Process Essay

Definition of process essay.

As the name suggests, this type of essay explains a process of making or breaking something. These essays are often written in chronological order, or in numerical order to show step-by-step processes. They are written in descriptive or prescriptive modes. Although it is not a technical communication, it sounds like having all the qualities of a technical document. The only difference is that it is often written in descriptive mode, while a technical document is mostly in imperative mode.

Transition in a Process Essay

As process essay provides step-by-step approach of doing something, they have typical transition words. These transition words make readers understand what has been done and what will follow next. Some of the specific transition words could be immediately, initially, in the end, in the future, in the meanwhile, later, next, soon, eventually, finally or firstly , and secondly .

Examples of Process Essay in Literature

Example #1: community re-discovered (by heidi ramirez).

“In any community , there are several and varying ways in which residents fulfill a sense of  community: participating in intramural sports, attending farmers’ markets, walking with neighbors, attending political meetings, helping the elderly, visiting the library, and volunteering for youth groups. It’s knowing the people in these interchanges, not just being familiar with faces, that build strong community.  Unfortunately, when this basic engagement is overlooked, communities can begin to disintegrate.”

This an excerpt from a process essay by Heidi Ramirez. It sets the tone of a process how communities integrate with each other. It clearly shows the sequence of the integration process.

Example #2: A Homemade Education (by Malcolm X)

“I was so fascinated that I went on—I copied the dictionary’s next page. And the same experience came when I studied that. With every succeeding page, I also learned of people and places and events from history. Actually, the dictionary is like a miniature encyclopedia. Finally the dictionary’s A section had filled a whole tablet—and I went on into the B’s. That was the way I started copying what eventually became the entire dictionary. It went a lot faster after so much practice helped me to pick up handwriting speed. Between what I wrote in my tablet, and writing letters, during the rest of my time in prison I would guess I wrote a million words.”

In this essay, Malcolm X has stated some of the ways through which he learned writing. He states how he “went on” copying the dictionary from one page to the next page. Some of the transition words such as “finally” and “actually” are quite obvious.

Example #3: Perspectives on “Borders” (by Luis Valdez)

“Let’s go back to the Popol Vuh. We’re talking about borders now . There is a border that defines the human being as a material and spiritual being. We have all learned that we’re Homo sapiens, wise monkeys. The monkey is a symbol of intelligence in the Popol Vuh, and in the classic Chinese novel Monkey. The wise monkey is a symbol for humanity. Now let me offer you another symbol for our human being—the feathered serpent. You are a feathered serpent that is evolving and crawling out of the seeds of your being. And once in awhile you get caught up in the dead skins of your life. You know biologically we go through a complete cellular change every seven to nine years. We’re totally renewed. So in one sense, biologically, you crawl out of a dead skin. You evolve out of yourself. The feathers are necessary because they represent our spiritual being.”

Although written in second person, this excerpt shows that the essay presents a process. It follows the same structure and same pattern of using things or doing tasks in a sequence. Specifically, the last lines show it clearly.

Function of a Process Essay

A process essay gives reader a sense of complete how-to-do process of making or creating some objects or things. Readers, after going through the essay, are able to create and make things. Although it is not like imperative instructions, it gives full details in a descriptive or prescriptive mode. It is because its major objective is not to present trite and dry instructions, but lively language to make readers read it with interest and do the act with enthusiasm.

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How to write a process essay

Duygu Demiröz

  • August 25, 2023

Process essays are one of the most common types of essays . It’s simply explaining a process of how to do something. 

In this article, we’ll show you how to write a process essay in steps with interactive examples. 

Process essay definition

Let’s take a look at the steps outlined below to write a clear and effective process essay. 

Choose a topic

You should start by choosing a topic that not only interests you but also attracts your target audience. 

Whether it’s brewing the perfect cup of coffee or conquering the art of origami, your topic should be engaging and well-defined.  Let’s have a look at topic examples:

  • Crafting Exquisite Miniature Bookbindings
  • Building a Sustainable Vertical Garden
  • Making the Perfect Cup of Coffee

So for this guide, I’ve chosen “Making the Perfect Cup of Coffee”. Now let’s continue with the next steps.

Create a process essay outline

Now that you’ve your topic at hand, it’s time to create an outline to present the steps chronologically. Outline will also help you organize your thoughts and ideas so you won’t get lost during the writing process.

Let’s examine this step with an example of a process essay explaining “Making the Perfect Cup of Coffee”.

Process essay outline example

  • Thesis statement
  • Provide safety precautions if necessary.
  • Address to the reader
  • Provide any variations or customization options if applicable.
  • End with a memorable concluding thought or call to action.

By presenting the steps in chronological order, your readers can follow the process smoothly. 

During this step, just make sure to:

  • Expand on each step you outlined earlier.
  • Use clear and concise language.
  • Make use of bullet points or numbered lists to make the process visually appealing.

After completing the outline, it’s time to write an interesting introduction.

Write an introduction

  • Hook the reader's interest with a hook sentence
  • Offer a brief overview of the topic and its significance
  • Introduce and explain the process with a thesis statement at the end of introduction

Process essay introduction example

Introduction

Now that we have an intro on our hand, you need to tell what materials you need to finish the process.

Write the materials needed for the process

Listing the necessary materials for the process is a best practice for process essays. Typically found just after the introduction, this paragraph is devoted to outlining the necessary materials.

Here, p rioritizing the list is important; the more influential a component is, the higher its position on the list should be.

Example material list for process essay

Body paragraphs

Materials needed

  • High-quality coffee beans that align with your flavor preference.
  • A grinder for optimal flavor extraction.
  • Equipment for brewing methods, such as a pour-over apparatus, a drip coffee maker, a French press, or an espresso machine.
  • Fresh and clean water for brewing.
  • Optional additives like milk, cream, sugar, flavored syrups, or other preferred elements.

Start writing the process

Right after listing the materials needed, it’s time to start writing the process itself.

When describing your process, be careful not to make it too complicated. To keep your readers on track, use transitional words like “after,” “eventually,” “first,” “then,” and others help you maintain an understandable tone.  

Or simply use a 1,2,3, bullet point structure as seen in example below to remind readers of their step during the process.

Body paragraphs - Process writing example

Materials needed ...

  • Grind the beans just before brewing for optimal freshness. Use a burr grinder and adjust the coarseness to match your brewing method (coarse for French press, fine for espresso).
  • Weigh your coffee grounds using a scale. A standard ratio is 1 to 2 tablespoons of coffee per 6 ounces of water, but adjust to your taste.
  • Ensure the water is heated to the ideal temperature, typically between 195-205°F (90-96°C). Water that's too hot or too cold can affect the taste.
  • Pay attention to the brewing time. Generally, 4-5 minutes is suitable for most methods, but again, adjust based on your preference.
  • After finishing, regularly clean your coffee maker or French press to prevent rancid oils and residue from affecting your coffee's taste.

As seen from the example above, using an imperative language structure is generally preferable. It makes total sense as you’re describing a process in steps and usually don’t need a full sentence structure. 

Give tips and supporting details

After explaining the process above, it’s now time to provide tips and supporting details. Here, make use examples, tips, and even warnings if necessary. 

In other words, anticipate the questions your readers might have and address them as you go along. 

Body paragraphs - Supporting details

Supporting details & tips

  • Ensure safe handling of hot water and coffee-making equipment.
  • Water that's too hot can result in over-extraction, while water that's too cold won't extract enough flavor.

Write a conclusion

At this step, you simply need to write a conclusion paragraph to end your process essay. First summarize the key points, and restate the process in a concise and short sentence. And finally, finish your process essay by a memorable sentence or a call-to-action. 

Process essay conclusion example

Revise and polish your essay.

Now that you’ve written your essay, take a breath, and then come back for some editing. Check for consistency, correct sentence structure, efficient transitions , tense selection , and other linguistic issues that may arise. 

If possible, make use of proofreading tools like QuillBot or Grammarly . 

  • Think about potential reader misunderstandings and address them. If needed, explain what should be avoided.
  • Offer explanations for steps that might seem unusual or complicated.
  • Define any unfamiliar terms or materials that the reader might not understand. This ensures clarity in your essay.

So  you’ve successfully learned how to write a captivating process essay. Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you write, the better you’ll become.

Duygu Demiröz

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How to Write a Process Essay?

18 June, 2020

14 minutes read

Author:  Tomas White

What is a “process essay”? What makes it different from dozens of other papers you create on a daily basis? What are its main components and what the main goal of this type of writing you need to bear in mind? If you're looking for answers to these questions, you're in luck! You can get them all from our academic guide on how to write a process essay.

Process Essay

Composing a process essay can be rather complicated especially if you are not familiar with this type of writing and do not know what pitfalls and specifications to pay attention to.

That is why our custom essay writing service has created this guide to help you tackle this task. We will answer all these questions in our article below and even provide you with great process essay examples and topics you can write on to stand out. So, if that sounds like something you need right now, read on: we are here to help and equip you with knowledge!

But first things first. Since it is impossible to create an excellent process essay without crystal clear understanding of the term, we will start with the definition. So, let’s dive in!

What is a process essay?

A process essay is commonly written either to explain how something works or to guide a reader through the process of completing a particular task, states the process essay definition.

Process essays also go under the “How-to articles” title and aim to teach the target audience how to achieve certain goals or complete specific assignments.

So, look at it like this. In case of “How to quit smoking” process essay, your primary goal is to provide several helpful ways of quitting this habit. These might be evidence-based recommendations if you have experience in this area, or simply common sense ideas you found while conducting your research.

Now that you realize what you will be working with, let’s look into different types of process essays and practical ways to compose them. Our essay writing guide will walk you through the process essay writing step by step.

Types of process essays

There are two main types of such papers: the ones that explain how something works , and those that show you how to complete a particular task .

Types of process essays

1. How to do something.

Though it sounds quite self-explanatory, we’d like to emphasize the importance of clear instructions in case you are writing a process essay.

Your readers must be able to follow your guidance and complete each step successfully. So, split the process into small steps, keep it short and to the point at each stage of crafting a process essay.

For instance, in a “How to quit smoking” process essay , you can split the whole process into seven steps:

  • Choose a date for a quit day;
  • Imagine life without cigarettes and expect it;
  • Have one last cigarette as a “Goodbye!”;
  • Be among people to support you;
  • Keep your goal in perspective not to give up;
  • Don’t fall for substitutes;
  • Be accountable.

2. How something works.

By contrast, this is an informative type of writing that aims to achieve one goal – explain the principle of work behind some process. Unlike the mentioned above type, this process essay type does not encourage a reader to take an action and do something step by step.

However, you must make sure that by the end of your essay, the audience will know for sure how something functions.

As an example of this type of a process essay, let’s see how an earthquake happens .

  • First, the energy within the earth core builds up due to various moves in the earth crust;
  • The energy level grows up and causes tension in the tectonic plates;
  • After some time, the pressure radiates outwards by moving the plates from each other;
  • The seismic waves shake the earth as they get from the core of the earth to the surface;
  • That is when the earthquake takes place.

Before we go any further, let’s look at another example. In case of “How to prepare for a vacation” process essay, your task is to compose a few steps that your readers can take when getting ready for their vacation. In other words, you are describing how to do something.

Meanwhile, “What happens to your brain when you sleep” process essay is merely an explanation of the principle. In it, you are not encouraging readers to take any actions whatsoever. So, here is the fundamental difference.

How to write a process essay?

How to write an excellent process essay

Getting started with process essay writing

When developing a process essay outline, take some time to answer the following questions:

  • Who is your target audience? How deep is their knowledge of the subject? The complexity of your essay depends on their skills level. Thus, for instance, when explaining to your peers how to stretch a dollar to see the world, you can use basic terminology and examples they can relate to. However, your vocabulary should be way more sophisticated if you are writing a process essay on how to improve the overall quality of higher education in your state to the City Council.
  • How can you divide the process into small steps? You do not want to bore your audience to death with unnecessary details in a process essay. Yet, you cannot afford to skip valuable steps if they are crucial to the overall understanding of the subject of your process essay. So, try to find the golden cut and figure out the most suitable amount of steps.
  • What sources will you use for the task? It goes without saying that you can only use reliable sources to support your argument in a process essay. These sources should be all mentioned in the end of your essay. And remember about proper in-text citation styles. Read the materials carefully and take only the information that will add value to your essay and helps make it shine.

How to write a process essay outline

Finally, let’s look into the process essay structure. Needless to say that you must start with something that will grab readers’ attention, or in other words, “a hook.”

It is true for any essay, and process essay writing is not an exception.

The structure of your essay regardless of the process essay topics should consist of:

  • A powerful introduction.
  • Main body paragraphs.
  • An interesting conclusion.
Related Post: Essay outline | Research Paper outline

Sounds simple, yet there are several things you should not forget about process essay writing.

How to write an introduction to a process essay

Once you compose a hook, mention why you believe that readers should use your approach to solve a problem even though there are dozens of other ones. We know two effective ways to achieve this in your process essay:

  • Show how much time this task will take . People don’t have all the time in the world to tackle just this one task. So, you’ll really help them by stating how much time completing something using your approach will take and underline that with your approach described in a process essay it will take less time than if they opt for a different one. “Writing can be tough, especially if you always felt that it is not exactly your suit. However, Michael D. Pollock, a credible expert in this area, has recently presented 10 effective tips that will help you learn writing fast and make you able to craft a 1000-word article in 30 minutes. So, keep reading to find out how you can write this fast too.”
  • Introduce your audience to the historical background of the approach (if any) you’re using in a process essay. Let them see the roots of your solution. Here is what a good introduction of a process essay should look like: “Giving a speech with lots of eyes concentrated on you is not an easy task. No wonder so many students dread this task. However, speech can be a powerful tool, and we can teach you how to give them right. Steve Jobs is known as one of the best public speakers of our time. People were sitting on the edge of their seats when he spoke. And we’ll teach you how to grab attention like he did using just five simple tricks he applied.”

At last, compose an engaging thesis of a process essay. Many students consider it a scary part. But it all goes down to this.

Your thesis statement should reason why your way is the best and why readers looking for answers should search no more and give your solution a chance.

It’s easier than you think. Here is a good thesis statement example:

“With more than 580 million tons of household waste produced all over the world, Every tiny effort you make to become eco-friendly counts. And if you don’t want to spend extra money on sustainable products but want to save the environment, use our guide on ten simple eco-friendly steps you can do daily without even noticing it!”

This is what a thesis statement for a process essay on how to be eco-friendly would look like. Yours can be different, but you get the idea!

How to plan main body paragraphs

  • Dedicate one body paragraph to one point you want to bring to light.
  • Provide enough details on each step including the ultimate goal of this step and reasons why this method was chosen for its achievement.
  • Keep it short and to the point.

