Process Paragraphs

Organization

Time Order

Time Order Signals

Sentence Structure

Clauses

Complex Sentences

Review

Writing Assignment

94
 Chapter 6 I Process Paragraphs 95

Organization

I n a process paragraph, you explain how to make or do something, so process

paragraphs are also called how-to paragraphs. To explain how to do somethjng clearly,
break the process down into a series of steps and explajn each step.
The model paragraph explains the process of building a campfire. As you read it,
count the number of steps. Also, notice the words and phrases that introduce each step.

MODEL How to Build a One-Match Campfire

Process
1 Building a campfire that you can light with one match is simple if you follow
Paragraph
these easy steps. 2The first step is to prepare a safe place for your campfire.
3Ciear an area on the ground at least 3 feet wide, and put a circle of stones
around it. 4 Second, gather fuel. 5You will need several sizes of fuel: small twigs,
medium sticks, and large sticks. 6The next step is to build a tepee.' 7Put a
handful of twigs in a small
pile, and use the small
tepee cabin
sticks to build a small
tepee over the pile.
8Leave spaces large
enough to drop a lighted
match through. 9Next,
build a cabin2 around the
tepee using the medium
sticks. 1°Fifth, place two
large pieces of wood on either side of the cabin, and lay two or three long sticks
on top to make a loose roof. 11The last step is to light a match and drop it
through a space in the tepee. 12Soon you will enjoy the warmth of a nice fire,
and your friends will admire your skill at lighting a campfire with only one match!

Questions on the Model

1. Underline the topic sentence. What words tell the reader that the paragraph
will explain a process?
2. How many steps are there?
3 . Does the concluding sentence summarize the steps, or does it restate the
topic sentence in different words?

1
tepee: cone-shaped "house" used by some Native Americans
2cabin: small house made of wood
96 Part 1 I The Paragraph

A process paragraph begins with a topic sentence that names the topic and tells the
reader to look for a process or procedure. Use words such as steps, procedure ,
directions, suggestions, and instructions.
You can teach your dog to fetch1 in a very short time by following this
procedure.

Making a pizza is easy if you follow these instructions.

Follow these steps to throw a Frisbee2 accurately.

The supporting sentences are the steps and details about each step.
When your dog brings back the stick, praise him extravagantly.

The first step is to gather the ingredients you will need.

First, grip the edge of the Frisbee with all your fingers wrapped underneath
the edge and your thumb along the top.

The concluding sentence can be the last step, or it can give the results.
At the end of the lesson, give your dog a nice treat for a job well done.

Now sit down and enjoy your delicious pizza.

Finally, make sure the Frisbee stays level while you throw.

PRA.CT1CE 1 Work with a partner or with a small group. Write a topic sentence for four of the
following topics. You may want to use one of these topics for your paragraph at
Topic Sentences
for Process
the end of this chapter.
Paragraphs how to register for classes at your school
how to meet people in a new place
how to get the job of your dreams
how to prepare for a job interview
how to live on a tight budget
how to make ceviche, sushi, satay, egg rolls, dulce de leche, or any dish
popular in your culture
how to make a pinata, a confetti egg, a decorated egg, a May basket, a paper
flower, or any craft item
how to change the oil in a car, change a flat tire, build a kite, catch a fish or
a crab, or any other skiD

1fetch: go after an object such as a stick or ball and bring it back

2Frisbee: piece of plastic shaped like a plate that you throw to someone else as a game
 Chapter 6 I Process Paragraphs 97

Time Order In a process paragraph, you arrange the steps in order by time and use time order
signals to guide your reader from step to step.
You are already familiar with time order signals from Chapter 2. Here are others:

Time Order Signals

Sentence Connectors Others

1. First, (Second, etc.) 2. The first step . . . (no comma)

Then (no comma) The next step . . . (no comma)
Now (no comma) The final step . . . (no comma)
Next,
3. After five minutes,
Finally,
After that, 4. After you take the pizza out of the oven,
Meanwhile,

1. First, preheat the oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.

Then prepare the pizza sauce.
2. The next step is to mix the pizza dough.
3. After five minutes, check the pizza.
4. After you take the pizza out of the oven, cut it into 8 pieces.

Notice that you can also use time clauses to show time order, as in example 4 above.
Learn about time clauses in the Sentence Structure section on pages 99- 1 04 of this
chapter.

