Process Essay

Objective: Create a brief essay that details how to do something. Use pre-writing strategies to narrow down topics to a procedure that can be adequately described in a few pages. This is like making a recipe—be sure to include all details so that someone else can follow your directions and perform what you are describing. Assume I will be trying to perform this process myself. This is not an INFORMATIVE process essay.

General Essay Requirements:

·  MLA format

·  Typed, Times New Roman font, 12pt., double-spaced, 1” margins

·  Final packet must have at least 2 drafts

·  Proper grammar, spelling, and paragraphing (no personal pronouns)

·  Title based on topic (not essay genre)

Specific Essay Requirements:

·  2 full pages minimum

·  Topic needs to be simple and directive (check for approval)

·  Brief introduction stating why this is a beneficial activity and requirements (time, tools, ingredients, appliances, equipment, etc.)

·  Proper order with transition words

·  Offer reasons why this is done in such a way

·  Provide options for materials or procedure

·  Warn of dangers due to sharp, hot, spicy, allergenic, or crushing items

·  Conclusion should state what the successful result is and how this is beneficial

Getting started:

·  Choose a simple topic—recipes work great, simple car maintenance works great, etc.

·  Create an outline and list all the possible materials one would ever need. Exhaust your imagination.

·  List any real or potential hazards with this task—even the most remote hazard needs to be mentioned.

·  Consider options for food allergies, geographic location, proximity to materials, taste, and disabilities.

·  Persuade why this task should be done—why should I even bother to attempt it?

Revision:

·  Make sure the topic is directive and not informative/philosophical or talent-based

·  Check the order of process—I can’t put a cake in the oven if I don’t have a pan

·  Check for errors

·  Search for ways to communicate your topic more effectively

·  Consider peer review comments

·  Make sure this task is beneficial in some way

Disclaimer about example essays:

From time to time students ask about example essays to help them along in the creation process. This is dangerous for a few reasons. 1. Some of the sample essays in the textbooks are mistaken for good essays—do not assume this. 2. Essays written by my previous students may help you get started but only provide a crutch. You need to work through the creation process. Attending class should provide you with enough momentum to get you started. Attending the Peer Review sessions will be a good checkpoint for your efforts. 3. Lastly, the potential for plagiarism is high with example essays and this is a risk not worth taking.