How to write a conclusion

Now is that time you reminded the readers about the purpose of a process essay, reasons why you chose this particular approach, and briefly mentioned steps needed to accomplish the task.

Besides, you can call your audience to action but only in case you are writing an essay that shows how to do something. Otherwise, it will be inapplicable.

Finally, help them set their expectations right: what results can they count on in the end? How long will it take them to achieve those results after reading your process essay and applying its tips?

How to use transition words in a process essay

Transition words can help you create a seamless reading experience. You can take readers smoothly from one step to another. And what is more you can help them immerse into the process!

Therefore, begin each new paragraph with a transition word, add one in between examples you provide, and summarize your instructions with them, too.

List of transition words for a process essay

Think of transition words as of bridges that connect paragraphs and sentences. They make smooth communication between the two possible. And with them in your process essay, no reader feels irritated or frustrated with your writing style, as they have to stumble upon every other sentence in your piece.

Good process essay topics

It is not enough to just know the theory to create a good process essay. One should also come up with a topic that will be both interesting and useful to his readers. Here’s a list of our suggestions on process essay ideas:

  • How to choose a perfect future career.
  • How to survive college and stay sane.
  • How to eat healthy on campus.
  • How to balance your social and academic life.
  • How to pay out a student loan while still at college.
  • How to improve your public speaking skills.
  • How to see the world with only $100 in your pocket.
  • How to learn a foreign language.
  • How to renovate your apartment and not go bankrupt.
  • How to start your own business.
  • How to prepare for your first interview.
  • How to get volunteers to help you clean the neighborhood.
  • How to write a life list.
  • How to set boundaries in the relationship.
  • How to study overseas for free.
Related Posts: Argumentative essay topics | Compare&Contrast essay topics

Process essay writing tips

Wrapping up, we would like to introduce you to a couple of vital recommendations on process essay writing:

  • Your process essay subject cannot be too broad or too narrow. Look out for the golden cut!
  • Introduce your readers to possible complications of the process. After all, forewarned is forearmed.
  • Create a short vocabulary your audience can use in case they are not familiar with the terminology essential to the general understanding of the process essay in question.
  • Develop a list of resources your readers will need as they deal with certain tasks. This way you will have them prepared to put your recommendations to action right away.
  • Always write a process essay using Active Voice!

Tips on writing a process essay

Need help with your process essay writing? Handmadewriting is here for you to help. Drop us a line to get our professional essay writers to develop an excellent piece for you!

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How to Write a Process Essay

Last Updated: December 6, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Jake Adams . Jake Adams is an academic tutor and the owner of Simplifi EDU, a Santa Monica, California based online tutoring business offering learning resources and online tutors for academic subjects K-College, SAT & ACT prep, and college admissions applications. With over 14 years of professional tutoring experience, Jake is dedicated to providing his clients the very best online tutoring experience and access to a network of excellent undergraduate and graduate-level tutors from top colleges all over the nation. Jake holds a BS in International Business and Marketing from Pepperdine University. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 165,406 times.

A process essay, otherwise known as a how-to essay, tells a reader how to perform a particular task. The best process essays follow a clear step-by-step organization. Start by providing your reader with a time estimate and general summary of the task. Then, move on to a more detailed explanation of each and every necessary step. When you are finished with your essay, read it over carefully to ensure that you haven’t left anything out.

Getting Ready to Write

Step 1 Assess your audience’s skill level.

  • For example, a process essay intended for professional chefs could probably skip a description of how to chop carrots and just say, “Finely chop the carrots,” instead.

Step 2 Make a list of the materials needed.

  • You could also include a comprehensive “Things You’ll Need” section at the beginning of the paper. Or list the materials needed after the introduction.
  • If an item on the list is a bit unusual, such as a particular type of hand tool, then make sure to clearly introduce it within the text. For example, “The pin hammer has a finer tip than a standard hammer, making it suitable for more detailed work.” You can also include a picture of the item, particularly if the essay will be published online.

Step 3 Create an outline of the task.

  • If you are writing an essay about how to cook lasagna, your initial outline might just state, “Mix in basil.” Before you start writing, you could expand your outline to say, “Briefly mention taste differences between dried and fresh basil.”
  • Note that the more specific your article or essay topic, the more specific your details needs to be.

Crafting an Introduction

Step 1 Grab your reader’s attention within the first 1-2 sentences.

  • For instance, you might write, “The process of preparing lasagna has a rich heritage all of its own.”

Step 2 Provide a general time estimate.

  • If your process essay focuses on a cooking task, this is where you might advise your readers to consult the ingredients or materials list and put every item on the counter.
  • For example, you might write, “This recipe requires 30 minutes of active preparation time, along with 45 minutes of baking time.”

Step 3 Present the thesis statement as a problem.

  • For example, your thesis might be, “This essay will explore how to create a complicated lasagna dish in a short period of time by preparing the noodles and sauce in advance.”

Writing Your Body Paragraphs

Step 1 Consult your outline.

  • Be especially careful with items that contain multiple steps. Make the transitions clear and acknowledge prior steps regarding a particular item, if applicable.

Step 2 Structure the body of the essay in paragraphs.

  • For instance, when making pasta, consider writing a paragraph on how to boil pasta and another paragraph on how to make the sauce. This separates the ideas for easy clarification.

Step 3 Add transitions in between steps.

  • For instance, you could write, “Next, place the pot on the stove,” to move from one paragraph to the next.

Step 4 Avoid using first person pronouns.

  • For example, you could write, “This essay shows…” instead of “I’ll show.”

Step 5 Mention any cautionary notes.

  • For example, you might caution a reader to, “Cook the meat until it is no longer red in the center.” This advice will help them to avoid a foodborne illness.

Wrapping It Up

Step 1 Mention the end product and what to do with it.

  • In the case of the recipe, you could write something like, “You now have a bowl of boiled pasta and finished Bolognese sauce. Serve up plates of pasta and sauce to your family, topping them with parmesan, if desired. You can serve garlic bread or a side salad with this dish, too.”

Step 2 Restate the importance of the task.

  • A simple example for our newly-made dinner might be, "And there you have it! A delicious yet quick meal fit for the entire family that you can make over and over again without complaint. Next time, experiment with different herbs and spices to find your own spin on this classic dish."

Step 3 Check your essay for ease of reading.

  • Look to see if there are places where you can eliminate steps or condense your instructions. A reader is more likely to finish directions that they can easily skim through.
  • Ask someone to read through the essay to see if they can understand the process. If possible, pick someone from your intended audience demographic.

Step 4 Proofread your essay.

  • Don’t rely on spell-check alone, as it cannot account for context and doesn’t catch every error.

Expert Q&A

Jake Adams

  • If there are alternative ways to do a particular step in the process, make sure to mention these as you go along. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

process essay defined

  • Give your readers pacing instructions as well. If they need to go slowly while performing a certain task, tell them early on. The same rule applies if a task requires speed for success. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

Write an Essay

  • ↑ Jake Adams. Academic Tutor & Test Prep Specialist. Expert Interview. 20 May 2020.
  • ↑ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/essay-outline/
  • ↑ https://www.georgebrown.ca/sites/default/files/uploadedfiles/tlc/_documents/hooks_and_attention_grabbers.pdf
  • ↑ https://courses.lumenlearning.com/atd-clinton-englishcomp/chapter/2-the-process-essay/
  • ↑ http://www.butte.edu/departments/cas/tipsheets/style_purpose_strategy/procress_paper.html
  • ↑ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/readability-scores/

About This Article

Jake Adams

To write a process essay, begin by writing an introduction that grabs the reader’s attention so they’ll want to keep reading. Then, end the first paragraph with a thesis statement presenting a problem for which you are offering a solution. Next, explain the process, making each step its own paragraph, and using transitions like "next" or "then" to move from one task to another. As the final step, let the reader know what to expect from the finished product and what to do with it. Finally, close your essay by reiterating why the process is helpful to the reader. For tips from our Education reviewer on how to proofread for common errors in a process essay, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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A process essay is a step-by-step guide on how to do or make something. It is important to include every step of the process, even if something appears self-explanatory. Your audience might not be as familiar on the topic as you are.

What may be equally important, and is often overlooked, is what not to do. For example, the process of making caramel is deceptively simple. The sugar mixture needs to be swirled to prevent burning. However, stirring the mixture will cause the molecules to agitate, making the syrup crystalize into a solid unusable lump. So, when writing a process essay on caramel it is equally important to define swirling and to caution against stirring.

Since a process essay is a series of instructions, transition words are an important component. Transitions establish connections between ideas. They can be a single word that imparts a logical order or sequence to your writing, or it could be an entire sentence that connects one paragraph to the next.

Transition Words

If you have not been given a topic, choose one that you feel confident in explaining to your audience. Refer again to the introduction section of this guide to find information on progression and organization. Brainstorming and creating an outline will help you avoid missing any steps or directions. Here are a few topic suggestions for a process essay:

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4. Process Writing

2. the process essay.

Now that you have completed the  narrative essay , we are going to move on to “expository” writing. The rest of the essays you write will “explain” a topic. You will provide your reader with a specific thesis and then support that thesis through a series of related paragraphs, all tied together by the topic.

Your first expository essay will be the process essay. In some ways, this essay is similar to the narrative: you are writing about a moment in time, doing something that doesn’t take very long, and you are using chronological order. Your steps, identified in a series of paragraphs in the body of your essay, should be placed in a manner where your reader can begin with the first step and carry through to the last step.

There are two types of process essays: those that explain how to do something (how to tune a guitar; how to build a bird house; how to study for a test) and those that explain how something works (transmitting a fax; describing the growth of a cell; going through the steps of a piece of equipment at work). In the first, you are expecting your reader to complete the task and understand it fully. In the second, you may be providing information to satisfy your reader’s curiosity. In other words, you could describe the process of sending a fax, dialing the number and all the other physical steps; or you could describe how the fax actually transmits information from here to there- the hidden intricacies of the process.

There are also concrete and abstract processes. A concrete process is one that has clearly defined steps and obvious tools and equipment. Things like recipes and car repairs and craft work are concrete processes. Then there are processes that don’t have obvious tools involved: how to get rid of the blues; how to influence someone to like you; how to prepare for that test.

You need to be an expert at the process you choose to write about. Pick something you are interested in- a hobby or a skill you have, something you might do at work or have done often in school. You have to be able to develop your steps into complete, thorough paragraphs. An expository essay typically has well-developed paragraphs of 8 to 10 sentences each. If you have a series of paragraphs with only two or three sentences each, your reader will wonder why you don’t have more to say, will feel the info is incomplete.

I have a few pointers I’d like to share with you about developing process paragraphs. Using one or combining several might help you add depth and support to your writing:

  • Be specific- Use exact amounts. Great chefs can approximate; we need to know exactly what to include. If you’re writing about how to build a campfire, give specific sizes for the wood you want your reader to gather. Large wood thrown on the fire early will only smother it. Be as specific as you possibly can be.
  • Define terms- If you tell your reader to gather kindling for the fire, is your reader going to know what that means? If you have any doubts, explain what the term is. No one needs a definition for a screw driver, and very few would not know what a Phillips screwdriver is (you may just give a brief description: star-tipped). But if you have a complex tool that the reader won’t recognize, define it.
  • Include reasons- Readers love to take short cuts. You have to be prepared to guide your reader through the steps correctly. So explain to them why they might be doing a step the way you want them to do it. In baking cookies, you may say “preheat the oven.” Most people ignore that. If you give a reason why it is important, your reader may be convinced to do as you say.
  • Include don’ts- It’s not a good idea to check to see if the electricity is out by putting your finger in an empty socket while changing the light bulb. Advise your reader against it. Sometimes it’s easier to say what not to do than what to do. Warnings are wonderful influences.
  • Mention possible pitfalls- Sometimes, things go wrong. Let your reader know before hand that success may sometimes be out of their control. They’ve got the cake in the oven and a big truck goes by outside. The vibrations cause the cake to fall. Knowing this before hand can at least reduce the heartache if something does go wrong.

As with all expository essays, this paper should have an introduction and a conclusion. The intro should state a thesis and give the reader some kind of background info that will attract his/her interest. The conclusion should suggest benefits to the process or point to related processes the reader may try in the future. Both intro and conclusion should be shorter than body paragraphs. They are more emphatic.

  • Authored by : Jeff Meyers. Provided by : Clinton Community College. License : CC BY: Attribution

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Process Essay Examples: Step-by-Step Guide and Samples

Process Essay Examples: Step-by-Step Guide and Samples

A process essay, also known as an expository essay, is a type of academic writing that provides a detailed explanation of a particular process. This type of essay is commonly used in various fields, such as business, management, and computer science, as it allows the reader to understand how a specific task is performed. Writing a process essay involves a series of steps that guide the reader through the process from the beginning to the end.

This article provides examples of process essays to give you a better idea of how to write one. These examples cover a wide range of topics, from the process of building a birdhouse to the process of synthesizer development. By following the step-by-step guide and referring to the samples provided, you will be ready to perform the process of essay writing without feeling stressed or overwhelmed.

Understanding a Process Essay: Definition and Purpose

Body paragraphs.

The body paragraphs of a process essay provide the detailed steps and instructions for the process. Each step should be explained clearly and logically, using appropriate transition words to maintain the flow of the essay. It is important to provide specific examples and supporting details to help the reader understand and visualize each step.

It is recommended to break down the process into multiple paragraphs, with each paragraph focusing on one step of the process. This helps to keep the essay organized and easy to follow. Use bullet points or numbering to clearly outline each step.

When writing a process essay, it is important to consider the target audience. Ensure that the language used is appropriate for the readers and that the instructions are clear and easy to understand. Consider providing warnings or cautions for any potential hazards or difficulties that may arise during the process.

In summary, a process essay aims to explain a process or task in a clear and concise manner. It provides readers with a step-by-step guide to follow, allowing them to perform the task themselves. By following the tips and guidelines outlined in a process essay, readers can improve their understanding and successfully complete the process at hand.

Choosing a Process Essay Topic: Tips and Ideas

1. Consider your own interests and expertise: Start by thinking about what you enjoy doing or what you have knowledge and experience in. This will make it easier for you to explain the process and engage with your readers.

2. Keep your audience in mind: Think about who will be reading your essay and what they might be interested in. Choose a topic that is relevant to your readers and will provide them with valuable information or a useful skill.

3. Follow a step-by-step guide: If you’re having trouble coming up with a topic, try using a step-by-step guide or manual as inspiration. Take one of the steps or processes outlined in the guide and expand on it.

4. Brainstorm ideas: Take some time to brainstorm a list of possible topics. Write down anything that comes to mind, even if it seems silly or insignificant. You never know what might spark your interest or lead to a great essay topic.