[Link] 2
A. Turn back to the model on page 95 . Draw a circle around all the time order
signals you find.
Time Order
Signals
B. Complete the paragraph with the time order signals and add commas if
necessary: Use each signal once. Use these time order signals: Finally, The
third step, To sum up, Second, The first step .

Choosing Classes

Choosing the right classes each semester can be stressful, but you can
reduce your stress by following these steps. (1) is to
. ......

become familiar with the graduation requirements for your major. Do not
depend on others to give you correct information. Instead, study the pages in
the college bulletin3 dealing with your major and memorize the requirements.
(2) _______ plan, plan, plan. Write out a program for each
(continued on next page)

3college bulletin: publication that contains important information for students

98 Part 1 I The Paragraph

semester to make sure you have all the courses you need for graduation. Be
aware that some classes have prerequisites - classes you must pass before you
can register for them. (3) _______ is to talk with as many older
students as you can. Ask them which courses are good and which ones are not.
Don't waste your time and money on bad classes. (4) _________

register each semester as soon as you can. Waiting even an hour may mean
that the classes you want or need are filled. (5) _______ plan
ahead to avoid missing any required classes, to avoid bad classes, and to
graduate on time.

C. The following sets of sentences are not in con·ect time order. Number the
sentences ( 1 , 2, 3, and so on) in the conect order.

1. How to Make Ice Cream in a Bag

4 l4f Seal the gallon bag securely.

--r:;- ·
open the bags, grab a spoon, and enjoy your ice cream!

'
) 1t/a1-
_ Gently rock the gallon bag from side to side for ten to fifteen minutes
or until the contents of the quart bag have turned into ice cream.
_'Zr _ Put � cup of heavy cream, � cup of milk, � cup of sugar, and
X teaspoon of vanilla into a quart-size sealable plastic bag.
r
__ l? Close the quart-size bag and seal it tightly.
_3_ _ Put 2 cups of ice and � to 1.; cup of salt into a gallon-size sealable
plastic bag.
I Surprise your friends on your next camping trip by making ice cream
-:;.
___

in a plastic bag.
__ · Place the sealed quart bag inside the gallon bag of ice and salt.

2. How to Find a Book in the Library

---;,.. _ Find the computers that contain the library ' s catalogs.
<) Locate the books on the library shelves by their call numbers.
f) __ S Be prepared to show your library card at the checkout desk.
__ _
I I n the age of computers, finding a book i n a library has become
very easy.
_1_ I n the book catalog, type the topic you are seeking information about
in the space labeled "Subject."
A
___ '11 There are two catalogs: one for books and one for periodicals
/J:: (magazines, newspapers, and so on).
_:_]__ Write down the title and call number of each book that you want.
� Scroll through the entries for the books that are displayed on the
9, CA. , computer screen, and determine which ones seem the most relevant.
0
__ J Take the books to the checkout desk.
 Chapter 6 I Process Paragraphs 99

Try 1t Out! Write each group of sentences from the preceding exercise as a paragraph. Make
your paragraphs flow smoothly by adding time order signal words or phrases at the
beginning of some of the sentences.

Sentence Structure

MODEL How to Give the Cat a Pill

Clauses and
1Giving a pill to a cat is a process that requires
Complex
Sentences creativity and determination.• 2The first step is to pick
the cat up and hold it in your left arm like a baby. 3With
your left thumb and forefinger,2 gently squeeze the eat's
cheeks open. 4As soon as the cat opens its mouth,
put in the pill. 5AIIow the cat to close its mouth and
swallow. 6Next, retrieve3 the pill from the floor and the
cat from behind the sofa. 7The second step is to repeat
the first step. 8This time, however, hold the eat's mouth
closed while you count to ten. 9Then retrieve the pill
from the goldfish bowl and the cat from behind the washing machine. 10The
third step is to call a neighbor for help. 11When the neighbor arrives, ask him to
hold the eat's body firmly between his knees and its head between his hands.
12Then force open the eat's mouth with a wooden stick and push in the pill.
13After that, retrieve the cat from the curtain rod, make a note to repair the
curtains, and bandage your neighbor's hands. 14Now get a new pill for a final
attempt. 15Tie the eat's four paws4 together with strong rope, and tie the cat
securely to the leg of the dining table. 16After you put on heavy-duty gloves,
hide the pill in a large piece of fish, push it into the eat's mouth, and pour in a
quart of water to wash it all down. 170n your way home from the emergency
room (where the doctor sewed up your bleeding arm), order a new dining table
and call the SPCN to come get the cat.

