps, charts, graphs,
  diagrams, or other illustrations when they will
  help your readers better understand the process.

• Transitions Use words such as first, next,
  before, after, or during to help readers know
  when each step occurs.

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Writing Your Process Description
Revising
TARGET SKILL CLARIFYING MEANING Vague phrases
or words in your process description may leave
readers uncertain of what to do. Including
specific words and details will help make your
process description easier for readers to follow.
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Writing Your Process Description
Editing and Proofreading
TARGET SKILL VERB TENSES Using the wrong tenses
in your writing can cause confusion when you are
giving directions. Check to see that your verb
tensespast, present, or futureare consistent
and make sense when you edit your work.