Process Essay
Assignment: Compose a well-developed, grammatically sound process essay and demonstration
speech, using only your knowledge – no research of any kind. .
Essay Format: Your essay must be at least 2 pages long, double-spaced with 12 point font, one inch
margins and appropriate MLA heading.
Purpose: Directional - how to do something or give directions so that the readers can perform the
process.
How do I select a topic?
a. Something you know how to do very well
b. Maybe something you do as a hobby
c. Something you do as part of your job
d. Perhaps something you learned how to do in school (but do not use any textbook to
copy from or to get steps from). All ideas should come from only one source: your
own experience.
Topics To Avoid:
a) You should not select a topic that is general or philosophical, such as “how to change your attitude
about life.”
b) You should not select something too complex. For example, “how to build an entire house.”
Preparing the Essay:
1.) Brainstorm until you come up with at least 10 different topics you could write on.
2.) Once you have chosen a subject, make an outline by breaking your chosen process down into the
major stages that are involved. The number of stages will vary depending on your subject, but
think of each stage as a paragraph.
3.) Break each stage down into smaller steps.
4.) Start drafting your main body section of the essay.
a. It will need to be written in the second person point of view, but avoid overusing the words “you”
and “your”.
b. Your essay will also sound better if you write in the present tense instead of past tense.
c. Have at least three steps. The more complex the process, the more steps you will have.
d. Each step should be easy to visualize as you explain it to the reader.
e. Each step must be distinct and different from the previous step.
f. Write one whole paragraph to explain each step.
5. The process itself should have a definite beginning point, a middle point, and an ending
point.
a) Your introductory paragraph should not include steps; instead, it simply prepares the reader for
the topic of your paper. Think about including the following information: When did you first try
this process? Why is this process important? Why should the reader care about this process or
be interested in it?
b) The conclusion should not include new steps, only summarized steps. Remember to end on a
positive note.
6. Do not list and label the steps.
Avoid writing anything like this:
Step I: Get two pieces of 2 by 4 plywood.
Step II: Sand them down until both are very smooth.
7. Remember to include transition words!
