Name:____________________ COERR Language Skills Center Date:_____________________
Level 12 Writing Tips for Process Analysis Essays
Process Analysis Essays
Goal: To learn how to write a process analysis essay
What is a Process Analysis Essay?
A process analysis essay explains in detail how a certain objective is accomplished. You might think of a
process analysis essay as a set of instructions explaining the most effective means to achieve a desired result.
The writer believes that the method he or she describes is the best way to accomplish the objective.
Although all process analysis essays describe how to accomplish a particular goal, the more interesting essays
also include relevant information about the wider context of the process. Why is this process important? How is
it useful to the reader who is learning about it? What are the benefits and/or limitations of the process? When
you answer such questions as these before you write your essay, your writing will be better tailored to your
specific audience.
When you write a process analysis essay, you need to pay special attention to your audience. Are your readers
experts in the field? How much information do they need so that they can understand the process? For example,
if you write an essay describing DNA splicing, it is quite important to know whether your readers are doctors of
biology or high school freshmen.
How is a process analysis essay organized?
The two most common ways of organizing a process analysis essay are chronologically and by priority.
In the process analysis essay that is organized chronologically, the writer describes the steps in the
order in which they should be performed. This method is helpful for teaching a person a new skill, such
as how to cook rice or how to change the oil in a car.
In a process analysis essay that is organized by priority, the writer organizes the steps in order of the
most important to the least important. This method is useful for teaching a new concept, such as
diplomacy in a foreign country.
Transitions and connectors in process analysis essays
The most commonly used transitions and connectors in process analysis essays are time words and phrases. A
process analysis essay outlines the steps in achieving a goal, so the transitions that are needed are typically
words and phrases that indicate sequence.
after finally second
after that first soon
at first immediately following then
at the same time last third
before later until
during meanwhile when
eventually next while
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Name:_______________ COERR Language Skills Center Date:________________
Level 12 Writing a Process Analysis Essay
Using the seven steps that follow, write a process analysis essay.
Step 1: Choose a Topic (1 Mark)
Your first step is to choose a topic for your essay. Choose a process that you can explain because you know the
steps well. Your teacher may assign a topic, you may think of one yourself, or you may choose one from the
suggestions below. As you consider possible topics, ask yourself, “What do I know about this topic? What do
my readers know? What else do I need to know? Do I need to research this topic?”
Topic 1: Explain how to study a new language.
Topic 2: Explain the process of finding volunteer work.
Topic 3: What are the steps in becoming accustomed to a new job?
Topic 4: Explain how to be good student in class.
Topic 5: Explain how to plan for a vacation.
Topic 6: Explain how to find free time for yourself during a busy day.
Topic 7: Describe how to monitor the performance of employees.
Topic 8: Explain the steps in learning a new hobby.
Topic 9: Explain how to make a good purchasing decision.
Topic 10: Describe how to apply for a job.
1-What topic did you choose? _________________________________________________________________
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2-Why did you choose this topic? ______________________________________________________________
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3. How well do you know this topic? What is your experience with it? _________________________________
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