How to write a process essay

How to write a process essay

How does one know how to write a process essay? First, you must know what process means. For example, the simple task of frying an egg is a process, and so is making fireworks. Your sunny side-up breakfast and the colourful fireworks during holidays are products of these processes. From the name itself, a process essay teaches the reader something – anything you can think of. It is composed of directions on how to get something done. The aim is to teach, make the reader learn, and in the end, make them say, “Oh, now I see. That’s how they do it!” For a clearer understanding of how to write a process essay, our example topic will be on how to enjoy outdoor camping.

Preparation

Brainstorm

Just write everything you think you'll need when camping. These things don’t necessarily have to be in correct order; but they have to be categorized. Just write until your mind cannot remember anymore. You may ask, why brainstorm? That's because if you begin writing right away, chances are you’ll forget some things. Now, here is an example result of your brain dump for that upcoming camping trip: Once you have squeezed out everything, your mind is now fresh and ready for the next step. Notice the categorization. While there are many other ways to enjoy camping, remember that this is just an example. 

Create an outline

Now that you have all the information, you must arrange them in order. This will determine your essay’s flow and tone. An outline will also be able to make you decide about the importance of things – which should remain and which should be crossed out. Your outline might resemble this:

The writing part

Write the introduction

The hook serves as the attention-grabber. Make sure that the reader’s attention is captured by the first two sentences. Then, the thesis statement should express to the reader the importance of the topic (in this case - why camping is enjoyable). 

The body

You will now write about steps 2,3,4,5. You simply have to explain them one by one and their importance and contribution to your thesis statement. Make sure to connect them with smooth transitions. And when writing about them, remember to avoid using basic sequence format (first, second, third) because it will make your process essay sound like a list of instructions. A list is boring to read and does not hold the attention of the reader. Knowing how to write a process essay involves giving the reader that “natural” feeling so he stays interested. Remember, you intend to teach, and being informative doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t be creative. 

The conclusion

While the conclusion is the mere follow- up to the thesis statement, you may include some things that were not expressed earlier in the paper. In our example, since the thesis statement is about why camping is enjoyable, you may add that even if it’s just you and your friends, a 3-day camp is sure to strengthen your friendship and make you want to create new memories together. 

Proofread, edit, enhance

Since you have finished already, try to read it with emotion to know if it sounds interesting enough to the reader. You may enhance it to make it sound more interesting. You may tone down and revise if you wish to make it more understandable.

Need help with your term paper or essay