3. Telling how something works... From Reading to Writing In “To Build a Fire,” Jack London’s meticulous description of the steps needed to build a fire in the Arctic gives the reader a keen awareness of what a traveler must do to survive. Process Description

4. Telling how something works... In everyday life, you frequently rely on process descriptions to figure out how something works or to learn how to do something. You use them to get from your home to an unfamiliar destination, to cook dinner, or to assemble furniture, for instance. Process Description

5. B a s i c s i n a B o x Process Description at a Glance RUBRIC Standards for Writing A successful process description should begin with a clear statement of the topic and your purpose explain to readers how to do something or how something works present the steps of the process in a logical order define any unfamiliar words or phrases and provide background information that is essential to the reader’s understanding use precise language and transitional words to describe each step clearly

6. Write what you care about and understand. Richard North Patterson, novelist Write what you care about and understand. Richard North Patterson, novelist One way to find an interesting process to describe is simply to observe people. Watch someone cook a dish you like, or study an athlete, artist, or family member in action. You may want to consider describing something you already know how to do well. Writing Your Process Description 1 Prewriting

7. Planning Your Process Description 1. Know your audience. How much will they know? What information will be most helpful? What special terms might they need to know? Consider whether a humorous or more serious tone best suits your audience. 2. Gather information. What do you need to know to describe your process clearly and completely? Also, consider whether you or your readers will need background information or certain skills or materials before beginning. 3. Organize your information. You might make a numbered list of the steps in chronological order before you begin writing.

8. Writing Your Process Description 2 Drafting Begin by explaining why the process is important or useful. Tell your readers what you will be describing and why. Use the following strategies to make your description clear and interesting: n Details: Include all the steps, described in enough detail for the readers to carry out each part of the process themselves. Also, list any equipment or materials readers might need.

9. Writing Your Process Description 2 Drafting n Definitions: Explain any words or phrases your readers might not know. n Illustrations: Use maps, charts, graphs, diagrams, or other illustrations when they will help your readers better understand the process. n Transitions: Use words such as first, next, before, after, or during to help readers know when each step occurs.

10. Writing Your Process Description 3 Revising TARGET SKILL CLARIFYING MEANING Vague phrases or words in your process description may leave readers uncertain of what to do. Including specific words and details will help make your process description easier for readers to follow.

11. Writing Your Process Description 4 Editing and Proofreading TARGET SKILL VERB TENSES Using the wrong tenses in your writing can cause confusion when you are giving directions. Check to see that your verb tenses—past, present, or future—are consistent and make sense when you edit your work.