Process analysis paragraph

Year II/ Semester IICollege of Arts, Humenities, and Languages Writing Skills 2

Process Analysis

I. Definition

The formal name of the mode is process analysis.

Process = a step-by-step movement from a beginning point to an point ending.

Analysis = a careful examination; a close, detailed look at something.

So, a process paragraph is a series of steps that explain how something

happens or how to make something or to give instructions on how to do

something or to describe how something is done. It is another common

organizational form of writing. Current self-help books on the market entitled

How To . . . are examples of process writing. Process analysis serves readers

well if some simple steps are followed to maintain clarity… It can explain

anything from the way to enrich vocabulary to overcoming insomnia to the

procedure of operating a machine. It may also give tips for improving

pronunciation or for answering a telephone call. Because such explanations

must be clear, the process paragraph must be written in chronological order,

and it must include a topic sentence that clearly states the paragraph’s

purpose. It must also include transition words and phrases such as “first,”

“next,” “finally,” that connect each of the steps.

Process analysis is usually written in third person (e.g., “wise writers leave

plenty of time for revision”) and often includes the passive voice (“when paper

has been edited, It is ready for submission”). Tone of your essay, and the

amount and kind of detail you include will vary depending on your audience

and purpose.

Department: Civil Engineering Page 1 2012-2013


II. Elements of a Process Analysis Paragraph

Process Analysis paragraphs contain a number of elements that are

indispensable in this kind of writing:

Chronology – all actions are described in a step-by-step manner which means

that the order of in which subsequent actions are described is analogical to the

order in which those actions are to be performed;

Clarity – the instruction is concise and uses simples language. Process

analysis paragraphs, if composed correctly, will never be written in a

descriptive or subjective language and will also avoid opinion-based stances;

Explanation – the paragraph explains how a particular result can be achieved.

Sample:

The problem of hairballs that have already formed in cat’s fur can be solved

by proper brushing. In order to brush your cat’s hairballs, you’ll need two

kinds of brushes: a wide-teeth wipe and a metallic one. The former will help

you dissolve and, partially, remove tightly knotted hairballs without causing

any pain or discomfort to your cat. The latter, used subsequently, will remove

excess of loose puffy hair and decrease the possibility of reoccurrence the next

day. Once brushing is over, make sure to polish your cat’s fur all over his

body with the help of a clean, cotton, or woolen cloth.

III. Type of process analysis paragraphs

As we are aware A process paragraph is a series of steps that explain how

something happens or how to make something or to give instructions on how

to do something or to describe how something is done. There are two basic

types of process writing:



1. Instructional/directional process: When you explain how to get from the

registrar’s office to make perfect pastry, or any other how to topic, your

purpose is how to enable your readers to perform the process themselves.

Giving instructions or directions is often done in point form: think of a recipe,

for example, or the instructions that come with a child’s toy, a barbecue, or a

piece of furniture from Ikea. Instructions are usually written in the second

person (you) and include commands (e.g., allow to dry for 10 minutes leave

yourself time to revise”).

2. Informational process: This type of process analysis describes how

something is done or is made, or worked. In explaining how hamburger get

from the farm to table, how snow flack, how the stoke market operates; you

don’t expect your readers to be able to reproduce the process. Your purpose is

simply to inform them about it.

IV. Part of Paragraph

Generally, in English paragraph writing there are three parts of paragraph.

Here are Topic Sentence, Supporting Sentence, and concluding sentence. But

these sentences have different function in the paragraph.

In Process analysis paragraph is also divided in three parts. There are Topic

sentence, supporting sentence, and Concluding sentence.

1. Topic Sentence:

The topic sentence names the process and indicates the reason someone

should be interested in knowing about this process. They mention the topic

and use words like “directions,” “steps,” “process” or “procedure.” Topic

sentence is divided in to two parts. They are Topic and Controlling idea.



Topic: good topic have many steps, but not too many. They are usually useful

to the reader, but they could be humorous instead: for example, “How to

embarrass your teenage daughter” could be a great topic. You will not really

try to teach the reader anything with this topic, but they may laugh at your

ideas.

Note: Topic Sentence It’s time to choose the topic sentence. Complete the

following brain storming activity to decide on a topic. Let’s start by looking at

bad topics. A bad topic for this kind of writing could have any of these

problems:

Too few steps: like “How to blink your eyes.”

Too many steps: like “How to design, build, paint, and decorate a new

house.”

Not interesting enough: “How to turn off a computer.”

Too specific to one person: “How I get ready for bed every night.”

(Notice, this could be a great topic for a personal essay – but the

controlling idea of this topic is really “Information about me,” not

“Teaching the reader how to do something.”)

Controlling Idea: These paragraphs always have a very similar controlling

idea. It’s something like “My directions for doing __________.” Remember

that a controlling idea reflects the writer’s opinion; your opinion is the steps

you choose to write. Also, the controlling idea may include your opinion of

whether the process is easy or hard to do.

