A Process Paragraph
Objectives:
● At the end of this class, students will be able to:
● - Identify the meaning of a process paragraph
● - Identify the major parts of a process paragraph
● - Use the correct signal words in the process paragraph as: first, second..etc.
● - Write a well-formed process paragraph
Definition
● You can think of the process paragraph as a "how
to“ paragraph.
- A process paragraph gives the reader instructions on how to do something,
or how something works.
- Process paragraph is especially important when you want to explain the
steps necessary to complete a task.
- Process paragraph usually explains how to do something.
- In academic settings, process writing is commonly used in science classes
and labs and information technology courses
What is important in a process paragraph?
● It is important to following a logical order in the process paragraph.
● If you're writing instructions, steps should be listed in the order that they
should be performed.
● a process paragraph consists of a series of connected steps. The steps must
be logical and in order. You can use time words and transition expressions
to make the sequence of events or actions clear
Process
1 2 3 Paragrap
h
Important Tips
- Don't leave any steps out!
● Let's pretend I've never made a sandwich. Think about how you would tell
me to make a Peanut Butter & Jam. What's the first step? If the first thing
you tell me to do is put peanut butter on a slice of bread, I might do
something ridiculous like tear open the package of bread with my teeth, or
scoop peanut butter out of the jar with my hand. Chances are, you're
explaining a much more complicated process and if you assume that a step is
understood, you could end up with disastrous results!
● Be specific and thorough so there are no misunderstandings!
Important Tips
- Use imperative verbs
● To give instructions, directions, or to tell steps in a process.
Examples
● Cut the bread!
● Study well before the exam!
For a negative imperative, use do not.
Example:
Do not let kids play with matches.
The Process Paragraph Format
● - Like any other kind of paragraph, your process paragraph should start with
a topic sentence which names the process. your topic sentence should be
clear and specific to identify the process that you'll be describing and explain why
this process is important.
● Use words such as: steps, procedures, process, directions, suggestions
or instructions.
Examples:
- It will be easy for you to make a good impression on your course instructor if you
follow these major steps.
- follow the instructions to increase your reading steps.
- These are simple suggestions to show how to make the battery in the laptop
computer last longer.
The Process Paragraph Format
● - the body of a process paragraph describes the steps of the process in
a clear manner, so don’t use a simple list only. Use complete sentences
and appropriate transitional phrases that will keep your writing formal and
interesting.
The Process Paragraph Format
● - Finally, you should include a concluding sentence that restates and
summarizes the steps of the process you've described.
● You may include a suggestion or an advice in the concluding sentence.
Do not use the transition word
“finally” when introducing the
concluding sentence.
Transition words used in a process
paragraph
In process writing, transition words and expressions are needed specifically to
make the steps in order. These transition expressions help the ideas or steps in the
process flow from one to the next, so that the reader can follow them logically and
easily. Without the appropriate transition expressions, the paragraph is just a list of
steps.
Transition Expressions:
First, Next – Then – Finally - Before - To begin with
Last - After - Eventually - Afterward - Finally
Sample-1
Sample-2
Process Paragraph Checklist
Put a √ in front
of each item
below
1 Does the topic sentence tell what the process is?
2 Does the topic sentence contain a controlling idea?
3 Do the supporting sentences include a sequence of steps that give detailed information. Background details, and the tools needed for
the process?
4 Did you use time order words to separate the steps?
5 Did you use imperatives to give directions or instructions?
6 Does the concluding sentence offer a suggestion or warning to help the reader do the task more easily?