5. Look for examples: If you’re still feeling stuck, look for examples of process essays or lists of process essay topics online. Reading through examples can help you generate ideas and get a better understanding of what makes a good process essay topic.

6. Consider chronological order: Many process essays follow a chronological order, where the steps or processes are presented in the order they should be completed. Think about a process that can be broken down into clear, easy-to-follow steps.

7. Choose a topic you can describe: It’s important to choose a topic that allows you to provide a detailed and clear description of the process. Avoid topics that are too complicated or abstract, as they may be harder to write about.

8. Think about your audience’s needs: Consider what your audience needs or wants to learn. Choose a topic that will meet those needs and provide them with a valuable skill or piece of information.

9. Keep in mind the length of your essay: Consider the length of your essay when choosing a topic. Some topics may be too broad or complex to be adequately covered in a single essay, while others may be too narrow.

10. Improve or revolutionize an existing process: Think about a process that could be improved or revolutionized in some way. Consider how you could redesign or improve a common process or create a new process altogether.

Remember, the topic you choose will set the tone for your entire essay, so take the time to choose a topic that you are passionate about and that will engage your readers. By following these tips and ideas, you can choose a process essay topic that is interesting, unique, and manageable.

Structuring a Process Essay: Key Elements to Include

2. body paragraphs.

The body paragraphs of your process essay are where you break down the steps or stages of the process. It is crucial to organize your information in a logical and coherent manner, whether you choose a chronological order or a more functional approach. Use clear and concise language to explain each step, providing any necessary background information or context. Consider using bullet points or numbered lists to make the information easier to follow.

3. Supporting Examples

To further enhance the understanding of your process, provide supporting examples or illustrations throughout your essay. These examples can include real-life scenarios, personal experiences, or even hypothetical situations. Including relevant examples will help your readers connect with your essay on a deeper level and make the process more relatable.

By incorporating the above elements into your process essay, you can create a well-structured piece of writing that effectively guides your readers through a specific process. Remember to consider your target audience and their level of familiarity with the topic to maintain their interest throughout the essay. With a thoughtful and organized approach, you can ensure that your process essay is highly informative and easy to follow.

Writing a Process Essay: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: choose a topic.

Start by choosing a topic that you are familiar with or have experience in. It could be something that you are passionate about or have expertise in. Make sure the topic is clear and narrow enough to be manageable within the scope of your essay.

Step 2: Do the Research

Before you start writing, gather all the necessary information and materials related to your topic. This may involve conducting interviews, performing experiments, or doing online research. Make sure you have a thorough understanding of the topic and have gathered enough evidence to support your claims.

Step 3: Create an Outline

Step 5: write the body paragraphs.

The body paragraphs of your process essay should explain each step or task in chronological order. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence that introduces the main idea of the paragraph. Then, provide a detailed explanation of the step, including any necessary instructions or examples. Use clear and concise language to ensure your readers can easily understand and follow the process.

Writing a process essay can be overwhelming, but by following this step-by-step guide, you can break down the task into smaller, more manageable parts. Remember to maintain a logical flow in your essay, use clear and concise language, and provide enough details and examples to help your readers understand the process. With some practice and time management, you’ll be able to produce an excellent process essay that will guide your readers towards accomplishing a specific task or understanding a certain concept.

Feeling Overwhelmed Writing a Process Essay on Your Own?

Writing a process essay can be a challenging task, especially when you find yourself struggling to put your thoughts into words. When you are left with a blank page and a looming deadline, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But fear not! There are various ways you can keep yourself organized and break down the writing process into manageable steps.

1. Choose a Topic and Plan

The first step in writing a process essay is to choose a topic that you are familiar with and genuinely interested in. This will make the writing process much more enjoyable for you. After selecting the topic, make a plan outlining the steps you will need to follow in your essay.

3. Break Down the Process into Steps

In the body paragraphs of your essay, break down the process into manageable steps. Make sure to describe each step in a clear and concise manner. You can use examples or personal experiences to illustrate your points.

4. Use Clear and Concise Language

Avoid using jargon, technical terms, or complicated language in your process essay. Use simple and understandable language that the reader can easily follow. This will make your essay more accessible to a wider audience.

6. Revise and Edit

After completing the writing process, take some time to review and revise your essay. Check for any grammatical or spelling errors, and ensure that your essay flows smoothly from one paragraph to another. Editing is an essential part of the writing process, so don’t skip it!

By following these steps and tips, you can accomplish the task of writing a process essay without feeling overwhelmed. Remember, the most important thing is to stay organized and break down the process into smaller, manageable elements. So, prepare yourself, choose your topic, and get ready to dive into the world of process essay writing!

Can you give me an example of a process essay?

Sure! A good example of a process essay is “How to Bake Chocolate Chip Cookies”. It provides a step-by-step guide on how to make delicious cookies from scratch.

What is the purpose of a process essay?

The purpose of a process essay is to explain how to do something or how something works. It provides a clear and detailed description of each step involved in a particular process.

What are the key components of the incident response process in computer security?

The key components of the incident response process in computer security include preparation, identification, containment, eradication, recovery, and lessons learned. Each of these steps plays a crucial role in handling and mitigating security incidents effectively.

How important is incident response in computer security?

Incident response is extremely important in computer security. It helps organizations detect and respond to security incidents in a timely and effective manner, minimizing the impact and mitigating future risks. Without a proper incident response process, organizations may suffer significant financial and reputational damage.

What is a process essay?

A process essay is a type of essay that explains how to do or achieve something, step by step. It provides detailed instructions and guidance to the readers.

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How to Write a Process Essay: A Complete, Step-by-Step Guide

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by  Antony W

February 16, 2023

how to write a process essay explained

A process essay, also known as “how-to-essay”, is a common type of paper that informs the reader how something is done. Being able to write a process essay is about talking the reader through a set of instructions or step-by-step guide on how to do something such as performing an experiment, preparing a meal, or carrying out a specific process. 

Writing a process essay should involve enough details to lead the reader successfully to the desired goal.

You need to follow the step-by-step process until the reader has achieved what you’re leading them to do.

Any missteps or poor explanations at any point can cause bad mistakes or even ruin the entire project, so process essays need to be highly detailed and instructional.

This guide will show you how to write a brilliant and effective process essay and be sure of that A-grade.

Pre-Writing: Planning Your Process Essay 

The first requirement if want to write a good process essay is preparation.

Preparing the small stuff goes a long way in ensuring you deliver the best of the report. 

Some of the things to look into for an essay that meets expectations include;

Understand the Target Audience 

Before you start writing, you have to understand your target audience and their expectations from the essay.

The target audience determines the language to use and the general complexity of the essay. 

Ask yourself about the education level of the audience on the topic. Understand if you have to explain basics for them to understand.

I t’s also essential that you the language and terminologies best suited to the audience. 

Create a List of Materials Needed

Anything that involves creating something new will require materials.

The same applies to writing a process essay which details how a thing is done. Before you start writing, create a list of all the materials and tools the reader will need for the whole process. 

Place each item either in the order of use or importance. The more impactful or useful a tool is, the earlier it comes on the list. 

Create an Outline 

Once you have understood your audience and listed the needed tools, it’s time to note what you want to include in the content.

It is easy to forget important things that you need to include in your essay, but an outline creates a structure that you can flesh out with details. 

Note down every step, detail the important all the important steps, and try to  make your ideas flow clearly .

You don’t have to go into a detailed explanation at this point. Just have the steps down with the important tools. 

Structure of a Process Essay

Introduction.

The introduction is where you get to draw in the reader and get them interested in the essay.

You can talk to them about why the particular process they are about to undertake is important without jumping ahead of yourself. 

You can also mention briefly what the essay will cover, thus creating anticipation for what is to come.

Another tactic is to d raw the reader’s interest by giving some historical background of whatever you are working on. It also helps to refer to the timeframe so that they prepare well in advance. 

Body Paragraphs 

The body paragraphs are where you introduce the step-by-step guide to your the readers.

Let the readers understand why they each step in the process is important and why they need to take it instead of alternative methods. 

The length of the paragraphs depends on the complexity of the whole process. Every section should have enough details such that the reader would complete the process properly.

Be sure to mention what equipment and tools will be necessary for the procedure. Also, let the reader know of possible troubles and other difficulties to expect during the process. 

Ensure the smooth flow of everything by using transitions. The transitions make the Essay easy to read and follow. Use terms like then, so that, next, now, and others. 

Your process essay's conclusion is where you can go through the expected results of the process.

It summarizes everything about the guide and provides the reader with a reinforcement of the procedure’s significance.

Explain to the readers the result.

State what it looks like and what follows, whether there are other processes or its final. Ensure your read is accomplished by the end of the essay. 

Process Essay Writing Tips

There is more to writing a process essay than identifying the audience and using the right format.  

1. Focus on Simplicity 

As a guide on doing something, most probably for the first time, a process essay should be easy to follow and understand.

Use simple language with clear directions on how to perform all the processes. 

The choice of words and the construction of sentences must meet the reader’s understanding. 

2. Choose the Right Topic. 

Your choice of topic is crucial when it comes to process writing.

Choosing a technical topic might not resonate with the audience, as you can also have little to write about.

Common issues are also hard to write about as you never seem to be helpful. Look for the readers’ probable needs and solve them. 

3. Proofread the Essay

Once you are done writing, revisit the whole of your work to ensure everything is in place. Revise the work with the reader in mind.

Ensure the language resonates with the target audience. Pass the work through checkers for  plagiarism-free work .

Ensure your work is well detailed with all the necessary guidelines. Include all the steps while you eliminate anything unnecessary.

Only hand in your work once you have achieved a desirable result.

4. Seek Help For Your Process Essay Assignment

No matter how much you have mastered the art of writing a process essay, you can never be all-knowing.

Do not shy from seeking help from a friend or professional to help you through the writing and proofreading.

Working with a professional team like Help for Assessment helps in creating high-quality work for assured high grades.  Our essay writing experts are experienced in delivering top-notch papers on various topics. 

Related Reading

  • This Guide Will Help You to Write an Opinion Essay

About the author 

Antony W is a professional writer and coach at Help for Assessment. He spends countless hours every day researching and writing great content filled with expert advice on how to write engaging essays, research papers, and assignments.

How To Write A Process Essay: Essay Outline, Tips, Topics and Essay Help

Throughout the course of education, you’ll need to write all sorts of papers. Some of them are well-known e.g. argumentative essays, or expository essays, while others are relatively unknown. Process essay belongs to the latter group. While the essay itself is something you’ve come across on multiple occasions, students don’t get to work on this assignment frequently. That’s why getting this assignment can be a huge source of stress. This guide helps avoid those stressful times with easy tips and tricks that you need for a good grade.

A process essay is a typical “how-to” paper that describes some process or workflow, hence the name. The primary idea behind this type of essay is to give a step-by-step explanation of a process that leads to a planned or expected outcome. The paper may revolve around a concrete or precise and an abstract process.

We can divide process essay into two major types:

  • Directional – provides step-by-step instructions on how to get something done
  • Informational – analyzes or explains a process

Benefits of Writing a Process Essay

Even though it’s not something we usually think about, every essay has its role that goes beyond the arguments or processes you discuss. We are talking about a greater purpose, the impact this essay will have on your skills. Believe it or not, every assignment in school or college has a goal to improve or develop some valuable skills and process essay is not an exception. Here are some skills you can develop with process essay:

  • Analytical skills – every course of action is logical, has its own flow, and your goal is to represent that. In order to write this essay, you need to think analytically. That’s the best way to describe the dynamic of some process and keep the reader’s interest. Of course, you can transfer this skill to many other aspects of your life and future employment
  • Prioritizing – essays require precise expressions, and vague language impairs the quality. While researching you’ll come across different info and resources, but not all of them can nor should be included in your paper. In order to make things work, you need to prioritize one piece of information over the other. That way, you’ll include valuable info only, without tainting your essay with unnecessary things
  • Following instructions – every process has its beginning, middle, and end. Each step is equally important. The ability to describe every part of the process in a suitable manner improves your capacity of following instructions; which can come in handy in every aspect of your life
  • Attention to detail – seemingly unimportant details play a huge role in every process or course of action. While writing the process essay, you need to pay attention to these details, in order to provide clear instructions or step-by-step guides, explanations, etc. At the same time, you’re sharpening this skill which can be practical at work (or any other part of your life) later on

The process of writing a process essay is often daunting for many students. But the good news is – you can order an essay online from professionals who can write it for you in a matter of hours. With the help of this essay, you will be able to explain the process of doing something in a clear and understandable way.

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Areas of Interest

Everything that happens in this universe (or beyond) is a process. The world is comprised of processes and each of them can be described in an essay. Therefore, your process essay can be about:

  • Interpersonal communication
  • Social media

Process Essay Outline

Wondering how to write a process essay if you’ve never worked on this assignment before? Or maybe you want to learn how to improve the structure of your paper for a better grade. This outline can help you:

  • Hook – the first sentence that grabs the reader’s attention
  • Identification – brief intro to the subject that will be discussed
  • Thesis statement – announcement of the process (or its aspect) you will explain
  • Support (topic) – every paragraph should focus on a specific part of the process and start with a clear indication of a factor you’ll discuss
  • Explain – self-explanatory, you need to explain how it works, what to do with it, and other important info
  • Evidence – like other types of essay, this type of paper requires using evidence to back up the info you used
  • Discuss – more information about some particular part of the process, its importance, how it fits into the overall subject, etc.
  • Conclusion – your conclusion should contain a brief summary of the thesis and the main parts of the process

Writing Tips

essay Writing Tips

While writing the process essay you can imagine like you’re working on a manual (regardless of the topic). The goal of that manual is to explain how some process works for a person who isn’t informed about it. Here are some tips that will help you:

  • Before you start writing, research the topic thoroughly and take notes
  • Make sure your essay is precise and coherent, but still features details that enhance its quality
  • Assume your reader doesn’t know anything about it, otherwise, you’d skip important details because you think others know it already
  • Write the essay in a logical and chronological manner, as one step leads to another
  • Explain the purpose of every step of the process, the reader wants to know WHY it happens
  • Use transitions such as: so that, then, now, next, furthermore, before
  • Define all terms that aren’t common knowledge
  • Avoid using imperative sentences because your essay would resemble an instruction manual rather than a proper essay
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The process of writing a process essay involves extensive research that is designed to provide the reader with a comprehensive understanding of the topic. Therefore, it is important to find a reliable and experienced writer who can write an assignment in a relevant way and add new information to the text.

Most students are used to writing argumentative, persuasive, and other types of papers and process essays may make you nervous, especially if you’ve never had this assignment before. First of all, it’s natural to be nervous. It shows you care! There’s a lot you can do to feel better and complete this assignment successfully. You just need the right tools such as:

Essay Topic Generator

You have the freedom to choose your own process essay topic? That’s fantastic! You can write about anything you’d like, but to come up with your topic quickly, you can use Edusson Magic Essay Topic Generator. The platform comes with thousands of essay topics that are going to inspire you, for sure. Just visit the website, enter a keyword or search for topics based on category or alphabet.

