ENGL 101English Composition I
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ENGL 101
English Composition I
Home Page >> Lecture Notes >> Process Essay
• process is about HOW something happens
• It’s about listing the steps of an event
• Steps can be given as bullet points or as a simple list – do this – do that – do that
• However, a list is NOT an essay
• A process ESSAY explains
– why the steps need to happen,
– the order in which they need to happen,
– the way they need to be done
• Two main types of process essay
• “How to do Something” - Instructional
– Reader could duplicate if so desires
– How to embalm a corpse
– How to write an essay
• “How Something Happens” - Informational
– Usually things too big or too small to be duplicated by the reader
– How a star is formed
– How O2 and H2 combine to form water
• Writer must be able to IDENTIFY the steps
• Writer must be able to EXPLAIN the steps
• Do you know how to read?
• Do you know how to walk?
• Can you identify or explain the steps required to read or walk?
• Writer must pay attention to the process
• Allow the reader to understand the process
• Allow the reader to control the process (maybe)
• This is an ESSAY, not just instructions
• Recipes are instructions, not essays
• Do you know why you add each ingredient?
• Do you know why they are done in that order?
• Can you explain the process or just tell us the steps?
• The more complete the explanation, the more the audience will trust the process
• There should be a reason WHY we are doing THIS process, not another version
– Quality
– Price
– Speed
- etc.
• Different purposes will cause writer to explain steps differently
• Emphasize the steps that specifically reinforce your purpose
• Author should identify potential problems or easily made mistakes
• You are not there to answer questions, so you have to anticipate them
• The more questions you anticipate, the more authoritative you appear
• Anybody can repeat orders, but only somebody who’s done the process understands what can go wrong
• Successful people are often asked to share methods
• What do you add to common method?
• That becomes the focus/purpose of essay
• Identify exactly what steps exist
• Introduction should set up purpose and task
• Paragraphs go step by step
• Conclusion emphasizes reason for this method
• Details, Details, Details
• Don’t just tell what to do, explain WHY
• Anticipate problems, offer solutions
• Explain necessary equipment early
• Define any new terms when first used
• Make new paragraph for each new main step
• Don’t overdo the amount of information in each paragraph
• What are your steps?
• The WHY is as important as the HOW
• Emphasize speed, quality, taste, whatever you decide you have to offer
• Each step should also help emphasize the focus and purpose
• It should be YOUR method, not THE method
• Use container with a tight fitting lid
• Add a little salt to water before boiling
• Flavored salt adds some nice “extra taste”
• When water is boiling add the macaroni
• Stir to make sure macaroni doesn’t stick
• After a minute, put lid on container
• Shut off heat
• Let the macaroni sit for about 3-4 minutes
• don’t open pot early!–pasta cooked just right
• Drain macaroni and set aside
• Add butter, milk and cheese sauce to pot
• Use minimal heat to combine ingredients
• When thickened, it’s done
• Immediately turn off heat – don’t scorch!
• Thus the cheese sauce forms properly – makes all the difference
• Add macaroni and stir to completely cover
• Let it sit and combine for 30-45 seconds