Process Essays are also known as “how-to” essays. This is a very useful skill for whatever you may study in college or do for a career. Similar projects in high school, college, and the world of work include writing lab reports or instructions for co-workers and clients.

Learning Goal: I’m working on a english writing question and need guidance to help me learn.

Process Essays are also known as “how-to” essays. This is a very useful skill for whatever you may study in college or do for a career. Similar projects in high school, college, and the world of work include writing lab reports or instructions for co-workers and clients.

Purpose: To compose an essay that clearly explains “how-to” do something that is related to technology.

Audience: Someone who wants to learn but who isn’t knowledgeable about this skill.

Strategy: Process Analysis/Instructional. Provide thorough, clear instructions that a reader can easily follow.

Topic: Some of you are more experienced with technology than others. However, you are all talented in some aspect relating to technology. It may be writing code, installing hardware, extreme shopping using coupon apps, or researching various topics on the internet. You all have something that interests you (and that you do well) that relates to technology. Some of the many possible topics include how to:

• Purchase a new smart phone
• Sync your iTunes playlists
• Download helpful exercise, eating, or meditation apps
• Set up a home WiFi network
• Set up a sound system at home or in your car
• Choose and use a drawing tablet or other accessory
• Use Canvas effectively for your classes
• Take breaks from your smart phone
• Use Netflix programs as a reward for accomplishing school-related goals
• Record a vlog episode that will get noticed
• Set up a blog or vlog
• Self-publish an e-book
• Buy the perfect techie gift for your non-techie loved one
• Set up a home recording studio
• Use that studio to record songs or podcasts
• Recycle electronic devices
• Use apps to help balance your budget
• Research careers, colleges, or cars.
• Take amazing photos or videos with your phone
• Create a music video or short film

Of course, this list is just a beginning. Your first job is to find a topic that interests you. Begin by brainstorming a list of as many things you can think of. Don’t think about it too much–just write! Next, narrow down your choices to 3-4 and then try to come up with 4-6 main steps for each.

Flexibility will be important as you outline and write this essay. A topic that you thought was perfect may end up being too simple or too complicated. For example, a topic like “how to sign up for Netflix” will be too simple for a 3-page essay, while a topic like “how to build a PC from scratch” will be much too complicated. As alternatives, you could write an essay on “how to choose the best streaming app” or “how to build a custom desk for a gaming PC.” These are essentially the same topics but expanded or narrowed to fit the assignment.

Organization:

Begin your essay with an introduction that discusses a time when you didn’t know what you were doing with this particular topic. What challenges did you face when learning the process? Did something funny happen? Did you fail? How did you figure out the right way? Did someone help you? This will establish your expertise on the subject.

Your thesis statement, which should appear at the end of your introduction, must detail the major steps in the process, in the order in which you will discuss them.

Each body paragraph must focus on one major step of the process. You must have between 4-6 major steps total. If you have more than that when you outline your essay, consider combining two steps or deleting a step.

• Use the transitional terms first, second, third, etc. for these major steps. Use terms such as next, then, afterward, etc. for minor steps.
• As you describe the steps, include cause/effect statements. For example, “If you don’t __________, the result will be __________.” Or “If you do this correctly, you will ___________.”
• Also utilize sensory details. Describe things clearly, such as parts, menus, sounds, etc. Use colors, sounds, smells, textures to ensure that your reader will be able to follow your instructions with ease.

In your conclusion paragraph, review the major steps and re-visit (but don’t copy and paste) your thesis statement. Include any last-minute bits of advice. Remind the reader how you learned how to do this process. Be sure to encourage your audience that they CAN do this, if they follow the steps you’ve provided.

Format: As with all our essays, use MLA format. This requires that your essay submissions use double space, 12-point font, either Times Roman or Arial, and 1″ margins. Points will be taken off your grade if you fail to follow these guidelines. See the sample student essay below.

• Quote from and cite a web page that explains how to do some related activity (as in the sample essay below). Introduce this quote wherever you want in your essay. Use a “They say/I say” template to refute that source’s advice and claim that your way of doing things is better.
• Length: 750-1000 words (about 3 pages). Develop your ideas fully and don’t settle for ‘good enough’ when you reach the minimum word count. If you are short, add details and consider using more “cause/effect” statements to lengthen and strengthen your essay.
• Come up with an interesting title!vvvvvvvvvvvvvvvv