Reference no: EM133638940

Homework: Essay Process Writing

Guidelines

For the second writing homework, you will write an essay instructing me how to successfully complete a particular process. You will need to pick a topic that you have a basic understanding of or actual experience in doing. Remember that you are not explaining how you completed a particular process (ie: studied for finals); instead, you are writing for me a set of "how to" instructions (ie: how to study for finals).

You are not allowed to write on drugs, parties, or how to cook anything!

Suggested Topics

• How to study for finals
• How to be successful in college
• How to take notes in class
• How to ask someone on a date
• How to turn down a date
• How to relax
• How to make your college professors or instructors like you
• How to celebrate a holiday
• How to train for tryouts (Think: track, football, cheerleading, etc.)
• How to decide on a major
• How to take a good picture
• How to take care of a pet
• How to meet people or How to make friends
• How to be a good leader
• How to be a team player
• How to be a more spiritual (or religious) person

You may choose a topic that is not listed above, BUT you must first see me for permission to write on that topic. If you write on a topic that I have not approved, you will receive a zero for the homework.

Helpful Tips For Process Writing

1) Select a topic that you are interested in and one in which you can clearly and completely explain the process without engaging in outside research. REMEMBER: This essay requires NO outside research, just your how-to knowledge!

2) You will need a thesis statement. Your thesis needs to tell me the purpose (to acquire, to build, to pass, to relax...) and present an overview of the steps.

3) Organize your essay based on chronology or order of importance. Use time transitions, first, second, next, and finally... or before, after, and while... to guide your reader.

4) Assume the reader is uninformed. This may require you to define and explain technical terms or equipment that is unique to the process you have chosen. You might also consider the condition(s) under which your process should occur. Also, offer cautionary statements if the reader may harm him or herself or someone else during the process.

Other Considerations

1) This essay should be at least 2 pages in length.

2) Your essay must have an introduction and conclusion in addition to the body paragraphs. The introduction should reference the importance of the process, any criteria or conditions that might be a prerequisite to following your process, and any equipment that is needed to complete the process.The conclusion of the essay needs to reiterate how the steps in the process lead to completion of the process itself.

3) After reading your essay, I should be able to follow the instructions and complete the process or, at least, successfully begin one step.

4) A process essay must be written in a clear and easy reading style.

5) Because you are writing instructions, use the 2nd person (you). "You" may or may not be stated. This is done by using the base form of the verb.

a) Ex) Use the imperative mood when giving instructions or commands. (In this example, I've used the implied 2nd person (You) and the imperative mood by putting "use" in its base form.)

6) Be sure to include a title that informs the reader of the process.

Pre-Writing

Step 1: List three possible topics you could write instructions on without having to do any research. (Hint: If you have to do research on the steps, then you do not have enough knowledge to write on this topic.)

Step 2: Pick one of those topics, and draft the steps. (You can always add, delete, or rearrange later.)

Step 3: Now order the steps (based on chronology or order of importance). You may or may not have four steps.

Step 4: Once you have determined the basic steps and order of the essay, flesh out the facts and details that will develop each step. Make note of any cautionary statements you will need to address in a step or any technical term(s) and/or specialized equipment you may need to define and explain.

1) Body Paragraph 1:

2) Body Paragraph 2:

3) Body Paragraph 3:

4) Body Paragraph 4:

Step 5: To help with drafting your introduction, consider the following:

1) Why would an individual want to learn this process?

2) Why is your way the best or better way to complete the process? (Providing a very brief anecdote-one or two sentences-of your background with this experience would be acceptable here).

3) Are there any criteria or conditions that must be met prior to engaging in this process?

4) Will the reader need any pieces of equipment to engage in and/or complete the process?

5) Draft your thesis (Hint: Include your purpose-to acquire, to leave, to make, etc.-and an overview of the steps.)

Step 6: To help with drafting your conclusion, consider the following:

Reviewing the steps in the process.

Consider your "so-what."For example, ask yourself what the reader has now that he or she has completed the process by following your instructions. Certainly a person has more than a process completed. Consider the immediate emotional or future impact, but don't take too much time here. Conclusions for instructions are generally short.