Chronological order is used to organize process essays by discussing the steps of a process in the order they occur. A thesis statement for a process essay indicates the time order of the process and may name the steps. Transition signals are used to show the sequence of steps. The document provides an example outline of a process essay on digestion, with the introduction stating the three major steps of ingestion, digestion, and absorption, and each body paragraph explaining one of the steps in time order.

1. ACADEMIC WRITING
CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER: PROCESS
ESSAYS
1

2. CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER:
PROCESS ESSAYS
Chronological order is a way of organizing
ideas in the order of their occurrence in time.
We use this pattern to tell stories, relate
historical events, and to write biographies.
We also use it to explain processes and
procedures.

3. In a process essay, we describe how to do
something or tell how something happens.
Examples of procedures:
how to send an e-mail
how to perform a chemistry experiment
how food is digested

4. 3 keys to organizing a process essay:
1.Discuss the steps in your process in the
order in which they occur. Divide the steps
into separate paragraphs.
2.Write a thesis statement that names the
process and indicates time order.
3.Use chronological order signal words and
phrases to indicate the time sequence.

5. THESIS STATEMENT FOR A PROCESS
ESSAY
A thesis statement for a process essay in
some way indicates the time order.
A child learns to share over a period of time.
Heating water by solar radiation is a simple
process.

6. Sometimes the thesis statement tells the
number of steps in the process.
The process of heating water by solar radiation
involves three main steps.
The thesis statement may even name the
steps:
The main steps in the process of heating water
by solar radiation are (1) trapping the sun’s
energy, (2) heating and storing the hot water,
and (3) distributing the hot water to its points
of use.

7. Transition signals for process essays include:
• First, second, third,
• Next, soon, after
• Afterwards,
• Initially,
• In the end,
• At the same time,
• In the future,
• Before
• During
• Later,
• Finally,

8. Outline for a process essay
I. Introduction Thesis: Ingestion, digestion, and
absorption are the three major steps involved in the
digestive process.
II. Food is ingested.
A. Food enters the mouth.
B. Food is chewed.
C. Food is ready to travel to the stomach.

9. III. Food is digested.
A. Food is mixed with acidic gastric juices in the
stomach.
B. The partially liquid food moves from the stomach
to the small intestine.
C. Enzymes are secreted.
IV. Absorption
A. The digested food passes through the walls of the
small intestine.
B. The digested food is absorbed into the
bloodstream.

10. V. Conclusion
Paraphrased Thesis: The digestion process involves
three major steps: ingestion, digestion, and
absorption.

11. THANK YOU