1 determination: trying to do something even though it is difficult

2forefinger: finger next to the thumb
3retrieve: find something and bring it back
4paws: feet of some animals, such as cats and dogs
5SPCA: Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, an organization that takes unwanted pets
100 Part I I The Paragraph

Questions on the Model

1 . Look at sentence 3 . What is the verb? What kind of sentence is it-simple
or compound? (Note: This sentence is a command. In commands, we
understand that the subject is you, but you i s not expressed.)
2. Find other simple sentences that are commands. How many can you find?
3 . Look at sentence 8. How many SV combinations does it contain? What
word connects them?

In previous chapters, you learned about simple sentences and compound sentences. In
this chapter, you will study a third kind of sentence, called a complex sentence.

Clauses First, let's learn about clauses. A clause is a group of word that contains at least one
subject and one verb.
CLAusEs Anna left the party early.
. . . because she was tired

There are two kinds of clauses in English: independent and dependent. An

independent clause can be a sentence by itself. Independent clause is another name
for simple sentence.
INDEPENDENT CLAUSES Anna left the party early.
Hold the eat's mouth closed.

A dependent clause, in contrast, cannot be a sentence by itself because its meaning

is not complete. A dependent clause "depends" on something else to complete its
meaning .
DEPENDENT CLAUSES . . . because she was tired
. . . while you count to ten

Complex
Sentences A complex sentence is a combination of one independent clause and one (or
more) dependent clause(s) .
.--- INDEP. [Link] ----, ,-- DEP. [Link]---,
Anna left the party early because she was tired .
.----- INOEP. [Link] r-- DEP. CLAUSE---,
Hold the eat's mouth closed while you count to ten.
 Chapter 6 I Process Paragraphs 101

Usually, the clauses can be in any order. However, the punctuation is different.

Comma Rule
In a complex sentence, when the dependent clause comes first, separate the
clauses with a comma. When the independent clause comes first, do not
separate them.
Because she was tired, Anna left the party early.

Anna left the party early because she was tired.

A dependent clause always begins with a subordinating word, or subordinator.

There are different kinds of subordinators. Time subordinators begin a clause that
tells when something happens. Reason subordinators begin a clause that tells why
something happens. Place subordinators begin a clause that tells where something
happens or where something is located.

Subordinators

Time Subordinators

after He goes to school after he finishes work.

as* Several overcrowded buses passed as we were waiting.
as soon as She felt better as soon as she took the medicine.
before Before you apply to college, you have to take an entrance exam.
since It has been a year since I left home.
until We can't leave the room until everyone has finished the test.
when When you start college, you sometimes have to take a placement test.
whenever Whenever I don't sleep well, I feel sick the next day.
while Several overcrowded buses passed while they were waiting.

Reason Subordinators

because Jack excels at sports because he trains hard.

since Since she works out daily, Jill is in great condition.
as* As they want to compete in a marathon, they run every day.

Place Subordinators

where I can never remember where I put my house keys.

wherever A baby animal follows its mother wherever she goes.

*Notice that as can be either a time subordinator or a reason subordinator.

102 Part 1 I The Paragraph

PRA.CT1CE 3 A. Find and underline three complex sentences with time clauses in the model
paragraph "How to Give the Cat a Pil l ," on page 99.
Complex
Sentences
B. Identify the parts of the following complex sentence.
Step 1 Underline independent clauses with a solid line and dependent clauses
with a broken line.

Step 2 Circle the subordinators.

Step 3 Add a comma if necessary.

Note: Two sentences have two dependent clauses.

enence
weightlessness.

2 . Astronauts often feel seasick when they first ex erience weightlessness.

\;L
3. Astronauts must exercise on special machines while they are orbiting
Earth in their spacecraft . L

.1
� Wh
-en Russian cosmonauts exited their spacecraft ,they had to
the first -
'';)C ./ -
be carried because they could not walk.
-., __
5 . The students were silent as the teacher handed out the test.
·"

6 . The students worked on the test problems until the teacher told them
to stop. \

�
7 . vAs soon §S the teacher told them to stop writing tpey put down their
pencils.

8Wter the teacher collected the tests she dismissed the class.
--
\ )- .
..-.. 9:. Jiefore she leftJ she promised to post their scor�s1 where students could
view them� C. }C

1 0 . -2infe noise can change the heart rate and increase blood pressure i--
t is
..._
....�
harmful to the body. '' <. t
......

