The Process essay Assignment

What is a process essay? There are 2 types of processes: A directive process An informative process You may choose either type for the process essay assignment.

The directive process So what’s a directive process you ask? A directive process is any process a reader can do for herself. If a reader can’t perform the task, the process IS NOT directive. (Remember it this way—a directive process gives directions.)

The directive process The reader can physically follow your directions Your title probably begins “How to . . .” You use “you” often (because you assume the reader will carry out your instructions)

The directive process EXAMPLES: How to prepare for a duck hunt How to teach your child water safety How to find student loans in Texas How to get along with your mother-in-law through better communication How to set a trotline How to prepare for a surfing competition How to lay tile How to tell if your boyfriend/girlfriend is “the one” How to buy shirts for the curvy woman—5 things you should know How to shop for a used car on a budget How to properly stretch before a track meet

The directive process MORE EXAMPLES: How to install speakers in your car How to keep a 5-year old occupied with craft projects How to become more politically involved How to become a nurse How to buy a wetsuit How to improve your credit score How set up a prenuptial agreement How to find a date in Houston, Texas How to play Fantasy Football successfully How to perfect your golf swing How to plan a baby shower your friends will love How to avoid common pitfalls when planning your vacation to Walt Disney World.

Start generating ideas! All of the previous essay examples were just possibilities to help you begin brainstorming. Choose a topic that interests you.

Moving on . . . So that’s the directive process. Now let’s talk about informative processes.

The informative process Intended as information (not to be followed) Describes a process someone else performs Uses “I,” “he,” “she,” “they” (because you’re describing a process that someone else, not the reader, performs)

The informative process EXAMPLES Steps to care and feeding of gorillas at the zoo Steps to coaching defense for a winning NFL team Steps to sentence someone to the death penalty Steps in mining diamonds in the U.S. Steps FedEx takes to ensure customers receive packages on time Steps to understanding the electoral college Steps to creating the perfect zombie movie Steps involved in fire rescue Steps to decreasing the African malaria epidemic Steps to understanding how hurricanes develop Steps to understanding gravitational pull

The informative process MORE EXAMPLES Steps to convert to Judaism Steps to understanding how chocolate is made Steps to starting a Subway restaurant franchise Steps to understanding tooth decay Steps to understanding how the Wall Street trade floor works Steps to understanding Wal-Mart’s business model Steps to getting rich by the age of 30 through investing wisely Steps to becoming a spoiled celebrity Steps to understanding city planning Steps to understanding how fashion trends begin

Again, these ideas are just examples Again, these ideas are just examples. You may write either an informative or directive process.

Choosing a Topic

Picking a topic As with any essay, it’s important to pick a college- level topic that provides your reader with new information. Review the presentation on choosing topics if you have questions. Remember, as with any essay, your topic must be VERY NARROW. If your topic is too big, your process will be underdeveloped and confusing for your reader.

Picking a topic So how do you avoid talking down to your reader or overwhelming them with new information? Think about it: How much do you know about fishing?

Picking a topic Do you need a writer to tell you what “tackle” or “fishing pole” means? Do you need the reader to tell you what a “trolling motor” is? What about “tension?” “PFD?” “Polyamide monofilament line?”

Picking a topic Consider what your reader is likely to know and work from there. Not sure how much a reader might already know about your topic? Post to our discussion board, talk to classmates and find out!

No driving a stick shift Some “taboo” topics There are a few topics I don’t allow: No recipes No changing a tire No changing the oil No driving a stick shift