Essay Examples

The secret to a high-quality essay and good grade is consistency and practice. The practice doesn’t just involve writing process essays to sharpen your skills, but reading someone else’s paper at the same time. Why? This helps you identify the strengths and weaknesses of some essays in order to create your paper effectively. You get to avoid common mistakes and focus only on those parts that matter. Edusson Essay Examples is an amazing source of essay examples. It’s impossible not to learn or feel inspired when you have hundreds of essays to read. Essay Topic Generator Look for topic View more

Essay Checker

After you finished writing the essay, you need to edit and proofread it. Some students prefer doing everything on their own, but the problem is that many mistakes are overlooked. Now it doesn’t have to be like that. Essay checker called Robot Don enables you to analyze and submit 100% error-free paper. Robot Don evaluates plagiarism, sentence structure, readability, word choice, the frequency of words used, and other aspects of your process essay.

Essay Writing Service

Edusson essay writing service is ideal for students who want to have a custom-made essay sample and for those who don’t have enough time to write it on their own. An amazing team of skilled, experienced, and talented native English speakers is here to help you out. All you need to do is to make your order and choose the writer. Edusson is fully transparent and all essays are written from scratch.

Essay Editing Service

Essay editing service at Edusson is ideal for students who wrote the process essay (or some other paper) and just need help with the editing and proofreading process. Edusson gathered a team of talented editors and proofreaders who make sure your essay has no typos and grammar mistakes while improving style, formatting, and organization, among other things.

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process essay defined

Process Essay

Definition of process essay.

As the name suggests, this type of essay explains a process of making or breaking something. These essays are often written in chronological order, or in numerical order to show step-by-step processes. They are written in descriptive or prescriptive modes. Although it is not a technical communication, it sounds like having all the qualities of a technical document. The only difference is that it is often written in descriptive mode, while a technical document is mostly in imperative mode.

Transition in a Process Essay

As process essay provides step-by-step approach of doing something, they have typical transition words. These transition words make readers understand what has been done and what will follow next. Some of the specific transition words could be immediately, initially, in the end, in the future, in the meanwhile, later, next, soon, eventually, finally or firstly , and secondly .

Examples of Process Essay in Literature

Example #1: community re-discovered (by heidi ramirez).

“In any community, there are several and varying ways in which residents fulfill a sense of  community: participating in intramural sports, attending farmers’ markets, walking with neighbors, attending political meetings, helping the elderly, visiting the library, and volunteering for youth groups. It’s knowing the people in these interchanges, not just being familiar with faces, that build strong community.  Unfortunately, when this basic engagement is overlooked, communities can begin to disintegrate.”

This an excerpt from a process essay by Heidi Ramirez. It sets the tone of a process how communities integrate with each other. It clearly shows the sequence of the integration process.

Example #2: A Homemade Education (by Malcolm X)

“I was so fascinated that I went on—I copied the dictionary’s next page. And the same experience came when I studied that. With every succeeding page, I also learned of people and places and events from history. Actually, the dictionary is like a miniature encyclopedia. Finally the dictionary’s A section had filled a whole tablet—and I went on into the B’s. That was the way I started copying what eventually became the entire dictionary. It went a lot faster after so much practice helped me to pick up handwriting speed. Between what I wrote in my tablet, and writing letters, during the rest of my time in prison I would guess I wrote a million words.”

In this essay , Malcolm X has stated some of the ways through which he learned writing. He states how he “went on” copying the dictionary from one page to the next page. Some of the transition words such as “finally” and “actually” are quite obvious.

Example #3: Perspectives on “Borders” (by Luis Valdez)

“Let’s go back to the Popol Vuh. We’re talking about borders now. There is a border that defines the human being as a material and spiritual being. We have all learned that we’re Homo sapiens, wise monkeys. The monkey is a symbol of intelligence in the Popol Vuh, and in the classic Chinese novel Monkey. The wise monkey is a symbol for humanity. Now let me offer you another symbol for our human being—the feathered serpent. You are a feathered serpent that is evolving and crawling out of the seeds of your being. And once in awhile you get caught up in the dead skins of your life. You know biologically we go through a complete cellular change every seven to nine years. We’re totally renewed. So in one sense, biologically, you crawl out of a dead skin. You evolve out of yourself. The feathers are necessary because they represent our spiritual being.”

Although written in second person, this excerpt shows that the essay presents a process. It follows the same structure and same pattern of using things or doing tasks in a sequence. Specifically, the last lines show it clearly.

Function of a Process Essay

A process essay gives reader a sense of complete how-to-do process of making or creating some objects or things. Readers, after going through the essay , are able to create and make things. Although it is not like imperative instructions, it gives full details in a descriptive or prescriptive mode. It is because its major objective is not to present trite and dry instructions, but lively language to make readers read it with interest and do the act with enthusiasm.

Process Analysis Essay

Barbara P

Learn How to Write the Perfect Process Analysis Essay

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Published on: Nov 9, 2019

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Last updated on: Jan 12, 2024

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Ever wondered how things come together like magic to make something awesome happen? That's what process analysis is all about. 

A process analysis essay is a type of expository writing in which the writer explains the process of something in detail. 

Writing a process analysis essay sounds like a difficult task. But it's just another essay writing assignment, and we’re here to make this task easier for you.

We’ll help you understand how to break down a process and mold it into an essay. With process analysis essay types, format, outline, and topics, you’ll understand everything about these essays. 

So without any further ado, let’s get going!

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  • 1. What is a Process Analysis Essay?
  • 2. How to Write a Process Analysis Essay?
  • 3. Process Analysis Essay Examples 
  • 4. Process Analysis Essay Topics 
  • 5. Process Analysis Essay Writing Tips

What is a Process Analysis Essay?

A process analysis essay is a type of essay that tells how to do something or how to perform a specific task. It is an essay that outlines the procedure or steps that an individual must undertake to accomplish a particular task.

According to the process analysis essay definition :

“It is a type of expository essay that aims to describe some actions or process.”

A process essay is somewhat like explaining a recipe: first, you specify the ingredients, then the steps of what to do with them. In other words, it lists down all the steps in a logical order. 

Types of Process Analysis Essay

There are two types of process analysis essays: directive and informational. When you begin to write your essay, you first need to decide which type you should write.

1. Informational Process Analysis Essay

The informational essay tells the reader how something should be done without giving directions on how to do it. The writer’s tone is informative, and they are not directly talking to the reader.

2. Directive Process Analysis Essay

It explains to the reader how to do something or perform a task by giving proper directions. The body section is organized into steps, with each paragraph explaining one step in the process.

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How to Write a Process Analysis Essay?

Process analysis essay writing requires you to consider every step and tool involved in completing a task. Furthermore, it requires you to explain the logical order that the reader should follow. 

In general, it is similar to the typical five-paragraph essay with a few differences. Here is a step-by-step process of writing a process analysis essay

Step 1. Choose a Topic

When you are choosing an essay topic, do not rush to make a final decision. Take your time to decide which topic suits your needs best. Try to rationalize your choice by keeping the following tips in mind:

  • Choose a topic idea that involves the reader
  • Find a topic that you have a good understanding of
  • Focus your theme on one particular thing
  • Choose something that has practical worth and is useful for the reader
  • Think about your targeted audience and make sure your topic is relevant to them

Step 2. Draft a Process Analysis Essay Outline

The outline helps you analyze the topic and how you should write your essay. Organize the steps into a logical sequence and incorporate them into the process analysis essay structure.

Take a look at the following outline template of the process analysis essay to get an idea.

Process Analysis Essay Outline Template

Remember that the process analysis essay structure is almost the same as any other type of essay. The only difference is the body section because it is not built on evidence or arguments.

Step 3. Starting the Process Analysis Essay

Starting a process essay is like setting the stage for keeping the reader hooked. Your goal is to grab the reader’s attention in the essay introduction. Read on to understand what makes up for a captivating process essay introduction.

How to Craft The Essay Introduction?

Kickstart the essay by explaining the process you are going to describe in your essay. The following points are involved in writing a process analysis essay introduction:

  • Start with an engaging hook statement 
  • Formally introduce the topic and define the purpose of the process
  • Tell the significance of the process, and why it is useful and worth learning
  • Establish a thesis statement for the process analysis essay
  • Do not dig deep into the theme’s background or provide historical facts, also avoid unnecessary details
  • Discuss the result that can be achieved if everything is performed in the right sequence 

Read this process analysis essay introduction example that brilliantly summarizes all the key points mentioned above:

Step 4. Write the Body Paragraphs 

The body paragraphs are where you break down each step in detail. In typical fashion, you may use as many paragraphs as the number of steps involved in the process. 

Start your paragraphs with a topic sentence . It will help the reader understand what that particular step is going to be about. Use a descriptive writing style in the body. 

For complicated steps, you should divide them into several parts. But try not to confuse your readers with overly detailed steps, as they might lose track!

Always use transition words for a coherent flow in your essay. Make sure that the paragraphs follow a logical order and combine the results at the end after the last step. 

Below are some process analysis paragraph examples that you can read for a clear understanding:

Note : In the above example, the headings are only mentioned to give you an idea of what the step is about. You don’t actually have to give headings before every paragraph in your essay. 

Step 5. Conclude The Essay

In the conclusion , summarize all the steps involved. Inform your audience about the risks or any side effects associated with the process. Discuss the consequences if something goes wrong and how to make it right. 

Always tell your readers the significance of following the process in the given sequence. Define the final result that will be achieved when the process is followed in the proper sequence.

The following conclusion paragraph example gives a wonderful closure to a process analysis essay:

Step 6. Revise Your Essay

The most important part of the writing process is proofreading and revision. Read your essay once you are done writing it to filter out any errors. Make sure that your essay follows the right process analysis essay format. 

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Process Analysis Essay Examples 

Below are some good process analysis essay samples. These examples will help you learn how to write a process analysis essay in a better way. 

Process Analysis Essay Sample PDF

Informational Process Analysis Essay Example

Directive Process Analysis Essay Example

How to Make a Pizza Process Analysis Essay Example

Process Analysis Essay Topics 

Recipes are just simple examples of process analysis essay topics. There are many other topics that you can write about. A fun thing about a process analysis essay is that you can even write an essay on how to write a process analysis essay. 

Below, you can find some amazing topics for writing an incredible process analysis essay.

  • How to bake a cake?
  • How to make a presentation on PowerPoint?
  • How to treat coronavirus?
  • How to do laundry?
  • How to write an essay?
  • How to make an apple pie?
  • How to make a sketch?
  • How to succeed in college?
  • How to lose weight in just 20 days?
  • How to learn belly dance?

Process Analysis Essay Topics For College Students

In your high school or college, you may be asked to write a process analysis essay by your instructor. Get an idea of process analysis topics from the ones given below: 

  • How can college students implement effective time management strategies?
  • What steps are involved in writing a winning college application essay?
  • The meticulous methods used to preserve historical artifacts.
  • How can students become efficient note-takers during college lectures?
  • What are the steps involved in writing and publishing a novel?
  • What is the process of organizing a successful event on a college campus?
  • Step-by-step guide to creating a professional resume for college students
  • The process of designing and developing a video game
  • What are the steps involved in starting and running a non-profit organization?
  • How do you develop and deliver a business presentation as a student?

Funny Process Analysis Essay Topics

If you’re asked to write a process analysis essay on a funny topic, get an idea from the topics we’ve gathered below:

  • The art of mastering the perfect procrastination technique
  • How to avoid eye contact in a crowded elevator?
  • How to craft the most unconvincing excuse for missing school?
  • How to successfully time your arrival just as the party is ending?
  • How to not get awkward when the instructor catches you cheating?
  • What are the steps to prolong a simple task to an all-day project?
  • How to successfully navigate a buffet without filling your plate sky-high?
  • Mastering the skill of parallel parking without causing a minor fender bender
  • How to convert your messy room into a disaster zone?
  • How to make the ugliest costume for Halloween?

If you want to know even more exciting topics, head over to our process analysis essay topics blog!

Process Analysis Essay Writing Tips

The given writing tips will make your essay writing process simple and manageable. Follow them and finish writing your essay quickly.

  • Use appropriate vocabulary and language and try to avoid complicated technical terms
  • If using technical terms, make sure to explain them properly so that the reader can understand them
  • Use transitional words for moving from one step to another
  • The steps should be simple and easy to follow
  • Give the reader a sense of direction by keeping everything concise and clear
  • As it is a process analysis essay, it should follow the chronological sequence

To wrap it up, After reading this guide, you can easily pen down a process analysis essay. We have covered all the essentials of process analysis from the standard format to examples, and writing tips. 

But if you still feel unconfident while writing your process analysis essay, getting professional assistance is always an option.  

MyPerfectWords.com is the best essay writing service that you can rely on for getting a process analysis essay. Our writers are experienced and highly educated. They can handle any type of academic writing assignment with ease. 

So, do not hesitate to reach out to us and let us help you craft a stellar process analysis essay. 

Happy Writing!

Barbara P

Dr. Barbara is a highly experienced writer and author who holds a Ph.D. degree in public health from an Ivy League school. She has worked in the medical field for many years, conducting extensive research on various health topics. Her writing has been featured in several top-tier publications.

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A process essay is a type of expository writing that explains a series of steps or procedures to achieve a particular outcome or complete a task. It provides detailed, step-by-step guidelines for the reader to follow.

If you want to understand how to write a “how to” essay, the best solution is to turn for help to the professional academic essay writers with a rich writing experience. Review this article, which contains everything a student should know before writing your process essay. 

What Is a Process Essay: Definition

Before learning how to write a process paper of A level, it is critical to define the term. A process essay refers to the type of academic writing which contains a detailed description of the particular process in the shape of the step-by-step guide. This form of essay is popular in business & technical writing. Some of the best examples of process essays include:

  • Instruction/owner’s manual;
  • User’s guide;
  • “How to…” articles;
  • Security instructions;
  • Recommendations.

Students should test the process themselves before writing an instruction or manual. It would be the best answer to the question “ what is a process essay ?”

Process Essay Outline: Structuring Your Paper

There is not much to say about the process essay outline because structure repeats steps required to complete a certain procedure. Having an outline is helpful in any situation associated with academic writing. Put down every stage in chronological order. Once the student has an outline, they may later add some details depending on the process development to come up with the whole body. Maybe you will ask " How to structure an essay of this type?" The structure of a process outline is common:

  • Introduction paragraph (mention the process to discuss).
  • Body paragraphs (list the stage and provide details).
  • Conclusion (specify what the expected outcome should be + share some success indicators).

