7 Explaining a Process: Cultures &Traditions
2 2 Learning Outcomes Identify real world applications for explaining a process in writing. Understand the steps for explaining a process. Interpret images, readings and processes related to cultures and traditions.
3 3 Learning Outcomes (contd.) Analyze the rhetorical situation for explaining a process. Apply the steps for explaining a process to writing.
4 4 Real World Applications (LO 7.1) School You may need to write about a chemical process. You may need to write step-by-step instructions for a procedure related to your major.
5 5 Real World Applications (contd.) Daily Life You may need to provide instructions to a babysitter or pet sitter. You may want to write out the steps of a recipe.
6 6 Real World Applications (contd.) Career You may need to leave directions for someone who fills in for you while you are away from the office. You may need to help create a manual for new employees.
7 7 Steps for Explaining a Process (LO 7.2) Begin with a clear title and introduction. Include a list of materials. Explain each step in chronological order. Define special terms. Give helpful tips or warnings, as needed. Include visual aids as needed. End with a decisive conclusion.
8 8 The Rhetorical Star (LO 7.4) Subject Select a topic appropriate for a college-level audience. Make sure you are very familiar with the process you select. Ensure the process is not too easy or too difficult.
9 9 The Rhetorical Star (contd.) Purpose Determine if you are instructing or informing. Instructional processes tell the reader how to make or do something. Informative processes tell the reader how something works, how a process is done, or how something is made. Keep your purpose in mind throughout the essay.
10 The Rhetorical Star (contd.) Audience Determine who your readers are. Decide if you want the readers to perform the process or simply understanding it. Too much detail is better than too little.
11 The Rhetorical Star (contd.) Strategy Explain the process. Determine if additional strategies are necessary to enhance the explanation.
12 The Rhetorical Star (contd.) Design Decide if you need to use a paragraph format or a list of numbered steps. Determine if additional headings or pictures would help the reader better understand the process.
13 Applying the Writing Process (LO 7.5) Discovering Use the readings, images, and other media suggestions to help select a process. Try making a list of possible processes. Select a process you’re already familiar with. Consider making a rough sketch of the process or procedure to help with the writing process.
14 Applying the Writing Process (contd.) Planning Make a list of the supporting points you would like to use. Number your points from most to least persuasive. Organize your ideas with a graphic organizer or outline. Create a list or outline to help organize your ideas. Follow a chronological sequence.
15 Applying the Writing Process (contd.) Composing Write a first draft of your process. Don’t worry about grammar and punctuation during this phase. Remember to keep your overall point in mind as you write.
16 Applying the Writing Process (contd.) Getting Feedback Have someone read your rough draft. Use the peer review questions to gather feedback from your reviewer. Get a second opinion, if possible. Ask your reviewer to identify any steps that may be unclear.
17 Applying the Writing Process (contd.) Revising Using the feedback, revise your process analysis. Make sure the steps are clear and organized chronologically. Go through the process in your head to make sure that you haven’t left out any important steps or warnings.
18 Applying the Writing Process (contd.) Editing Read your process again. Look for errors in grammar, punctuation, and mechanics. Focus on the chronological order and action verbs to ensure they are clear to the reader.
19 Applying the Writing Process (contd.) Proofreading Read your process at least one more time. Check for typographical errors that may interfere with the readers’ understanding of your process.