The Process Essay

What is a process essay?

A process is a series of actions leading to an expected or planned outcome. There are two types of process essays: those that instruct and those that explain or analyze.

Directional process essays might explain how to find an apartment. The purpose of this type of essay is to clarify the steps in the procedure so that the reader can re-create the steps and the results. An informational process essay explains or analyzes a process tells how something works, how something happened, or how something is or was done.

For example, you could explain how World War II began or how hurricanes form. The informational process essay has a purpose different from that of a directional process essay. Its main purpose is to inform, explain, or analyze. The reader is gaining an understanding of the process; he or she does not necessarily expect to be able to recreate the process. For this essay you will be writing a directional process essay, explaining to the reader the steps in a procedure so the reader could re-create the process if desired. Of course, the more humorous or ironic topics do not necessarily come with the expectation that the reader would WANT to re-create the event.

Things to remember:

1. The purpose of this essay is to demonstrate how to do something.

2. The audience–assume they know nothing of the process you are describing.

3. Order the stages chronologically, and be sure to thoroughly explain the steps involved

in each stage.

4. Explain the purpose of a stage or a step when necessary.

5. Make sure the process is complete.

6. Be sure to define new or unfamiliar terms.

7. Warn your reader of difficulties in the process.

8. Be sure to have a thesis statement that makes a point about the process itself. You

might also consider an essay map for the groups of steps.

9. Don’t forget that it is best to choose a topic with which you have some interest and

experience. For example, you might not want to write about how to collect baseball

cards or buy something over the Internet if you have NEVER done one of these things.

10. Keep your tone and attitude consistent with the kind of topic you choose. Some

essays demand a more serious tone while others should be more relaxed and humorous.

11. Do not use headings when moving from step to step. This should be in paragraph

form. Transitions should be indicated with transitional working and strong topic

sentences. You also should not include lists of steps. Remember that this is an essay.

(adapted from Refining Composition Skills, by Smalley and Ruetten)

What format does the body of the essay take?

To develop the thesis or unifying idea, each paragraph in the body of the essay treats on

major stage of the procedure. Each stage may group several steps, depending on the

nature and complexity of the process. These steps are presented in chronological order,

and are only interrupted for the writer to give definitions and advice. Every step must be

included and must appear in its proper place. Throughout the body of a process essay,

transitional words and phrases are necessary so that each step, each stage, and each

paragraph lead logically to the next. Transitions like after this, next, then, and when you

have finished establish sequential and chronological relationships that help the reader

follow the process. Particular words should not be repeated so often, however, that they

become boring. You will find an excellent list of transitions in your textbook.

(adapted from Patterns for College Writing, by Kirszner and Mandell)

Other Guidelines

It is important to keep your reader interested in this essay. Therefore, you want to

attempt to make this essay unique and creative. Think about style and personality as you

write this paper. You chose your topic for a reason…obviously it is something that is

worth communicating!

IMPORTANT: You should NOT include any source material in this paper. DO

NOT consult additional sources. Your personal experience should be sufficient. If

not, you need to choose a different topic. If it is discovered that you used any source

material for this paper, you will receive no credit.

Topic Ideas

You can choose one of the topics from this list if you would like to, but the best

essays tend to come from your own personal experiences, unique knowledge, and

interests. These ideas might get you thinking, though!

1. How to flunk a college class

2. How to make a major purchase (be specific). You might choose a home, a car, a

boat, etc.

3. How to get rid of telemarketers or annoying salespeople

4. How to get out of a ticket

5. How to be successful in a job interview

6. How to be a cheapskate or How to “Coupon”

7. How to be a brownnoser

8. How to make a fool of yourself on social media

9. How to be more “green”

10. How to survive a family reunion

11. How to get fired from a job

12. How to waste time on the Internet

13. How to plan a vacation on a tight budget

14. How to keep a New Year’s resolution

15. How to get evicted from an apartment

16. How to quit smoking (or break another bad habit)

17. How to irritate other people with cell phone usage

18. How to survive a trip to Walmart

19. How to survive a visit with the in-laws

20. How to abuse a server in a restaurant

21. How to choose a college to attend

22. How to make your home a disgusting place to live

23. How to build an attractive, professional wardrobe on a budget

24. How to be a great spouse or boyfriend/girlfriend

25. How to be a terrible spouse or boyfriend/girlfriend

26. How to flunk out of college

27. How to make a major purchase (pick a specific item such as a new car).

28. How to be a good _________________ (choose something specific)

29. How to plan an event (such as a party or other celebration…be as specific as

possible about the kind of event…do not write about weddings!!!!)

30. How to ruin a friendship or relationship

31. How to be a terrible parent. (or How to be a great parent)

32. How to get rid of telemarketers or salespeople

33. How to get out of a ticket

34. How to be successful in a job interview

35. How to be successful in a college class. (It might be wise to choose a specific

class in order to give specific examples related to that class.)

36. How to be a cheapskate

37. How to be a brownnoser

38. How to get evicted from an apartment

39. How to quit smoking (or break another bad habit)

40. How to irritate other people by using your cell phone

41. How to survive a trip to Walmart (or the mall)

42. How to coupon

43. How to save money on textbooks

44. How to potty train a child

45. How to buy a great gift

46. How to prepare your home before putting it up for sale

47. How to choose the right career for you

48. How to save money in a restaurant

49. How to get rid of a telemarketer

50. How to be a good salesperson

51. How to create a budget

52. How to abuse a server in a restaurant

53. How to get an “A” in English 101

54. How to choose a college to attend or how you chose which college to attend

55. How to be a bad driver

Grading

This essay is worth 100 points. Your grade will be based upon development,

organization, clarity, style, and correctness. In addition, you should check the general

standards of grading outlined in the syllabus. Your essay should be typed and doublespaced. It should be at least two FULL pages long. It should have an interesting title.

DO NOT USE YOUR TOPIC AS A TITLE!!!!! Therefore, the words “how to” will

likely not appear in your title.