The length of a “how to” essay depends on whether the chosen procedure is time-consuming or not. Do not pick something extra fast not to have a few-sentence essay in the end.

Process Essay Introduction

Let’s talk a little about the process essay introduction. It does not matter whether an essay is describing the way to get chocolate out of milk and coconuts, explaining some procedure of vaccination, or interpreting steps required to write a book. It is important to identify the target audience from the start! If it is an average user, avoid difficult terms. In case you write to satisfy the curiosity of advanced users, do not mind including various professional terms to prove your competence in the chosen field. Do not worry about structure. The best thing about this type of academic assignment is that step-by-step process itself provides a student with correct structure. Still, experts recommend having an outline. Would you like to know good ways to start an essay of this type? Start an opening paragraph by determining an analyzed procedure and share personal ideas on why this specific process is interesting & important to observe. Formulate a process essay thesis. It is not necessary to cover history or background of some discussed procedure.

Process Essay Body Paragraph

Do not include any details that do not relate to the process itself. If some required tools & equipment are rare, tell readers some ways to get these resources. Write down warnings about possible safety hazards to prevent readers from falling into trap/injuring. Describing steps alone might be dull. To enrich your writing, add some common mistakes to avoid. And provide helpful tips to make this process simpler & quicker. Main body of a process essay is usually written in chronological order. Add every step in chronological order with the help of clear words. If there are similar steps or those that can be performed at different stages, mention it to acknowledge the reader. To prevent confusing situations/failures, experts recommend subdividing the steps of especially long processes (example: Step 1A, 1B, etc.) Professional hint from essay order experts!

“A good process essay always uses the second person – “you.” It sounds more personal, and readers trust its writer. Be ready to apply a plenty of transitional words & phrases! They make this procedure description logical and clear to every reader. Try to insert different transitions to prevent text from being repetitive. During the process of writing an instruction or manual, do steps described in text to check whether everything works the way it should before offering the same actions to your target audience.” Professor Pryce, academic counselor and online writing tutors at StudyCrumb

Writing Process Essay Conclusion

Let’s see how to end writing a how-to essay. By the end of an instruction, reader/user must be able to repeat provided actions to activate the process or solve some problem alone. If readers cannot do that, it means that writer failed giving clear, correct instructions. How to start a conclusion in an essay ? Do it with some short review of an entire process from A to Z. It will help readers recall what they were doing, how long, and what expected results should be. While body paragraphs provide detailed interpretation of each stage, a conclusion must contain a single short sentence summarizing every step of a process. It should look like an opening sentence of this article.  

How to Write a Process Essay: 10 Simple Steps

Process essay writing is not a difficult task. Even though a process essay is easy to write, it is crucial to know the essential steps of writing. Knowing all nuts and bolts will help you write an article quickly and correctly. Below you will find 10 basic steps you should know to write an outstanding process essay. Step 1:  Think of some topic you want to write about. What interests you most? What will be useful for your readers? Consider all these questions and create the best topic. Browse our process essay topics we prepared for our users.  Step 2:  Start your research. Look for some sources that have relevant information. Collect all important data. Step 3:  Read sources you collected carefully and analyze information. Make notes when reading and have quick access to needed information. Step 4:  Create an outline for your paper. Plan your future paragraphs beforehand. Step 5:  Collect all parts of your guide together and think what you may add to the main body. Write body paragraphs. Step 6:  It is not a good idea to compose your introduction at the beginning. Start writing your introduction paragraph only after you have main part. Step 7:  Don’t forget about a strong hook for your paper. It should be concise, informative, and grab attention of your reader. Step 8:  Finally, summarize all points you mentioned in your text and create your conclusion. Highlight the result again. Show readers what they will get after they follow all steps mentioned in your essay. Step 9:  After all these steps are done, create a catchy and informative title. It should not only display what your essay is about but also grab your reader's attention and make them want to read your guide. Step 10: Proofread your process essay and edit mistakes. Read your text again, check for typos and grammar mistakes. Make sure it is readable and understandable. Following these steps will help you create a truly brilliant process essay that you will get an A+ for. Buy essays papers to enjoy even higher odds to succeed with your submission.

Helpful Tips on How to Write a Process Paper

While writing this type of academic essay, recall these professional tips & tricks and earn A+!

  • Say what you are doing to describe an action. It would be paper’s topic, precise, clear, and educating. Narrow down your topic if it sounds broad. Example: Instead of calling some instruction “How to Install Windows” make it “How to Install Windows 10 on the most recent Asus models (name them).”
  • Get ready with outline of an essay , which is structure of your essay.
  • Name requirements like resources, equipment, instruments, stuff, skills, and knowledge person will need to complete their process. If more than one person is required, mention it.
  • Identify technical & professional terms in text. In case manual explains a procedure based on special, technical knowledge/skills, such as carpentry, it is better to include some definitions of some specific terms readers might not know. If your teacher allows, enrich your essay with images, signs, graphs, and tables to explain some word.
  • Each good instruction should contain warnings/cautions. List all possible threats & security hazards. Along with some obstacles readers may face in the process. Use an active voice in this part.
  • Finish manual/instruction with an explanation of what person should be ready to obtain once the procedure is over (stress the importance of experiment). It is important to list success factors. Example: “Cooked dumplings should not look tenderized/taste raw.”
  • Add images & more techniques so readers follow instructions simpler. For instance, “peach color” may be perceived as various textures by various individuals.”

Interesting Process Essay Examples

Of course, we won’t leave you without a real example of a process essay. Only reading this article may not be enough. Before you start your writing, it is better to look at how other students organized similar works. Here is one of professional how-to essay examples shared by college students.

If you want a similar essay customized to your needs, just say " write my essays " and StudyCrumb will provide tailored assistance. Our writers prepare such orders daily and know how to make your process essay beautiful. 

How to Write a Perfect Process Essay: Final Thoughts

As you see, writing a professional essay is not as difficult as you might think. This type of essay does not require some special writing skills or use of high academic language . So following our simple tips we provided in our article will help you create an excellent essay that will guide readers through some steps easily.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Process Essay

1. what are good transition words for process essay.

The most appropriate process essay transition words are ones that help readers distinguish different stages of a guide described in your essay. To define stages of your paper try using following transition words:

  • After that,
  • Eventually,
  • Afterwards,

2. How to write a thesis of a process essay?

Thesis statement for process essay should be clear, concise, and informative. In your thesis you should briefly inform a reader of result they will get after reading your guide and following all steps. Mention benefits readers will gain.

3. What is a process essay outline example?

Process essay outline example may look as follows:

  • Prepare list of ingredients
  • Prepare an oven
  • Prepare chocolate chips or dried fruit
  • Mix ingredients together
  • Bake muffins
  • Cool muffins
  • Serve muffins.

4. What are final steps after finishing writing process essay?

After you finished writing your process essay, you still should edit and proofread your text:

  • Read your text and correct mistakes and typos.
  • Delete unnecessary words and sentences.
  • Check your instructions again and make sure it is easy to read and understand.
  • Give your paper to your friend and ask them to read it. After that ask if they fully understood all instructions. If not, make corrections.

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How to Write a Process Analysis Essay

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  • Writing Skill: Development
  • Originality
  • Timed Writing (Expectations)
  • Integrated Writing (Writing Process)
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  • Introduction Paragraphs
  • Body Paragraphs
  • Conclusion Paragraphs
  • Example Essay 1
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  • Integrated Writing (TOEFL Task 1)

Process Essays

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  • Process Essay Example 2
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  • Revise A Process Essay
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  • Problem/Solution Essay Example 1
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process essay defined

In this chapter, you will write a process essay. To write a process essay, think about things that you know how to do. How would you teach someone to do one of those things?

A process essay is written to teach the reader how to do something (e.g., how to break a bad habit). This essay should describe any steps that are necessary in order to complete the process.

This content is provided to you freely by BYU Open Learning Network.

Access it online or download it at https://open.byu.edu/academic_a_writing/process_essays .

process essay defined

Process Analysis: How to Write a Process Analysis Essay

process essay defined

Writing a process analysis essay sounds like a problematic task to do, but in reality, it’s just another writing assignment. In this article, our college essay writing service will explain how to write a process analysis essay, list some process analysis essay topics and give you useful writing tips and examples. But first things first — let’s start with a process analysis definition.

What Is a Process Analysis Essay

Before jumping to the How To section, let’s answer the question of what is process analysis. Process analysis is an essay which explains how something is done, how something occurs, or how something works. In this type of essay, the writer is required to present the steps of the process in sequential order, from first to last. All concepts or terms that might appear uncommon are defined.

For Example: When writing a process analysis essay about becoming a better person, you count and describe some actions — from small to bigger ones — like lifting peoples’ self esteem around you when you were young, to becoming a motivational speaker when you’re older.

Sometimes, your professor will assign you a process analysis topic. And sometimes, you will have to pick a topic by yourself.

You should also read the article on discursive essay format . It will help expand your understanding in writing any type of paper.

Stuck on the Steps of Process Analysis?

Journey through your essay with ease. Our expert guides are ready to help you analyze every step of the way!

Process Analysis Essay Structure

Process essays may be divided into two categories: informative and directive. A directive process analysis gives instructions on how to accomplish a certain goal (for example, how to prepare the best waffles). An informational process analysis essay describes a topic to the reader (for example, how an aircraft engine functions). A process essay may be written in three easy steps:

  • Split the task

The workflow should be broken down into simple, well-defined phases that generally maintain a temporal sequence and have a clear objective. You can better arrange the document with a process paper outline.

  • Make smooth transitions

A process analysis essay remains more engaging when you use transitional terms—the audience benefits from phrases like - therefore, subsequently, afterward, etc.

  • Study the essay thoroughly

Inspect any potential gaps, such as missing ingredients from a recipe, by going through the process essay point by point.

Process Analysis Essay Examples

Referring to an example can save you time. Our free samples can provide insight into what a process analysis essay should look like.

How to Pick a Process Analysis Essay Topic

Imagine you need to describe something in steps: what would they be? Don’t rush with making a final decision and try to rationalize your choice by following our recommendations:

process essay defined

  • Pick a topic you have a good understanding of.
  • Choose a theme that will involve the readers.
  • Focus your topic on a specific thing.
  • Make sure you can explain your topic without pictures. Focus on words.
  • Ensure that the topic is helpful and has practical worth.
  • Your topic must be relevant. If you decided to write about using a pager, we suggest you rethink your idea.

It’s okay if you don’t have a lot of process analysis essay topics in mind; just focus on the writing process and pick one of the ones we’ve prepared for you below.

Check out our ARTICLE TO FIND MORE ESSAY TOPIC IDEAS

Writing a Process Analysis Essay Step-By-Step

Process analysis essay structure is as follows:

process essay defined

Let's overview that structure in more details:

  • The introductory part should explain the actual process and why it’s relevant or necessary. Avoid any unnecessary information such as the background, history or origin. If for instance, a recipe needs tomato sauce, the reader should be informed so. In other words, go directly to the issue and provide only the necessary information.
  • The next paragraph should present a list of all the equipment, tools or resources necessary for the particular process. For instance, if some ingredients cannot be found in the locality, explain where you can find it, or them. Potential risks or side effects that are likely to occur in the process should be stated so that the reader remains informed. Furthermore, it is essential to inform the reader about what might go wrong and what can be done to avoid potential mistakes.
  • Then, outline the process in sequential order. If the process requires some steps to be undertaken at particular stages, these should be stated and explained clearly, at relevant points in the sequence. The writer should be very keen to avoid confusion. For processes that appear complicated, the steps should be subdivided accordingly. Additionally, the writer needs to vary their use of transitional words such as “after”, “then”, “next” to make sure the essay does not become repetitive.
  • The final part should present a general review of the whole process so the writer can reinforce the main points succinctly, without details.

You can also read the essay example from our essay writer . If you still need help, contact us and we will do everything in the best way.

Process Analysis Essay Outline

The structure for this type of analysis essay outline is as follows:

Introduction:

  • Introduce your topic and briefly outline what the process will achieve.
  • Demonstrate where this process is relevant or when it is useful.
  • It’s a good idea to offer a real-world example of the outcome of the procedure.
  • The processes should be presented in paragraphs.
  • Perform each step in its section.
  • Appropriate transitions should be employed for each step.
  • Be descriptive in your presentation.

Conclusion:

  • In your conclusion, summarize the procedure. You don’t have to repeat all the individual steps, but you need to reinforce the main points and milestones.
  • Describe the expected result.

Writing Tips

  • Appropriate Use of Language and Vocabulary Making good use of vocabulary and technical terms can often make or break an assignment. This impacts the degree of depth and clarity the reader can get out of it. Thus, if your audience is meant to be doing the procedures while reading, the steps should be simple and to the point.
  • Give the Reader a Sense of Direction When including comments in your essay that are tailored to give a sense of direction, like “once that’s done” or “wait until”, it’s best to do so where relevant. Try to avoid over-complicating the steps, while keeping everything clear and concise.
  • Use Chronological Progression For example, if it’s a cooking recipe, it should always include the steps in sequential order, while also indicating how much of each ingredient to add. Additional information like cooking techniques can be added at the end—to be as detailed as necessary.

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The Writing Process | 5 Steps with Examples & Tips

Published on April 24, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on December 8, 2023.

The writing process steps

Good academic writing requires effective planning, drafting, and revision.

The writing process looks different for everyone, but there are five basic steps that will help you structure your time when writing any kind of text.

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Table of contents

Step 1: prewriting, step 2: planning and outlining, step 3: writing a first draft, step 4: redrafting and revising, step 5: editing and proofreading, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about the writing process.

Before you start writing, you need to decide exactly what you’ll write about and do the necessary research.

Coming up with a topic

If you have to come up with your own topic for an assignment, think of what you’ve covered in class— is there a particular area that intrigued, interested, or even confused you? Topics that left you with additional questions are perfect, as these are questions you can explore in your writing.

The scope depends on what type of text you’re writing—for example, an essay or a research paper will be less in-depth than a dissertation topic . Don’t pick anything too ambitious to cover within the word count, or too limited for you to find much to say.

Narrow down your idea to a specific argument or question. For example, an appropriate topic for an essay might be narrowed down like this:

Doing the research

Once you know your topic, it’s time to search for relevant sources and gather the information you need. This process varies according to your field of study and the scope of the assignment. It might involve:

  • Searching for primary and secondary sources .
  • Reading the relevant texts closely (e.g. for literary analysis ).
  • Collecting data using relevant research methods (e.g. experiments , interviews or surveys )

From a writing perspective, the important thing is to take plenty of notes while you do the research. Keep track of the titles, authors, publication dates, and relevant quotations from your sources; the data you gathered; and your initial analysis or interpretation of the questions you’re addressing.

