Operating Definitions and Guidelines for Writing - Methods of Development
Process

1. What is a process analysis?
The method of development in which the writer explains step by step how to do something or tells how something works.

  • It consists of a written series of actions or stages that proceed one right after another in a required, definite order and yield a predictable result.
  • Because the sequence is essential to producing the result, the information in process writing is organized with time transitions.
  • How is it different from narration, which also uses time transitions?
    A narrative or story cannot be duplicated. It tells how things happened at one time. The order of events and outcome are different for any subsequent characters who attempt to perform them.
    A process explains steps that should happen in essentially the same way every time in order to achieve the same result, which is its purpose.

2. Why do writers use process analysis?
There are two types and each one has a different purpose:

  • Directional process analysis -- to give instructions that a reader is expected to perform and that lead to the same result every time.
  • Informational process analysis -- to explain a cycle that readers can understand, but are not expected to perform.

3. How can a writer tell a process analysis from the other MODs?

  • Look for a product or a predictable outcome to which the text leads every time.
  • Look for a series of steps and stages that result in being able to do something or relate how something works.
  • Look for warnings.
  • Look for time transitions.

The more of the above that a paragraph or essay includes, the more likely it is to be illustration.

4. How does one write a process analysis?

a. Outline the steps of the process

b. Write each step as one clear action.

c. Make sure all of the major steps are there.

d. Make sure all of the minor steps are there.

e. Make sure the central, main step is there.

f. Make sure all of the steps are in the correct order.

g. Subdivide complex steps.

h. Explain the reasons for steps whose purpose is not clear.

i. Define all technical terms briefly.

j. Describe special equipment.

k. Anticipate misunderstandings and possible problems and discuss them in sections labeled "Warning" or "Caution."

l. Use time order transitions

m. Test the analysis--have someone read and perform the process, then discuss how the paper could be improved.

n. If you write, "For the person who … " to indicate the audience in the introduction, reword it so that the phrase is no longer there.

5. How does the thesis pattern for a process analysis go?
{OUTCOME} involves {MAJOR STEPS A, B, AND C,}.

6. How can one practice recognizing process thinking?
In outside reading (not English or reading textbooks), look for examples of paragraphs or essays that teach people how to do things and make note of the characteristic elements. Look also for examples in film.

An Example and Outline for Process Writing

If given this freedom in an assignment, think about a process you have come up with to deal with an unusual situation, for which written instructions do not already exist, and for which other people need directions. Write the thesis in the prescribed pattern and detail the steps in an outline as prewriting, then write the essay organizing it like this:

I. Introduction that

    • includes the thesis written in the pattern prescribed above
    • identifies the people who can benefit from knowing this information.
    • uses a college level strategy

II. Body

A. First Major Step

1.
2. …

B. Second Major Step

1.
2. …

C. Third Major Step …
D. Fourth Major Step ...

III. Conclusion that restates the major steps