The document discusses the basics of good process writing. It explains that process writing tells readers how to do something or how something works. It states that good process writing should introduce the process, present the essential steps in logical order with details, and conclude by reminding readers of the process and making an observation related to the main point. The document provides examples of how to structure process writing by including the process in the thesis statement and topic sentence, then detailing each step in subsequent paragraphs before concluding.

1. PROCESS WRITING
Karen Silvestri, Instructor English 90

2. Process Writing (How to)
 Explains how to do
something
 Explains how
something works

3. Basics of Good Process Writing
 Tells readers what process you want them to
know about and makes a point about it.
 Presents the essential steps in the process.
 Explains the steps in detail.
 Presents the steps in a logical order (usually
time order)

4. Process (topic) Main Point Topic Sentence
(Thesis Statement)
Many animals learn to use tools in the same way that humans do.
A topic sentence and a thesis
statement must STATE THE
TOPIC and a SPECIFIC
IMPRESSION ABOUT THE
TOPIC!

5. Process (topic) Main Point Topic Sentence
(Thesis Statement)
Completing an income-tax form is very time consuming.
A topic sentence and a thesis
statement must STATE THE
TOPIC and a SPECIFIC
IMPRESSION ABOUT THE
TOPIC!

6. Topic Sentence: Include the process you are describing
MAJOR DETAIL: First step in process
MINOR DETAILS (how to do it or how it works)
MAJOR DETAIL: Second step in process
MINOR DETAILS (how to do it or how it works)
MAJOR DETAIL: Third step in process
MINOR DETAILS (how to do it or how it works)
Conclusion (remind readers of the process and make an
observation related to your main point.

7. Thesis Statement: Include the process you are describing (1st paragraph)
First step in process (2nd paragraph)
Details (how to do it or how it works)
Second step in process (3rd paragraph)
Details (how to do it or how it works)
Third step in process (4th paragraph)
Details (how to do it or how it works)
Conclusion (remind readers of the process and make an
observation related to your main point. (5th paragraph)