Process Paragraph
ENG 102
NSj
What is a process?
A process is a series of
steps that lead to a
desired result.
A process paragraph
explains how to do,
create, or understand
something.
For example: how to
bake a cake or how to
improve your grades. Is there a process
for getting rich?
Characteristics of Process
Paragraph
• Pay attention to chronological order.
• When the steps are repeated, the same result
should be achieved.
• Pay attention to transitions.
• Modals or Imperatives are the language of the
process paragraph.
Types
Informational: Directional: Provides
Provides exact step by step
steps/information on process on doing
how something is something. Readers are
done. Readers don’t expected to follow and
necessarily follow the replicate the process.
steps. For example, For example, how to tie
how computers are a tie.
made
Is there much detail?
You must know the
procedure down to the
smallest detail.
Unless you have
performed the task
successfully yourself,
don't try to write
instructions for it.
Can you write how to
make a model airplane
if you haven’t done it?
What are the right steps?
Good procedures
divide the process into
logical steps.
They also guide
readers through the
steps in order, to
reduce the likelihood
of mistakes.
For example, what are
the steps to withdraw
cash from ATM?
What is in the topic sentence?
The topic sentence:
1. Names the process
2. Gives background
reasons one should be
interested in knowing
about the process
3. Explains technical
terms.
Example:
Every student should
want to know how to
get better grades.
What is in the body?
What parts are in the
body sentences?
1. Present the steps of
the process in a clear
manner and in
sequential order
2. Transitions like first
and last illustrate the
sequence and to add
interest so that the
paragraph doesn't
sound like a
shopping list.
Sample Paragraph
Winter Driving
If you drive in winter conditions, knowing five steps possibly can
save your life. First, be sure your car is ready. Check the tires’
tread and air pressure, the battery, and the antifreeze. Second,
stock your car with emergency roadside supplies. Have a
flashlight, jumper cables, and a shovel. Third, practice winter
driving in an empty parking lot. When you skid, ease your foot
off the gas and steer the car in the direction you want the front
end to head. Next, know your route in advance so your hands do
not leave the steering wheel and your eyes do not leave the road
in an attempt to find directions on a map. The final step is to
know what to do if you do get stuck, stalled, or stranded. Stay in
your car where you will be warmer. Tie a bright piece of cloth or a
marker on your antenna. Run your car long enough to remove
the chill. Do not leave your car and attempt to walk long
distances for help. Following these five steps will lead to safer
winter driving and could save your life.
Can you break this process paragraph down into its three key parts?
Here are the key parts…
Winter Driving
The topic If you drive in winter conditions, knowing five steps
sentence tells possibly can save your life. First, be sure your car is
why it matters. ready. Check the tires’ tread and air pressure, the battery,
and the antifreeze. Second, stock your car with
emergency roadside supplies. Have a flashlight, jumper
cables, and a shovel. Third, practice winter driving in an
empty parking lot. When you skid, ease your foot off the
Can you find the gas and steer the car in the direction you want the front
five main details end to head. Next, know your route in advance so your
in the body? hands do not leave the steering wheel and your eyes do
not leave the road in an attempt to find directions on a
map. Last, know what to do if you do get stuck, stalled, or
stranded. Stay in your car where you will be warmer. Tie a
bright piece of cloth or a marker on your antenna. Run
your car long enough to remove the chill. Do not leave
The final your car and attempt to walk long distances for help.
sentence repeats Following these five steps will lead to safer winter
why it matters. driving and just could save your life.
Every strong paragraph has its beginning, body, and conclusion!
What can the conclusion do?
Summarize major
steps in a complex
procedure to help
readers review.
Describe the results of
the process.
Advise about what
could be done next or
refer reader to further
sources.
What advice would
Mom give?
Work in groups, find what is missing in this paragraph
and correct it.
Car Buying
Buying a good car is easy if you know these steps. You
must decide on a new or used one. You must figure out
your budget and know how much you want to spend. If
you decide to buy a used car, check the values from the
newspaper. For example, you can research new cars in
consumer magazines and the Internet for price, safety,
and value. Road test to see how the car handles on the
freeway, city streets, and on curves. Check the brakes.
Listen for sounds or squeaks inside the car from the
engine or in the wheels. Ask family and friends about
the car. These steps can help you select the right car for
many years of reliable transportation.
Buying a good car is easy if you know these
The topic steps. First, you must decide on a new or used
sentence tells one. You must also figure out your budget and
why it matters. know how much you want to spend. Then, if you
decide to buy a used car, check the values from
the newspaper. For example, you can research
new cars in consumer magazines and the
Can you find the Internet for price, safety, and value. As a fourth
five main details step, road test to see how the car handles on the
in the body? freeway, city streets, and on curves. Check the
brakes. Listen for sounds or squeaks inside the
car from the engine or in the wheels. Lastly, ask
family and friends about the car. These steps
can help you select the right car for many
The final
sentence repeats
years of reliable transportation.
why it matters.
Every strong paragraph has its beginning, body, and conclusion!
SUMMARY
Write the process
paragraph to show
someone how to do
something.
Make the directions
complete so that the
person can
complete the
process without
confusion.
Finish the process
paragraph up with a
suggestion.
SAMPLE PARAGRAPHS
Ways to make Breaking up Easier
Breaking up with a boyfriend or girlfriend can be easier said than done,
but here are five steps that may help the breaking up process. First, try to
distance yourself by suddenly becoming busier than usual. Whenever s/he
calls, tell him/her that you are busy and you cannot talk. The next step is to
calmly tell the other person how you are feeling. Then gently let him or her
know that you do not want to be together anymore. Then make sure to be
sensitive of his or her feelings and answer any questions that he or she may
have. For example, if the person starts to cry, use kind words to help comfort
him or her. After everything is said and done, take some alone time for
yourself because everyone has feelings to sort out after a break up. Finally, go
out with friends and meet new people. With these five steps it will make the
breaking up process smooth for both parties.
How to Live on a Tight Budget
In order to keep a tight budget, you have to find a new job, keep a record of
your money, and take care with your free time. The first step is to think of
getting a second or third job because doing so has two advantages: you can
make more money, and you have less time to spend the money! Secondly,
you must record all the money that you receive and spend. The money you
receive is called your salary, and it should be more than the money you
spend. This is called budget. Don’t
forget to include money you spend regularly, such as gas, rent, car
insurance, and electricity; also, keep in mind any special checks you write,
such as those you write for food, new shoes, and vacations. Finally, think
about how you spend your free time; try to spend your free time without
spending money! For example, you spend money on activities like movies,
parties, and restaurants. You should cut down these unnecessary expenses.
After you follow these steps, you will save money, time, and worry.
References
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