Process Analysis: How To & Why (Essay 3)
The very basic idea:
Write about how to do something. Since no research is allowed, this “something” must be a task you
are already intimately familiar with. Choose wisely, though, so your paper can make a difference. What
do you know how to do well that the average college student might not? Come to the rescue! Offer up
instructional advice that others need or can benefit from somehow.
Moving from a basic idea to an actual argument:
To meet college-level expectations, write an essay that goes beyond merely telling readers how to do
something. Promise a special/deeper benefit. After all, we can find out how to do almost anything these
days. What’s the incentive for readers to do things your way? What will you work to actually prove in
the essay? Once you decide, you’ll have the heart of your argument and can set it up in your thesis
statement (which, as always, will be the final sentence of the introductory paragraph).
Essay 3 thesis statement essential actions:
#1) Identify the process (do not list the actual steps).
#2) Clarify, with subtlety, that the essay will actually reveal how to complete the process.
#3) Claim what’s so special about the advice/what its deeper benefit will be (besides the basic
end product). #Incentive
Sample thesis phrasing:
The following advice can help you survive and even thrive in your first semester at.
Do the following to survive—and even thrive—in your first semester.
Use the following advice to survive—and even thrive—in your first semester.
Supporting the thesis statement:
Once you have a thesis, build a strong topic sentence for each major step in the process. Phrase each
topic sentence so that it directs action AND argues how the step will deliver what the thesis promises.
Instead of reporting, direct action by using active language, telling readers exactly what to do:
“First, gather the necessary materials…” That’s directing action.
“The first step is to” That’s reporting. Use active language instead to create alive & concise phrasing.
“Next, you should/must/need/will” No, that’s reporting again.
“Next, secure the dog’s collar…” That’s directing action (Taking care of business!)