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Especially in academic writing , it’s important to use a logical structure to convey information effectively. It’s far better to plan this out in advance than to try to work out your structure once you’ve already begun writing.

Creating an essay outline is a useful way to plan out your structure before you start writing. This should help you work out the main ideas you want to focus on and how you’ll organize them. The outline doesn’t have to be final—it’s okay if your structure changes throughout the writing process.

Use bullet points or numbering to make your structure clear at a glance. Even for a short text that won’t use headings, it’s useful to summarize what you’ll discuss in each paragraph.

An outline for a literary analysis essay might look something like this:

  • Describe the theatricality of Austen’s works
  • Outline the role theater plays in Mansfield Park
  • Introduce the research question: How does Austen use theater to express the characters’ morality in Mansfield Park ?
  • Discuss Austen’s depiction of the performance at the end of the first volume
  • Discuss how Sir Bertram reacts to the acting scheme
  • Introduce Austen’s use of stage direction–like details during dialogue
  • Explore how these are deployed to show the characters’ self-absorption
  • Discuss Austen’s description of Maria and Julia’s relationship as polite but affectionless
  • Compare Mrs. Norris’s self-conceit as charitable despite her idleness
  • Summarize the three themes: The acting scheme, stage directions, and the performance of morals
  • Answer the research question
  • Indicate areas for further study

Once you have a clear idea of your structure, it’s time to produce a full first draft.

This process can be quite non-linear. For example, it’s reasonable to begin writing with the main body of the text, saving the introduction for later once you have a clearer idea of the text you’re introducing.

To give structure to your writing, use your outline as a framework. Make sure that each paragraph has a clear central focus that relates to your overall argument.

Hover over the parts of the example, from a literary analysis essay on Mansfield Park , to see how a paragraph is constructed.

The character of Mrs. Norris provides another example of the performance of morals in Mansfield Park . Early in the novel, she is described in scathing terms as one who knows “how to dictate liberality to others: but her love of money was equal to her love of directing” (p. 7). This hypocrisy does not interfere with her self-conceit as “the most liberal-minded sister and aunt in the world” (p. 7). Mrs. Norris is strongly concerned with appearing charitable, but unwilling to make any personal sacrifices to accomplish this. Instead, she stage-manages the charitable actions of others, never acknowledging that her schemes do not put her own time or money on the line. In this way, Austen again shows us a character whose morally upright behavior is fundamentally a performance—for whom the goal of doing good is less important than the goal of seeming good.

When you move onto a different topic, start a new paragraph. Use appropriate transition words and phrases to show the connections between your ideas.

The goal at this stage is to get a draft completed, not to make everything perfect as you go along. Once you have a full draft in front of you, you’ll have a clearer idea of where improvement is needed.

Give yourself a first draft deadline that leaves you a reasonable length of time to revise, edit, and proofread before the final deadline. For a longer text like a dissertation, you and your supervisor might agree on deadlines for individual chapters.

Now it’s time to look critically at your first draft and find potential areas for improvement. Redrafting means substantially adding or removing content, while revising involves making changes to structure and reformulating arguments.

Evaluating the first draft

It can be difficult to look objectively at your own writing. Your perspective might be positively or negatively biased—especially if you try to assess your work shortly after finishing it.

It’s best to leave your work alone for at least a day or two after completing the first draft. Come back after a break to evaluate it with fresh eyes; you’ll spot things you wouldn’t have otherwise.

When evaluating your writing at this stage, you’re mainly looking for larger issues such as changes to your arguments or structure. Starting with bigger concerns saves you time—there’s no point perfecting the grammar of something you end up cutting out anyway.

Right now, you’re looking for:

  • Arguments that are unclear or illogical.
  • Areas where information would be better presented in a different order.
  • Passages where additional information or explanation is needed.
  • Passages that are irrelevant to your overall argument.

For example, in our paper on Mansfield Park , we might realize the argument would be stronger with more direct consideration of the protagonist Fanny Price, and decide to try to find space for this in paragraph IV.

For some assignments, you’ll receive feedback on your first draft from a supervisor or peer. Be sure to pay close attention to what they tell you, as their advice will usually give you a clearer sense of which aspects of your text need improvement.

Redrafting and revising

Once you’ve decided where changes are needed, make the big changes first, as these are likely to have knock-on effects on the rest. Depending on what your text needs, this step might involve:

  • Making changes to your overall argument.
  • Reordering the text.
  • Cutting parts of the text.
  • Adding new text.

You can go back and forth between writing, redrafting and revising several times until you have a final draft that you’re happy with.

Think about what changes you can realistically accomplish in the time you have. If you are running low on time, you don’t want to leave your text in a messy state halfway through redrafting, so make sure to prioritize the most important changes.

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Editing focuses on local concerns like clarity and sentence structure. Proofreading involves reading the text closely to remove typos and ensure stylistic consistency. You can check all your drafts and texts in minutes with an AI proofreader .

Editing for grammar and clarity

When editing, you want to ensure your text is clear, concise, and grammatically correct. You’re looking out for:

  • Grammatical errors.
  • Ambiguous phrasings.
  • Redundancy and repetition .

In your initial draft, it’s common to end up with a lot of sentences that are poorly formulated. Look critically at where your meaning could be conveyed in a more effective way or in fewer words, and watch out for common sentence structure mistakes like run-on sentences and sentence fragments:

  • Austen’s style is frequently humorous, her characters are often described as “witty.” Although this is less true of Mansfield Park .
  • Austen’s style is frequently humorous. Her characters are often described as “witty,” although this is less true of Mansfield Park .

To make your sentences run smoothly, you can always use a paraphrasing tool to rewrite them in a clearer way.

Proofreading for small mistakes and typos

When proofreading, first look out for typos in your text:

  • Spelling errors.
  • Missing words.
  • Confused word choices .
  • Punctuation errors .
  • Missing or excess spaces.

Use a grammar checker , but be sure to do another manual check after. Read through your text line by line, watching out for problem areas highlighted by the software but also for any other issues it might have missed.

For example, in the following phrase we notice several errors:

  • Mary Crawfords character is a complicate one and her relationships with Fanny and Edmund undergoes several transformations through out the novel.
  • Mary Crawford’s character is a complicated one, and her relationships with both Fanny and Edmund undergo several transformations throughout the novel.

Proofreading for stylistic consistency

There are several issues in academic writing where you can choose between multiple different standards. For example:

  • Whether you use the serial comma .
  • Whether you use American or British spellings and punctuation (you can use a punctuation checker for this).
  • Where you use numerals vs. words for numbers.
  • How you capitalize your titles and headings.

Unless you’re given specific guidance on these issues, it’s your choice which standards you follow. The important thing is to consistently follow one standard for each issue. For example, don’t use a mixture of American and British spellings in your paper.

Additionally, you will probably be provided with specific guidelines for issues related to format (how your text is presented on the page) and citations (how you acknowledge your sources). Always follow these instructions carefully.

If you want to know more about AI for academic writing, AI tools, or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

  • Ad hominem fallacy
  • Post hoc fallacy
  • Appeal to authority fallacy
  • False cause fallacy
  • Sunk cost fallacy
  • Deep learning
  • Generative AI
  • Machine learning
  • Reinforcement learning
  • Supervised vs. unsupervised learning

 (AI) Tools

  • Grammar Checker
  • Paraphrasing Tool
  • Text Summarizer
  • AI Detector
  • Plagiarism Checker
  • Citation Generator

Revising, proofreading, and editing are different stages of the writing process .

  • Revising is making structural and logical changes to your text—reformulating arguments and reordering information.
  • Editing refers to making more local changes to things like sentence structure and phrasing to make sure your meaning is conveyed clearly and concisely.
  • Proofreading involves looking at the text closely, line by line, to spot any typos and issues with consistency and correct them.

Whether you’re publishing a blog, submitting a research paper , or even just writing an important email, there are a few techniques you can use to make sure it’s error-free:

  • Take a break : Set your work aside for at least a few hours so that you can look at it with fresh eyes.
  • Proofread a printout : Staring at a screen for too long can cause fatigue – sit down with a pen and paper to check the final version.
  • Use digital shortcuts : Take note of any recurring mistakes (for example, misspelling a particular word, switching between US and UK English , or inconsistently capitalizing a term), and use Find and Replace to fix it throughout the document.

If you want to be confident that an important text is error-free, it might be worth choosing a professional proofreading service instead.

If you’ve gone over the word limit set for your assignment, shorten your sentences and cut repetition and redundancy during the editing process. If you use a lot of long quotes , consider shortening them to just the essentials.

If you need to remove a lot of words, you may have to cut certain passages. Remember that everything in the text should be there to support your argument; look for any information that’s not essential to your point and remove it.

To make this process easier and faster, you can use a paraphrasing tool . With this tool, you can rewrite your text to make it simpler and shorter. If that’s not enough, you can copy-paste your paraphrased text into the summarizer . This tool will distill your text to its core message.

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Caulfield, J. (2023, December 08). The Writing Process | 5 Steps with Examples & Tips. Scribbr. Retrieved March 14, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/academic-writing/writing-process/

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process essay defined

Consciously Choosing Unconsciousness Clinical Decision-Making with Palliative Sedation

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INTRODUCTION

“Because there are no laws barring palliative sedation, the dilemma facing doctors who use it is moral rather than legal.” Dr. Timothy Quill, a professor of psychiatry, bioethics, and palliative care concisely articulates an ethical intricacy in end-of-life care. In a Washington Post article titled, “Assisted suicide is controversial, but palliative sedation is legal and offers peace,” the discussion revolves around the ethical challenges encountered by physicians when deciding to employ palliative sedation, particularly when faced with terminal illnesses causing unbearable physical and existential suffering. Palliative sedation is defined as the intentional lowering of awareness towards, and including, unconsciousness for patients with severe and refractory symptoms. [1] While assisted suicide remains embroiled in legal debates, palliative sedation emerges as a legally sanctioned alternative, thereby burdening medical practitioners with a moral quandary; while the boundary between assisted suicide and palliative sedation is arguably blurred, intent seems to distinguish the two choices– both aim to reduce suffering, but palliative sedation does not have death as the goal. This leads to the ethical question on the permissibility of hastening or causing unconsciousness in dying patients, rather than the issue of whether causing death is ethically justifiable. The absence of explicit laws governing palliative sedation places the ethical dilemma squarely on the shoulders of healthcare professionals, who must grapple with the responsibility of determining if palliative sedation is in the best interest of the patient. Evidently, the choice the clinician makes crucially impacts the patient’s quality of life moving forward, demonstrating the far-reaching consequences of palliative sedation in not just individual experiences in healthcare, but in shaping the future of how palliative care is handled. By integrating clinical and neuroscience knowledge, an argument can be made that the optimal clinical decision is reached by considering the subjective value of consciousness for each individual patient, with candor and transparency being the basis of all counseling approaches to prioritize patient advocacy.

Drawing on the precedent of assisted suicide, a major concern physicians have when debating the use of palliative sedation is the clause to “do no harm”, a principle fundamental to their profession in healthcare. A paradoxical dilemma arises when reducing the pain of a patient may come at the cost of their consciousness– which is more harmful? Having strict guidelines on when palliative seduction is even an option alleviates some responsibility on the physician to make this choice; the choice of the patient, or informed consent, is preliminary for this therapy. [2] By having the patient aware of the risks, and having that patient decide what state they value more, a physician can base their decision on what “harm” means in relation to the patient’s definition. Of course, there are additional considerations that must be contended with before this assumption can be reliably used, such as the state of mind of the patient when this decision is made, as well as the general consensus that exists among the patient, family, and staff about the therapy’s appropriateness. Another concern then seems to be the actual practice of palliative sedation– what are the side effects and unintended consequences of this therapy? So far, the academic literature seems promising in the accuracy of the therapy; according to a review of 1,807 patients, there is no direct evidence from randomized clinical trials that palliative sedation, when appropriately indicated and correctly used to relieve unbearable suffering, has detrimental effect on the survival of patients with terminal cancer, and can be considered as part of a continuum of palliative care. [3] A more cynical viewpoint should also be considered, however, for the integration of different perspectives, possibilities, and predictions that allow for a comprehensive overview of palliative sedation. One possibility, a prospect unfortunately commonly considered in healthcare, is that palliative sedation can lead to death prematurely. This is where the clinician’s knowledge comes into play, particularly their expertise in the field of neuroscience and the operational definitions of consciousness. Various medications used in palliative care may influence the brain's neurochemistry, impacting consciousness and contributing to the relief of suffering. For instance, benzodiazepines such as midazolam and lorazepam, commonly employed in palliative sedation, act as central nervous system depressants. They enhance the inhibitory effects of the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), leading to sedation, anxiolysis, and amnesia. [4] The neurological effects of these medications involve modulation of neurotransmitter activity, resulting in a calming effect on the brain. Midazolam, in particular, has a rapid onset of action and a short duration, making it suitable for managing acute distress in terminally ill patients. [5] As these medications induce sedation, they may contribute to the lowering of consciousness levels, while also relieving chronic suffering. Ultimately, it is up to the clinician to use their expertise to not only weigh the possible outcomes of the medications, but to also clearly communicate the potential consequences to the patients in a thoughtful manner.

The doctrine of double effect (DDE) may also help to ameliorate the ethical conundrum of whether practicing palliative sedation is ethically justifiable. In the context of palliative sedation, the application of the doctrine of double effect becomes particularly salient. According to the criteria set by the DDE, the action of administering sedative medications, such as morphine, is deemed morally permissible if certain conditions are met. [6] Firstly, the action itself, providing relief from severe and refractory symptoms through sedation, is not inherently bad—it is morally neutral or, in some cases, considered good due to its intent to alleviate suffering. The primary intention must be the relief of suffering, with the secondary and potentially adverse effect of unconsciousness or hastening death not being the desired outcome but rather an unintended consequence. The DDE thus allows healthcare professionals to navigate the ethical intricacies of palliative sedation by placing a strong emphasis on the intention behind the action. In cases where consciousness is significantly diminished, as is often the case with palliative sedation, the doctrine provides a framework for evaluating the ethical justifiability of the intervention. The principle that the good effect (relief from suffering) must outweigh the potentially adverse effect (unconsciousness or hastening death) ensures a careful and considered approach to decision-making.

The deliberation to use palliative sedation can be framed in the area of the ethics of neuroscience, as the choice to go through with palliative sedation involves the use of clinical decision-making, neuroscience, and ethical considerations related to consciousness. [7] The scientific diagnoses and definitions on how consciousness is perceived and how medications affect consciousness highlights a neuroscientific aspect; the optimal clinical decision-making process involves contemplating this variable value of consciousness. This brings in the ethical dimension, as clinicians must navigate the complexities of respecting individual perspectives and values related to consciousness, which can be influenced by neuroscientific factors such as cognitive functioning, brain health, and subjective experiences.

