The document is a course outline for 'Effective Academic Writing 1', focusing on how to write a process paragraph. It details the structure, including a clear topic sentence, sequential steps, and a concluding sentence, while emphasizing the use of imperative verbs and modals for providing instructions. Additionally, it provides examples and guidelines on how to effectively convey the steps in a process.

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University of Cambodia
Course: Effective Academic Writing 1
Room: 411
Instructor: Kit Reahul
“Process Paragraph”
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Content
1. What Is a Process Paragraph?
2. Structure of Process Paragraph
3. Grammar: Process Paragraph

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I. What is a Process Paragraph?
• A Process Paragraph describes the steps necessary to perform a process
or task.
What is the purpose?
It explains HOW to do something in chronological order or logical steps.
• There are three important parts.
1. Clear topic sentence
2. Steps to complete process (at least four steps)
3. Concluding sentence

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II. Structure of a Process Paragraph
• Tell the reader what you will be
teaching about.
• Give clear, simple instructions one
at a time. Tell the reader what to
do, then explain it a bit more
• Restate your topic sentence
What is the structure?
Topic sentence
Supporting sentences
step 1
step 2
step 3
step 4
Concluding sentences

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II. Structure of a Process Paragraph (Con’t)
A. Topic Sentence
• Topic Sentence is the FIRST sentence in the paragraph. It tells the
reader what you will be explaining or what directions you will give. It
needs to tell the process that will be explained in the paragraph and
make a point.
• This is how you need to write your topic sentence.
Example:
Topic Sentence: If you want to give a successful presentation, make
sure you follow these steps.

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II. Structure of a Process Paragraph (Con’t)
B. Supporting Sentences
First,
The first step is to (verb)…..
Second,
Next,
Third,
Next,
Then,
Finally,
Last,
Steps: Transition Words or Phrases
Topic Sentence
Supporting Sentences
Concluding Sentence
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Step 4

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II. Structure of a Process Paragraph (Con’t)
C. Concluding Sentence
• This is the LAST sentence of your paragraph. It RESTATES the topic
sentence and wraps up the paragraph.
• Make sure to use a transition to begin the sentence such as:
To sum up, In short, To conclude, or In conclusion
Topic Sentence
If you want to give a successful presentation, make sure you follow these
steps.
Concluding Sentence
To sum up, when you follow these specific steps, you will have an
incredible presentation.

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III. Grammar: Process Paragraph
1. Imperative
• The imperative is used to give commands, orders, directions,
instructions, to tell steps in process.
• The form of the verb used for the imperative is the base form of the
main verb. This is used without the subject, but the subject you is
always implied.
Examples:
Walk to the end of the block, turn left, and cross the street.
Hold the fishing rod gently in your right hand.

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III. Grammar: Process Paragraph (Con’t)
1. Imperative
• For negative imperative, use do not.
(Do not + base form of main verb)
Examples:
Do not drink water while eating rice.
Do not eat too sweet foods.

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III. Grammar: Process Paragraph (Con’t)
2. Modals of Advice, Necessity, Prohibition
• Should and must are modal verbs. You may use modals to express
advice, necessity and prohibition. Modal verbs come before the base
form of main verb.
Examples:
You should eat more vegetables.
You must arrive by eight o’clock.

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III. Grammar: Process Paragraph (Con’t)
2. Modals of Advice, Necessity, Prohibition
A. Advice
(should + base form of main verb) => to do
Ex: You should remove all jewelry before working with the clay.
(should not + base form of verb) => not to do
Ex: You should not eat too much sugar.
B. Necessity (rules or laws)
(must + base form of main verb)
Ex: You must wear protective headgear when you compete.

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III. Grammar: Process Paragraph (Con’t)
2. Modals of Advice, Necessity, Prohibition
C. Prohibition
(must not + base form of main verb)
Ex: You must not drink alcohol while driving.
Note:
Use (do not have to) to say that something is not necessary. (optional)
(do not have to + base form of main verb)
Ex: You do not have to pay a fee to enter the museum.

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