Structuring a Process Analysis Essay
A process essay describes a series of steps or
events. A coherent essay requires a clear purpose or unifying idea (thesis).
There are two basic types of process essays: directional (how to do something)
and informational (how something works). A directional essay provides
directions to achieve a particular result (how to cook perfect grits). An
informational essay explains something for a reader (how a rocket engine
works).
There are three basic
steps to writing a process essay.
1. 1.Divide the process.
Have a clear purpose and divide the process into basic, well-defined steps,
usually following a time order. ...
2. 2. Use effective
transitions. Use transitional words help clarify a process analysis essay. ...
3. 3.Read the paper
carefully.
Five basic steps will allow a writer to achieve the best
possible outcome when trying to develop an essay.
First, the writer must choose
a topic or subject. If the topic is assigned, this step is unnecessary. But, if
the writer must choose, he or she can incorporate two questions into the
selection process. What is my purpose for developing the essay? Who is my
audience? When the answers are clear, and a topic has been 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 statement also identifies the
writer’s method of essay development. Examples of essay development are
cause/effect, definition, compare/contrast, exemplification or illustration,
process analysis, classification, analysis, persuasion or argument,
description, and narration. Once the thesis is declared, the writer is ready
for the next step, organizing the ideas to support the thesis.
Step three,
organizing ideas, can be accomplished in a variety of ways. The writer can
free-write, that is, begin writing whatever thoughts pop into his or her head,
and organize them later. The writer can also organize ideas in a prearranged
fashion. If a writer chooses to brainstorm, he or she will write down 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. 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 paragraph. The thesis
statement is followed by supporting paragraphs using the organized ideas.
During this stage of writing, the writer writes without worrying about sentence
structure or spelling. Paragraphs are constructed as follows: main idea, major
supporting sentences, and minor supporting details.
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 necessary? Are punctuation marks used properly?
These are some of the questions that must be answered and changes may be made
before the writer is ready to present the final version for review. 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.
Conclusion: The final paragraph summarizes the main idea (thesis
statement).