In summary, the ethical considerations surrounding palliative sedation compel clinicians to navigate the nuances of moral responsibility, patient advocacy, and clinical judgment. In the absence of clear legal guidelines, clinicians bear the weight of deciding the appropriateness of palliative sedation, influencing both individual patient experiences and broader palliative care practices. The doctrine of double effect provides a valuable ethical framework, emphasizing intentionality and the delicate balance between relieving suffering and unintended consequences. Ultimately, a patient-centered approach is essential to make the best decisions possible while upholding the principles of beneficence and non-maleficence, ensuring that end-of-life care aligns with the values of each individual patient.

[1] American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. 2014. “Palliative Sedation | AAHPM.” Directed by AAHPM. 2023. https://aahpm.org/positions/palliative-sedation.

[2] Young et al. 2021. “The Neuroethics of Disorders of Consciousness: A Brief History of Evolving Ideas.” Brain 144 (11): 3291–3310. https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awab290.

[3] Maltoni et al. 2012. “Palliative Sedation in End-of-Life Care and Survival: A Systematic Review.” Journal of Clinical Oncology 30 (12): 1378–83. https://doi.org/10.1200/jco.2011.37.3795.

[4] Griffin, CE, 3rd et al. 2013. “Benzodiazepine Pharmacology and Central Nervous System-Mediated Effects.” PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23789008.

[5] Prommer, Eric. 2020. “Midazolam: An Essential Palliative Care Drug.” Palliative Care and Social Practice 14 (January): 263235241989552. https://doi.org/10.1177/2632352419895527.

[6] Takla et al. 2020. “A Conscious Choice: Is It Ethical to Aim for Unconsciousness at the End of Life?” Bioethics 35 (3): 284–91. https://doi.org/10.1111/bioe.12838.

[7] Roskies, Adina. 2002. “Neuroethics for the New Millenium.” Neuron 35 (1): 21–23. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0896-6273(02)00763-8.

First place winner of Voices in Bioethics' 2023 persuasive essay contest. 

Disclaimer: These essays are submissions for the 2023 essay contest and have not undergone peer review or editing.

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Writing a Personal Statement

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Preparing to Write

Brainstorming, don't forget, sample prompts.

A personal statement is a narrative essay that connects your background, experiences, and goals to the mission, requirements, and desired outcomes of the specific opportunity you are seeking. It is a critical component in the selection process, whether the essay is for a competitive internship, a graduate fellowship, or admittance to a graduate school program. It gives the selection committee the best opportunity to get to know you, how you think and make decisions, ways in which past experiences have been significant or formative, and how you envision your future. Personal statements can be varied in form; some are given a specific prompt, while others are less structured. However, in general a personal statement should answer the following questions:

  • Who are you?
  • What are your goals?
  • How does this specific program/opportunity help you achieve your goals?
  • What is in the future?

A personal statement is not:

  • A variation of your college admissions essay
  • An academic/research paper
  • A narrative version of your resume
  • A creative writing piece (it can be creative, though)
  • An essay about somebody else

Keep in mind that your statement is only a portion of the application and should be written with this in mind. Your entire application package will include some, possibly all, of the materials listed below. You will want to consider what these pieces of the application communicate about you. Your personal statement should aim to tie everything together and fill in or address any gaps. There will likely be some overlap but be sure not to be too repetitive.

  • Personal Statement(s)
  • Transcripts
  • Letters of recommendations
  • Sample of written work
  • Research proposal

Preparing to Write A large portion of your work towards completing a personal statement begins well before your first draft or even an outline. It is incredibly important to be sure you understand all of the rules and regulations around the statement. Things to consider before you begin writing:

  • How many prompts? And what are they? It is important to know the basics so you can get your ideas in order. Some programs will require a general statement of interest and a focused supplementary or secondary statement closely aligned with the institution's goals.
  • Are there formatting guidelines? Single or double spaced, margins, fonts, text sizes, etc. Our general guideline is to keep it simple.
  • How do I submit my statement(s)? If uploading a document we highly suggest using a PDF as it will minimize the chances of accidental changes to formatting. Some programs may event ask you to copy and paste into a text box.
  • When do I have to submit my statement(s)? Most are due at the time of application but some programs, especially medical schools, will ask for secondary statements a few months after you apply. In these instances be sure to complete them within two weeks, any longer is an indication that you aren't that interested in the institution.

Before you start writing, take some time to reflect on your experiences and motivations as they relate to the programs to which you are applying. This will offer you a chance to organize your thoughts which will make the writing process much easier. Below are a list of questions to help you get started:

  • What individuals, experiences or events have shaped your interest in this particular field?
  • What has influenced your decision to apply to graduate school?
  • How does this field align with your interests, strengths, and values?
  • What distinguishes you from other applicants?
  • What would you bring to this program/profession?
  • What has prepared you for graduate study in this field? Consider your classes at Wellesley, research and work experience, including internships, summer jobs and volunteer work.
  • Why are you interested in this particular institution or degree program?
  • How is this program distinct from others?
  • What do you hope to gain?
  • What is motivating you to seek an advanced degree now?
  • Where do you see yourself headed and how will this degree program help you get there?

For those applying to Medical School, if you need a committee letter for your application and are using the Medical Professions Advisory Committee you have already done a lot of heavy lifting through the 2017-2018 Applicant Information Form . Even if you aren't using MPAC the applicant information form is a great place to start.

Another great place to start is through talking out your ideas. You have a number of options both on and off campus, such as: Career Education advisors and mentors ( you can set up an appointment here ), major advisor, family, friends. If you are applying to a graduate program it is especially important to talk with a faculty member in the field. Remember to take good notes so you can refer to them later.

When you begin writing keep in mind that your essay is one of many in the application pool. This is not to say you should exaggerate your experiences to “stand out” but that you should focus on clear, concise writing. Also keep in mind that the readers are considering you not just as a potential student but a future colleague. Be sure to show them examples and experiences which demonstrate you are ready to begin their program.

It is important to remember that your personal statement will take time and energy to complete, so plan accordingly. Every application and statement should be seen as different from one another, even if they are all the same type of program. Each institution may teach you the same material but their delivery or focus will be slightly different.

In addition, remember:

  • Be yourself: You aren’t good at being someone else
  • Tragedy is not a requirement, reflection and depth are
  • Research the institution or organization
  • Proofread, proofread, proofread
  • How to have your personal statement reviewed

The prompts below are from actual applications to a several types of programs. As you will notice many of them are VERY general in nature. This is why it is so important to do your research and reflect on your motivations. Although the prompts are similar in nature the resulting statements would be very different depending on the discipline and type of program, as well as your particular background and reasons for wanting to pursue this graduate degree.

  • This statement should illustrate your academic background and experiences and explain why you would excel in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (UMass Amherst - M.S. in Civil Engineering).
  • Describe your academic and career objectives and how the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies can help you achieve them. Include other considerations that explain why you seek admissions to the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies and your interests in the environmental field (Yale - Master of Environmental Management).  
  • Please discuss your academic interests and goals. Include your current professional and research interests, as well as your long-range professional objectives. Please be as specific as possible about how your objectives can be met at Clark and do not exceed 800 words (Clark University - M.A. in International Development and Social Change).
  • Write a 500- to 700-word statement that describes your work or research. Discuss how you came to focus on the medium, body of work, or academic area you wish to pursue at the graduate level. Also discuss future directions or goals for your work, and describe how the Master of Fine Arts in Studio (Printmedia) is particularly suited to your professional goals (School of the Art Institute of Chicago - MFA in Studio, Printmaking).
  • Your statement should explain why you want to study economics at the graduate level. The statement is particularly important if there is something unusual about your background and preparation that you would like us to know about you (University of Texas at Austin - Ph.D in Economics).
  • Your personal goal statement is an important part of the review process for our faculty members as they consider your application. They want to know about your background, work experience, plans for graduate study and professional career, qualifications that make you a strong candidate for the program, and any other relevant information (Indiana University Bloomington - M.S.Ed. in Secondary Education).
  • Your autobiographical essay/personal statement is a narrative that outlines significant experiences in your life, including childhood experiences, study and work, your strengths and aspirations in the field of architecture, and why you want to come to the University of Oregon (University of Oregon - Master of Architecture).
  • Personal history and diversity statement, in which you describe how your personal background informs your decision to pursue a graduate degree. You may refer to any educational, familial, cultural, economic or social experiences, challenges, community service, outreach activities, residency and citizenship, first-generation college status, or opportunities relevant to your academic journey; how your life experiences contribute to the social, intellectual or cultural diversity within a campus community and your chosen field; or how you might serve educationally underrepresented and underserved segments of society with your graduate education (U.C. Davis - M.A. in Linguistics).
  • A Personal Statement specifying your past experiences, reasons for applying, and your areas of interest. It should explain your intellectual and personal goals, why you are interested in pursuing an interdisciplinary degree rather than a more traditional disciplinary one, and how this degree fits into your intellectual and personal future (Rutgers University - Ph.D in Women’s and Gender Studies).
  • Your application requires a written statement to uploaded into your application and is a critical component of your application for admission. This is your opportunity to tell us what excites you about the field of library and information science, and what problems you want to help solve in this field. Please also tell us how your prior experiences have prepared you for this next step toward your career goals and how this program will help you achieve them (University of North Carolina Chapel Hill - Master of Science in Library Science).
  • After watching the video, please describe what strengths and preferences as a learner you have that will facilitate your success in this innovative curriculum. What challenges in our curriculum do you anticipate and what strategies might you use to address these challenges? (MGH Institute of Health Professions PT - They recently redesigned their curriculum)
  • Your personal goal statement should briefly describe how you view the future of the field, what your goals are to be part of that future, and what brought you to pursue an advanced education degree in your chosen field. You may include any other information that you feel might be useful. (Northeastern PT)
  • Personal Statement: In 500 words or less, describe a meaningful educational experience that affected your professional goals and growth and explain how it impacted you. The educational experience does not need to be related to this degree. Focus on the educational experience and not why you think you would be a good professional in this field. (Simmons PT)
  • Personal Statement (500 word minimum): State your reasons for seeking admission to this program at this institution. Include your professional goals, why you want to pursue a career in this field and how admission to this program will assist you in accomplishing those goals. (Regis College Nursing)
  • “Use the space provided to explain why you want to go to this type of program.” (AMCAS)
  • Address the following three questions(Though there is no set limit, most statements are 1–2 pages, single-spaced.): What are your reasons for pursuing this degree? Why do you wish to pursue your degree at this institution? How do you intend to leverage your degree in a career of this field? (Boston University MPH)
  • Please submit a personal statement/statement of purpose of no more than 500 words for the department/degree of choice. Professional degree essays require a clear understanding of the _______ field and how you hope to work within the field. Be sure to proofread your personal statement carefully for spelling and grammar. In your statement, be sure to address the following: what interests you in the field of _____ what interests you in a specific degree program and department at this institution and what interests you in a particular certificate (if applicable). Please also describe how you hope to use your ________ training to help you achieve your career goals. (Columbia PhD in Public Health - Epidemiology)
  • Because each Home Program requires significant original research activities in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree, we are interested in obtaining as much information as possible about your previous research experiences. Those who already have such experience are in a better position to know whether they are truly interested in performing ______ research as part of a graduate program. Please include specific information about your research experience in your Statement of Purpose. You may also use the Statement to amplify your comments about your choice of Home Program(s), and how your past experiences and current interests are related to your choice. Personal Statements should not exceed two pages in length (single spaced). Make sure to set your computer to Western European or other English-language setting. We cannot guarantee the ability to access your statement if it is submitted in other fonts. (Stanford Biosciences PhD)
  • Your statement of purpose should describe succinctly your reasons for applying to the Department of ____ at ___ University. It would be helpful to include what you have done to prepare for this degree program. Please describe your research interests, past research experience, future career plans and other details of your background and interests that will allow us to evaluate your ability to thrive in our program. If you have interests that align with a specific faculty member, you may state this in your application. Your statement of purpose should not exceed two pages in length (single spaced). (Stanford Bioengineering PhD)
  • Statement of purpose (Up to one page or 1,000 words): Rather than a research proposal, you should provide a statement of purpose. Your statement should be written in English and explain your motivation for applying for the course at this institution and your relevant experience and education. Please provide an indication of the area of your proposed research and supervisor(s) in your statement. This will be assessed for the coherence of the statement; evidence of motivation for and understanding of the proposed area of study; the ability to present a reasoned case in English; and commitment to the subject. (Oxford Inorganic Chemistry - DPhil)

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ORIGINAL RESEARCH article

This article is part of the research topic.

Embedding Current Trends and Innovative Pedagogies in Education in Oral Health: Advancing Educational Practices and Research

Assessing the Assessors: Investigating the Process of Marking Essays Provisionally Accepted

  • 1 King's College London, United Kingdom
  • 2 California State University, Chico, United States

The final, formatted version of the article will be published soon.

Pressure for accountability, transparency, and consistency of the assessment process is increasing. For assessing complex cognitive achievements, essays are probably the most familiar method, but essay scoring is notoriously unreliable. To address issues of assessment reliability, accountability, and consistency, the purpose of this study is to explore essay marking practice amongst examiners in a UK dental school using a qualitative approach. Think aloud interviews were used to gain insight into how examiners make judgements whilst engaged in marking essays. The issues were multifactorial. These interviews revealed differing interpretations of assessment and corresponding individualised practices which contributed to skewing the outcome when essays were marked. Common to all examiners was the tendency to rank essays rather than adhere to criterion-referencing. Whether examiners mark holistically or analytically, essay marking guides presented a problem to inexperienced examiners, who needed more guidance and seemed reluctant to make definitive judgements. The marking and re-marking of scripts revealed that only 1 of the 9 examiners achieved the same grade category. All examiners awarded different scores corresponding to at least one grade difference; the magnitude of the difference was unrelated to experience examining.This study concludes that in order to improve assessment, there needs to be a shared understanding of standards and of how criteria are to be used for the benefit of staff and students.

Keywords: assessment, Marking Practice, criteria, Grading, Holistic marking

Received: 04 Aug 2023; Accepted: 12 Mar 2024.

Copyright: © 2024 HASAN and Jones. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY) . The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

* Correspondence: Dr. ADAM HASAN, King's College London, London, United Kingdom

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7.4: 4. Process Essay Sample

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Take a look at the following student essay, which describes a process. Note the different tools the writer uses (Specific details; definition of terms; reasons; don’ts; possible pitfalls. It might be a good idea to actually print a copy of the essay and highlight the different process techniques used to develop each paragraph and to identify which pattern of development is used. Do you think you could rewrite this using one of the other two patterns we discussed?

