Chapter 8- Process Essays

Just as there are several types of paragraphs, there are

several types of essays, each with a different purpose
and form of organization. The remaining chapters of this
book will be devoted to these different forms of essay
organization. All the writing tasks in this section that are
completed by the student should have at least five
paragraphs: an introduction, three body paragraphs,
and a conclusion.

The purpose of a process essay is to provide instruction. There are two kinds of process essays:
analytical and instructional. An instructional process essay tells how to do something, such as how
to assemble a bicycle, how to speak in public, or how to bake banana bread. After reading an
instructional process essay, the reader should be able to do the thing described.

An analytical process essay tells how something works or how something happens, such as how a
carburetor works or how steam is used to generate electricity. Regardless of the type of process
essay being written, the steps or procedures being described should be organized in some kind of
sequential or logical order. In addition, process essays are primarily written using the present (and
sometimes the future) tense.

Model thesis statements for process essays

There are several words or phrases that can be used in the thesis statement that indicate it is a
process essay. Look at the following examples and be sure to include phrases such as these in
the thesis statement.

process of… the procedure of (for) . . . the development of . . .

the evolution of . . . stages of . . . steps in . . .
phases in (of) . . . course of… growth of …

Look carefully at the model thesis statements below. These kinds of structures and formats can be
used for thesis statements in a process essay.

Instructional Process

1. It is __________ to __________ if you ____________, ___________ and _________.

It is easy to accumulate wealth if you reduce frivolous spending, increase monthly savings
and invest for long term growth.

2. _____________ is ___________ when you have _________________.

Planting a flower garden is simple when you prepare the soil correctly, plant at the correct
time and water and weed regularly.

3. There are ______________ to follow __________________: ________, ________, ________.

There are three easy steps to follow in changing oil in a car: drain the old oil, replace the oil
filter and add the new oil..

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Analytical Process
1. A ________________________ works by ___________________________.

A washing machine works by combining the function of three internal

components: a water pump, a tub, and sensors and/or timers.

2. By _______________________ it is easy to explain how a ______________ works.

By combing three internal components (water pump, tub, and sensors/timers),

it is easy to explain how a washing machine works.

Transition Words for Process Essays

Since a process paper is used to tell how to do something, words that relate to the
sequencing of items are needed as transition signals or words. Look at the following examples.

first second third etc. since

after that next finally before the next step
soon afterward every time whenever meanwhile
while during at this point as soon as when
last then prior to and later (on)

Writing a Process Essay

Writing a five paragraph essay may seem daunting at first, however, if the following format scheme is
followed, with the essay broken down into its constituent parts, the task is much more manageable.
The following guidelines can be used to make the writing process less overwhelming. Not all of the
components need to be included in the essay, however. The writer should consider each component
to determine which elements are appropriate, based on the topic and writer’s intent.

Use the following process essay guidelines to assist in your writing.

Process Essay Guidelines

Introductory paragraph
1. Is the process identified?
2. Is the importance of the process indicated?
3. Are reasons included for explaining the process?
4. Are the materials, equipment, or supplies needed for the process included?
5. Does the flow of sentences move from the general to the more specific?
6. Does the thesis statement provide a guide or outline for the rest of the essay?

Supporting Paragraphs
1. Do the supporting paragraphs illustrate the steps in the process?
2. Are appropriate transition signals used to delineate and order the steps in the
process to ensure cohesion?
3. Does the topic sentence of each paragraph have a controlling idea?
4. Is unity achieved by having all the sentences in the paragraph relate to the topic
sentence?
5. Is there a logical concluding sentence for each paragraph?

Concluding Paragraph
1. Does the paragraph restate the importance of the process?
2. Does the paragraph summarize the main steps in the process?
3. Does the paragraph restate the thesis statement?
4. Does the paragraph contain any final thoughts of the writer?
5. Does the paragraph effectively indicate the end of the essay?
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