11. Loud noise is especially harmful as it damages the ear drums.

I l 0
1 2 . Rock musicians and construction workers can lose their nearing because
they are exposed to loud noise over long periods of time. r

C . Combine an independent clause from Column A with a dependent clause

from Column B to make a complex sentence. Then write the sentences on
a separate piece of paper in order as a paragraph. Punctuate each sentence
con·ectly.

1 post their scores: put a list of scores in a place where students can see them-on a bulletin board or o n
a web site, for example
 Chapter 6 I Process Paragraphs 103

In a book about animal morality, the author tells the following story.

A
t . during World War II, a British
soldier got caught in a tree
'----( B
. while he hung helplessly in the
trees
2 . the monkey continued to bring . after he had parachuted into the
him fruit
3. the soldier finally succeeded in
freeing himself
r
"'
jungles of Sumatra, Indonesia
c . after twelve days had passed
d . because i t seemed to understand
4. however: he still had a problem / the problem and to want to help
5. a wild monkey brought him "' e . as h e had n o way t o contact his
bananas and other fruit every da/ comTades

I D. Write six complex sentences of your own. Use a different subordinator in each
sentence. Write three sentences with the dependent clause first, and three
sentences with the independent clause first.

Try 1t Out! Work with a partner on this exercise.

Step 1 Combine the sentences in each group of sentences on the following

page into one sentence. There is more than one way to combine some
of them.

Step 2 Then write the sentences on a separate piece of paper as a connected

paragraph, starting with the first sentence.

How Much Can Animals Think and Feel?

I . Scientists are discovering something.

Animals can think.
Animals can communicate their thoughts.
(Substitute the word that for something.)
Scientists are discovering that animals can
thinK and communicate their thoughts.

2 . Gorillas are close relatives of humans.

Chimpanzees are close relatives of humans.
Scientists have worked with them to study
animal intelligence.

3 . A young chimpanzee named Kanzi knows as inuch grammar as a two-and­

a-half-year-old child.
A gori I Ia named Koko uses sign language to communicate with her trainer.

4. Most people believe something.

Parrots can only imitate.
They don't understand what they are saying.
(Substitute the w01d thatjor something.)
(continued on next page)
104 Part 1 I The PaTagTaph

5 . However, a parrot named Alex talks.

He seems to understand what he is saying.

6. He can answer questions about the color of a toy.

He can answer questions about the shape of a toy.
He can answer questions about the size of a toy.
He can tell what it is made of.

7 . Furthermore, Alex can also feel .

Alex can communicate his feelings.

8. Alex made several m istakes in answering a question.

He apologized.
He turned away.
He did this one day. (Put this idea first.)
One day, when Alex . . .

9 . Alex became sick.

His trainer had to leave him overnight in an animal hospital.
This happened another time. (Put this idea .first.)

1 0 . The hospital was a strange place.

Alex didn't want to stay there alone.

1 1 . The trainer was going out the door.

Alex cried out, "Come here. I love you. I ' m sorry. Wanna go back."

1 2 . Dolphins also show emotion.

They do this during training.

1 3 . They are correct.

They cry excitedly.
They race back to their trainer.

14. They are wrong.

They look sad.
They act depressed.

1 5 . These few examples show something.

Even animals with small brains are smart.
Even animals with small brains have feelings.
(Substitute the word that for something.)
 Chapter 6 I Process Paragraphs 105

Review

These are the important points covered in this chapter:

1. I n a process paragraph, you explain how to do or make something.

• Begin with a topic sentence that names the process and indicates a series
of steps.
• Organize the steps in order by time, and use time order signals and time
clauses to guide your reader from step to step.

2. A clause is a group of words with a subject and a verb. There are two kinds
of clauses: independent and dependent.

• An independent clause can be a sentence by itself. An independent clause

is another name for simple sentence.
• A dependent clause begins with a subordinator and cannot be a sentence
by itself.

3 . There are subordinators that show time, reason, and place.

4. A complex sentence is one independent and at least one dependent clause.

5. The comma rule for complex sentences with time clauses i s as follows:

• When a dependent clause comes before an independent clause, separate

the clauses with a comma.
• When an independent clause comes before a dependent clause, do not
separate them with a comma.

Skin The following exercises will help you review important skills you learned in prior
Sharpeners chapters .

Add commas to the following paragraph wherever they are necessary.