Acine De Pe Pe Fruit Salad

Acine De Pe Pe Fruit Salad, a unique fruit salad sure to get you hooked after the first bite. This recipe has been passed down to me from previous generations in my family. The kids always request that I make this to bring to holiday or family gatherings because they can’t get enough of it! Even though this salad does take two days to make, the amount of time spent each day is minimal and worth the time spent preparing it. You will want to start the salad the day before you will be serving it.

The first thing that you will need to do is to go the grocery store to purchase the ingredients that you will need. Since this recipe has to be done in precise steps, if you forget an ingredient you cannot just buy it later and add it in, therefore, be sure to bring your shopping list of all ingredients with you to the grocery store. The list of ingredients you will need is:

·         ½ box Acine De Pe Pe

Note:  These are small macaroni ball looking pasta – similar consistency to tapioca. You can find the box in aisle with spaghetti and other pasta. I have found that not every store carries the Acine De Pe Pe pasta, so you may have to visit a couple of grocery stores before you find it.

·         20 oz. can of Crushed Pineapple

·         16 oz. can of Mandarin Oranges

·         1 lg. container of Cool Whip

·         16 oz. jar of Maraschino Cherries

·         ¾ cup of Sugar

·         2 Eggs

·         4 tsp. of Flour

Once you have all of these ingredients, it is time start to prepare the salad. You will need a  5 quart pasta pan to boil the Acine De Pe Pe noodles in; a medium saucepan to mix ingredients together and boil ingredients to create your  sauce mix; a large mixing bowl to mix ingredients together; a wooden spoon  to mix ingredients together; a strainer to drain the crushed pineapple and mandarin oranges into your                                                       saucepan and also to drain and cool your pasta in once cooked; a can opener to open the cans of crushed pineapple and mandarin oranges; a paring knife to chop the mandarin oranges and maraschino cherries;  tin foil or plastic wrap to cover the bowl before putting into the refrigerator to sit overnight; and, a cutting board to chop the mandarin oranges and maraschino cherries on. One you have gotten all the above out on your countertop, you are ready to prepare the salad.

On the first day of preparation you will start out by filling your 5 quart pasta pan ½ way with hot water, put on the stove and bring to a boil on medium heat. Once the water is boiling, add ½ a box of Acine De Pe Pe macaroni balls and stir. Boil on medium for approximately 11-13 minutes. Remove from stove, drain by pouring into strainer over the sink. Let sit and cool while you are preparing the other steps. These noodles are very tiny, so you may see quite a few fall through the holes in the strainer. To prevent this, I usually put two strainers together, one inside the other.

While your noodles are cooling, use the can opener to open and drain 1 (20 oz.) can of crushed pineapple and 1 (16 oz.) can of mandarin oranges. Drain the juice from both the pineapple and the mandarin orange cans into the medium size saucepan on the stove. I usually like to use two cans of mandarin oranges as I like extra fruit in my salad, this is a personal preference. You will then add 2 eggs, ¾ cups of sugar, and 4 tsp. of flour to the juice in the sauce pan. Stir all the ingredients together with your wooden spoon. Cook on medium heat until it starts to bubble a little bit. Stir every every couple of minutes or so until it starts to thicken. The consistency that you are looking for is not too watery, but not as thick as pudding. Once it gets to this consistency, set aside to cool. It is very important not to add too much flour. At first the mixture seems very watery and seems like it will never thicken up, but it will if you stick to the 4 tsp. of flour. If, for some reason, you find it is not thickening up, you can add one or two extra teaspoons of flour, a little at a time.

While the sauce is cooling, place your cutting board on the counter, place your mandarin oranges on it and cut each slice of orange in half with your paring knife and then pour into your large mixing bowl.

Pour your crushed pineapple into the mixing bowl along with the mandarin oranges and stir together with your wooden spoon. Once your Acine De Pe Pe macaroni noodles are cooled, pour them into the large mixing bowl along with the crushed pineapple and mandarin oranges and mix with your wooden spoon.

Once the sauce is in your medium sized saucepan is cooled, pour over the Acine De Pe Pe macaroni noodles, crushed pineapple and mandarin oranges in your large mixing bowl. Mix together with your wooden spoon. Cover the bowl with either tin foil or plastic wrap and place in your refrigerator overnight. Even though this does not look like a large portion in your bowl right now, the noodles will

expand in size overnight in the liquid.

The next morning, take the mixing bowl out of the refrigerator and place on the countertop. Take the Cool Whip and the jar of maraschino cherries out and place on the countertop. Drain the jar of maraschino cherries and take the stems off of them. You will need your cutting board and paring knife to cut the maraschino cherries each in half. Pour all of the maraschino cherries, except 8 halves into your mixture in the large mixing bowl and stir with your wooden spoon. Stir all of the Cool Whip, except ½ cup, into the mixture in the large mixing bowl. Mix well. You can adjust the amount of Cool Whip accordingly, depending on how sweet you prefer. I use according to the recipe (if not more) as I like it sweet.

You can now transfer your salad in to a fancy bowl that you are going to want to serve it in on your dinner table and flatten out the mixture with your wooden spoon. Clean off your wooden spoon so that you can place the remaining Cool Whip on the top of the salad and smooth out over the whole surface, just enough to coat the top of the salad. You will then add the remaining maraschino cherry halves creatively on top of the cool whip to make it look pretty. I usually place them in a circle with about ½ inch in between each of the maraschino cherry halves. Put the salad back in to the refrigerator until you are ready to eat it at your meal.

Congratulations, you have now created a masterpiece sure to please all that sit at your dinner table!  Home There are varying opinions on whether this salad is a dessert or part of a meal, we will let you decide after your first bite!

  • Authored by : Jeff Meyers. Provided by : Clinton Community College. License : CC BY: Attribution

process essay defined

Green Chemistry

Microwave assisted batch and continuous flow suzuki-miyaura reaction in gvl using pd/pine biowaste-derived heterogeneous catalyst..

Aiming at the definition of alternative and low-impact synthetic pathways, we herein reported the exploitation and the simultaneous employment of different tools to improve the overall sustainability of Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling process with a circular economy approach. We combined the use of our biowaste-derived heterogeneous catalyst Pd/PiNe in biomass-derived reaction medium defining, to the best of our knowledge, the first SM process in γ-valerolactone. Microwave irradiation technology highly enhanced the energy efficiency allowing the synthesis of different biphenyls reducing the reaction time. In addition, the good efficiency and selectivity of the SM reaction led to a further optimization of the work-up procedure, minimising the waste generation and the E-factor values associated to the process (3.2-9.4). The optimized conditions well tolerated the presence of free carboxylic acid group accessing the step-economical preparation of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesic Febufen in quantitative yield. Finally, the scale-up of the MW assisted process was performed in synergy with the optimization of continuous flow protocol and representatively finalized in the waste minimized synthesis of Fenbufen.

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process essay defined

M. Ciani, L. Vaccaro, F. Valentini, B. Di Erasmo, S. Chen and Y. Gu, Green Chem. , 2024, Accepted Manuscript , DOI: 10.1039/D4GC00497C

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  1. Process Essay

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COMMENTS

  1. Definition, Topics, Process Essay Examples| EssayPro Blog

    Simply send us your paper requirements, choose your paper writer and we'll get it done fast. A process paper is characterized, first of all, by explaining a process using a description. Some words that are frequently used in process essays are "further", "then", "next", "first", "last", "finally", and "initially".

  2. Process Essay

    A process essay gives reader a sense of complete how-to-do process of making or creating some objects or things. Readers, after going through the essay, are able to create and make things. Although it is not like imperative instructions, it gives full details in a descriptive or prescriptive mode. It is because its major objective is not to ...

  3. Process Essay

    Process Essay. Process is a rhetorical style that provides step-by-step directions or guidance. You may encounter quite a few process essays of various types in academic writing—everything from a traditional process essay in which you choose a topic and describe the process to a lab report in which you describe the process of conducting a lab ...

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    Process essay definition. A process essay shows and explains how something works or how to do something. It can be about a specific task (like skinning a muskrat or planting begonias) or a more abstract topic (such as building self-esteem or coping with the loss of a loved one).

  5. Definition and Tips on Writing an Effective Process Essay

    A process essay is commonly written either to explain how something works or to guide a reader through the process of completing a particular task, states the process essay definition. Process essays also go under the "How-to articles" title and aim to teach the target audience how to achieve certain goals or complete specific assignments ...

  6. PDF Process Essay

    Define unfamiliar terms or materials that may not be clear to the reader. Remember: The process essay is writing that explains how to do something or how something works by giving a step-by-step explanation. There are three keys to a process essay: present the essential steps in the process, explain the steps in detail, and present the

  7. How to Write a Process Essay: 15 Steps (with Pictures)

    2. Make a list of the materials needed. Go through the process from start to finish and write down every single item that someone would need to complete the task. Include everything from the common to the unusual. Then, keep the list by you as you write and check off each item as you mention it.

  8. 7.2: 2. The Process Essay

    Process Writing. 7.2: 2. The Process Essay. 7.2: 2. The Process Essay. Now that you have completed the narrative essay, we are going to move on to "expository" writing. The rest of the essays you write will "explain" a topic. You will provide your reader with a specific thesis and then support that thesis through a series of related ...

  9. Learning Guides: Writing Academic Essays: Process Essay

    So, when writing a process essay on caramel it is equally important to define swirling and to caution against stirring. Process Paragraph and Process Essay (3:39) Transitions. Since a process essay is a series of instructions, transition words are an important component. Transitions establish connections between ideas. They can be a single word ...

  10. 4.8: Process Essays

    Writing a Process Essay. Choose a topic that is interesting, is relatively complex, and can be explained in a series of steps. As with other rhetorical writing modes, it is best to choose a process that you know well so that you can more easily describe the finer details about each step in the process.

  11. 2. The Process Essay

    The Process Essay | English Composition. 2. The Process Essay. Now that you have completed the narrative essay, we are going to move on to "expository" writing. The rest of the essays you write will "explain" a topic. You will provide your reader with a specific thesis and then support that thesis through a series of related paragraphs ...

  12. Comprehensive Process (How-to) Essay Guide

    Definition. A process essay, also known as a "how-to" essay, is a type of expository writing that provides clear and detailed instructions on how to accomplish a particular task or how something functions. The task or function could be anything from a simple daily routine like making coffee to a more complex procedure like replacing a car ...

  13. Process Essay Examples: Step-by-Step Guide and Samples

    Understanding a Process Essay: Definition and Purpose Body Paragraphs. The body paragraphs of a process essay provide the detailed steps and instructions for the process. Each step should be explained clearly and logically, using appropriate transition words to maintain the flow of the essay. It is important to provide specific examples and ...

  14. 3.4: Process Essay

    The purpose of a process essay is to explain how to do something (directional) or how something works (informative). In either case, the formula for a process essay remains the same. The process is articulated into clear, definitive steps. Almost everything we do involves following a step-by-step process.

  15. How to Write a Process Essay: A Complete, Step-by-Step Guide

    As a guide on doing something, most probably for the first time, a process essay should be easy to follow and understand. Use simple language with clear directions on how to perform all the processes. The choice of words and the construction of sentences must meet the reader's understanding. 2. Choose the Right Topic.

  16. How To Write A Process Essay: Essay Outline, Tips, Topics and Essay

    Definition. A process essay is a typical "how-to" paper that describes some process or workflow, hence the name. The primary idea behind this type of essay is to give a step-by-step explanation of a process that leads to a planned or expected outcome. The paper may revolve around a concrete or precise and an abstract process.

  17. Process Essay definition and example literary device

    Definition of Process Essay. As the name suggests, this type of essay explains a process of making or breaking something. These essays are often written in chronological order, or in numerical order to show step-by-step processes. They are written in descriptive or prescriptive modes. Although it is not a technical communication, it sounds like ...

  18. Process Analysis Essay

    Here is a step-by-step process of writing a process analysis essay. Step 1. Choose a Topic. When you are choosing an essay topic, do not rush to make a final decision. Take your time to decide which topic suits your needs best. Try to rationalize your choice by keeping the following tips in mind:

  19. How to Write a Process Essay: Everything You Need to Know

    What Is a Process Essay: Definition. Before learning how to write a process paper of A level, it is critical to define the term. A process essay refers to the type of academic writing which contains a detailed description of the particular process in the shape of the step-by-step guide. This form of essay is popular in business & technical writing.

  20. Process Essays

    A process essay is written to teach the reader how to do something (e.g., how to break a bad habit). This essay should describe any steps that are necessary in order to complete the process. Process Essay Example 1 Process Essay Example 2 Prewriting Writing Skill: Unity Revising Revise A Process Essay Timed Writing (Choose a Position ...

  21. Process Analysis Essay: Topics, Outline and Examples

    An informational process analysis essay describes a topic to the reader (for example, how an aircraft engine functions). A process essay may be written in three easy steps: Split the task. The workflow should be broken down into simple, well-defined phases that generally maintain a temporal sequence and have a clear objective.

  22. The Writing Process

    Table of contents. Step 1: Prewriting. Step 2: Planning and outlining. Step 3: Writing a first draft. Step 4: Redrafting and revising. Step 5: Editing and proofreading. Other interesting articles. Frequently asked questions about the writing process.

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    Palliative sedation is defined as the intentional lowering of awareness towards, and including, unconsciousness for patients with severe and refractory symptoms. [1] While assisted suicide remains embroiled in legal debates, palliative sedation emerges as a legally sanctioned alternative, thereby burdening medical practitioners with a moral ...

  24. Writing a Personal Statement

    A personal statement is a narrative essay that connects your background, experiences, and goals to the mission, requirements, and desired outcomes of the specific opportunity you are seeking. It is a critical component in the selection process, whether the essay is for a competitive internship, a graduate fellowship, or admittance to a graduate school program.

  25. Assessing the Assessors: Investigating the Process of Marking Essays

    Pressure for accountability, transparency, and consistency of the assessment process is increasing. For assessing complex cognitive achievements, essays are probably the most familiar method, but essay scoring is notoriously unreliable. To address issues of assessment reliability, accountability, and consistency, the purpose of this study is to explore essay marking practice amongst examiners ...

  26. 7.4: 4. Process Essay Sample

    Take a look at the following student essay, which describes a process. Note the different tools the writer uses (Specific details; definition of terms; reasons; don'ts; possible pitfalls. It might be a good idea to actually print a copy of the essay and highlight the different process techniques used to develop each paragraph and to identify ...

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  28. Microwave assisted batch and continuous flow Suzuki-Miyaura reaction in

    Aiming at the definition of alternative and low-impact synthetic pathways, we herein reported the exploitation and the simultaneous employment of different tools to improve the overall sustainability of Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling process with a circular economy approach. We combined the use of our biowast