Select one of the following topics and compose a clear, well-written directive process analysis. Your reader should be able to understand and complete the process successfully by following your instructions. While use of the second person (“you”) may be appropriate in your introduction and/or conclusion, use the indefinite pronoun (“Next, one should make sure that…”) or the imperative mood (“Next, close the door…”) in the body of your essay, and be consistent: do not switch back and forth between “one” and “you,” either explicit or implied.
Note: Your essay should have a title, ideally one more creative or original than “How to Do X…” In addition, you must assert something significant about the subjects, that it is important or even pleasurable to learn this process, and use appropriate topic sentences. For example:
Argument: An assertion concerning the process being explained, indicating the
importance or benefit of the process, and the major steps necessary to complete the
process.
For example: Although [process] may seem intimidating to the beginner, one can save time and money by [step 1], [step 2], and [step 3].
Topic sentence 1: A sentence utilizing an appropriate chronological transition
(time marker), indicating the first major step (your first major division), and
emphasizing the main idea from your thesis (the process and its importance, ease,
interest, or value).
For example: The first step in [process] is to [name and define Step 1].
Topic sentence 2: A sentence utilizing an appropriate chronological transition,
indicating the next major step, and emphasizing the main idea from your thesis.
For example: Next, to [process], be sure to [Step 2]
Topic sentence 3: A sentence with an appropriate transition, indicating what the step is, et cetera.
For example: After that, [Step 3].
Topic sentence 4 (if necessary): and so on.
You may include individual phrases or sub steps in outline form under each topic
sentence, but this is recommended, not required.
Topic Choices:
1.) How to perform a specific process associated with an unusual hobby or interest: for example, how to groom a horse, evaluate the worth of a baseball card, stretch and prep a canvas, et cetera. Do not attempt to explain an entire hobby, however; focus on just one process. Additionally, this should be an unusual hobby, not something like playing videogames or soccer.
2.) How to cope with a specific, unusual emergency situation: not how to administer CPR or how to administer first aid to someone badly cut, but what to do if pursued by an alligator or if your car goes off the Whitestone or George Washington Bridge, for example.
3.) How to master one specific important academic survival skill: taking notes, finding materials in the college library, registering for classes, and so on, but not how to study, write an essay, or read critically. Be sure to include your own, specific ideas, and be sure that your process analysis is written in such a way that it is genuinely useful to a new student.
You may refer to your textbook for further explanation as well about writing a Process essay.