EXERCtSE I
Comma
How to Make Scrambled Eggs

1Scrambled eggs are a quick and easy light meal. 2You need two fresh
eggs milk butter salt and pepper. 3You also need a mixing bowl a tablespoon
a fork and a frying pan. 4First break the eggs into the bowl. 5Then add about
three tablespoons of milk the salt and the pepper. 6Beat the mixture with a fork
until it is well mixed. 7Next melt a small piece of butter in the frying pan over
low heat. 8Pour the egg mixture into the pan and let it heat through. 9Then turn
up the heat slightly. 10As the eggs cook push them around gently with the fork.
11When the scrambled eggs are done to perfection they should be light and
fluffy. 121n just a few minutes you can sit down and enjoy your delicious meal.
106 Part 1 I The Paragraph

EXERCISE 2 Find and correct five errors in sentence structure in the following paragraph. Look
for fragments , comma splices, and run-ons.
Sentence
Structure
A Traditional Hindu Wedding

1A traditional Hindu wedding lasts all day and well into the night. 20n the
day of the ceremony, one of the groom's brothers goes to the bride's home with
gifts, these gifts seal the union of the two families. 3Then the groom arrives at
the bride's home with his family and his friends. 40ressed in rich1 clothing and
wearing a special headdress. 5He usually arrives in a white car or on a white
horse, but he sometimes rides a white elephant. 6Then the wedding ceremony
takes place. 7During the ceremony, the couple sits around a sacred fire under
a special canopy.2 8A Hindu priest performs the ceremony by chanting special
wedding prayers. 9After that, the bride's dress is tied to the groom's scarf, and
they walk around the fire seven times. 10The groom makes seven promises.
11To make his wife happy, to share his feelings with her, to share his possessions
with her, to be faithful, to respect her family, and to make her a part of his life.
12 The seventh promise is to keep the other six promises! 13The party begins after
the ceremony. 14 Musicians provide entertainment then a feast of traditional
Indian food is served. 15During the party, the bride, the groom, and their guests
play some traditional games. 16The party may go on until midnight, everyone
is pretty tired at the end.

Cross out two sentences that break the unity of the paragraph.
EXERCISE 3
Unity
How to Eat an Artichoke

1Artichokes are vegetables that look like green pinecones but taste delicious.
21f you have never eaten one, you may not know how or where to start. 3Lobster
is another food that is difficult to eat. 4Here's how to cook and eat an artichoke.
5First, cut off the stem with a knife. 6Then cut off the end of each leaf with
scissors. 7Steam the whole artichoke in a pot of water until it is soft. 8To eat it,
pull off one leaf at a time, hold the cut end, and dip the leaf into melted butter or
mayonnaise. 9Then put the dipped end into your mouth. 10Pull the leaf through
your teeth and scrape off the soft part. 11Throw away the tough part. 12Continue
doing this until all of the leaves are gone. 13 Next, take a spoon, scrape out the

1rich: beautiful, expensive

2canopy: tent without walls
 Chapter 6 I Process Paragraphs 107

fuzzy part in the center, and throw it away. 14A lobster also has parts that you
don't eat.15The remaining part of the artichoke - the bottom - is the heart,
which is the best part. 16Cut the heart into pieces, dip each piece into the sauce,
and enjoy the delicious taste.

Writing Assignment ; r

Choose one of the topics from Practice 1 on page 96 and write a paragraph. Follow
the steps in the writing process.

Step 1 Prewrite to get ideas.

Step 2 Organize the ideas. Put the steps into time order by making a list of
the steps or by making an outline of the steps.

Step 3 Write a rough draft. Write ROUGH DRAFr at the top of your paper.
• Use time order to organize your paragraph. Use time order word and
clause signals and time clauses, and punctuate them correctly.
• Pay attention to your sentence structure. Write simple, compound,
and complex sentences.

Step 4 Polish the rough draft .

• Exchange papers with a classmate and ask him or her to check your
rough draft using Peer-Editing Worksheet 6 on page 208. Then
discuss the completed worksheet and decide what changes you
should make. Write a second draft.
• Use Self-Editing Worksheet 6 on page 209 to check your second
draft for grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure.

Step 5 Write a final copy. Hand in your rough draft, your second draft, your
final copy, and the page containing the two editing worksheets. Your
teacher may also ask you to hand i n your prewriting paper.

1\tternative Try using humor to write about some of these topics!

Writing how to find/choose a marriage partner how to drive a teacher crazy
Topics how to propose (marriage) describe a wedding or other
how to lose 10 pounds in two days important ceremony
how to grow a houseplant explain the steps in the educational
how to kill a houseplant system where you live