Example: Polygraph Testing

Many people know the terms polygraph and lie detector test, but many

are not familiar with how the test actually works. The test uses a process that

analyzes the physiological reactions in a person's body while he or she

answers questions. First, a device called an anemograph is attached to a

person's chest to record breathing patterns. Any abnormalities in respiratory



patterns are recorded during an official interview. Next, a machine similar to a

hose used in doctors' offices is attached to the person's upper arm to measure

blood pressure. During this part of the polygraph test, the pulse and changes in

blood pressure and heartbeat are recorded. Finally, skin responses are used as a

part of the lie detection examination. Usually, the tips of a person's fingers are

attached to electrodes. An abnormal amount of sweating is an indicator that

the person may be laying. After the preceding steps have been followed,

polygraph experts analyze the results. From the data, the experts may conclude

that the person is telling the truth, or they may decide that the person is most

likely lying.

2. Supporting Sentence:

The supporting sentences present the steps of the process in a clear manner

and in sequential order. They contain transitional expressions to illustrate the

sequence and to add interest, so that the paragraph doesn't sound like a mere

laundry list. Supporting Sentence List the steps needed in order to accomplish

the process from first to last. Be as simple and clear as possible.

Topic: _______________________________________________

Steps:

1.____________________________________

2.____________________________________

3.____________________________________

4.____________________________________

5. ____________________________________

Example Polygraph Testing



Many people know the terms polygraph and lie detector test, but many are

not familiar with how the test actually works. The test uses a process that


answers questions. First, a device called a anemograph is attached to a

person's chest to record breathing patterns. Any abnormalities in respiratory

patterns are recorded during an official interview. Next, a machine similar

to a hose used in doctors' offices is attached to the person's upper arm to

measure blood pressure. During this part of the polygraph test, the pulse and

changes in blood pressure and heartbeat are recorded. Finally, skin

responses are used as a part of the lie detection examination. Usually, the

tips of a person's fingers are attached to electrodes. An abnormal amount of

sweating is an indicator that the person may be laying. After the preceding

steps have been followed, polygraph experts analyze the results. From the

data, the experts may conclude that the person is telling the truth, or they may

decide that the person is most likely lying.

3. Concluding Sentence:

The concluding sentence may congratulate the reader on now being able to do

something new, reaffirm the significance of understanding the process, or

summarize the results of the process that summarizes what the reader

accomplished by following the process. Remember that you can use

transitional words.

Concluding Sentence: _____________________________________

Example: Polygraph Testing

Many people know the terms polygraph and lie detector test, but many are

not familiar with how the test actually works. The test uses a process that




answers questions. First, a device called a anemograph is attached to a person's

chest to record breathing patterns. Any abnormalities in respiratory patterns

are recorded during an official interview. Next, a machine similar to a hose

used in doctors' offices is attached to the person's upper arm to measure blood

pressure. During this part of the polygraph test, the pulse and changes in blood

pressure and heartbeat are recorded. Finally, skin responses are used as a part

of the lie detection examination. Usually, the tips of a person's fingers are

attached to electrodes. An abnormal amount of sweating is an indicator that

the person may be laying. After the preceding steps have been followed,

polygraph experts analyze the results. From the data, the experts may

conclude that the person is telling the truth, or they may decide that the

person is most likely lying.

V. Signal of Transitional

As mentioned earlier, a process analysis paragraph is a type of paragraph that

consists of connected steps. Therefore, the steps in the process must be logical

and are usually explained chronologically. That is, you should write the steps

in the order they are performed which makes the sequence of actions and

events clear. Transition expressions and time words can be used in order to

make the sentences flow together. Thus, the readers will be able to read your

paragraph more smoothly.




TransitionsConjunctions Prepositi

onsAdjectives

Linking Words

(Time/Logical

Order)

Subordi

nating

Coordinat

ingAfter

Before

In

addition

to

Prior to

Since

The first (thing)

The second

The third

The next

The last

The final

First (of all)

To begin with

At first

Second

Third

Next

Then

After that

At this point

the first step

in the beginning

first of all

to begin with

to start with

the second step

next

while you are . . .

as you are . . .

eventually

after you have . . .

then

afterward

the last step

the final step

finally

After

Before

Since

When

While

Until

And


Example of using signal transition

It is fairly easy to cook a delicious apple cobbler. First, you will need to have

at least two cupsof apples on hand, and they should be peeled and sliced into

thin crescent shapes. Almost any type of apple will do--either red delicious or

granny style or whatever your local grocery store offers. Next, you will need

about one half cup of sugar for extra added sweetness. Either white granulated

sugar or brown refined will work equally well. (I have used both kinds with

the same success.) Finally, about two sticks of butter or two pounds of

margarine will be necessary to give the cobbler that lip-smacking smoothness

that my family just loves. The actual making of the cobbler is also fairly

simple. You’ll need a very large mixing bowl, into which you will pour all the

carefully cut apple slices as well as the sugar and the butter. Now you’ll need a

rather large fork or spatula to mix and “mush up” all the ingredients together

until they are all fairly well blended. While you have been doing all this, the

oven has been pre-heating to a toasty 425 degrees Fahrenheit. When you think

the mixture is well blended, then place the bowl carefully near the back of the

center oven rack and leave it there for about thirty minutes. After about half

that time, you will begin to smell the enchanting aroma of baked apples filling

your home, thus telling everyone that the wonderful time of fall is definitely

here.

VI. Instructions in writing process analysis

1. Be sure to take some time and think about the element you want to write about.

Be sure that you are knowledgeable about the element you choose, so that your

process analysis instructions will be clear for the reader. Be sure to draft out

your step-by-step instructions for the element that you are writing about.

2. A Standard Recipe/Format for a Process Analysis Paragraph:


TransitionsConjunctions Prepositi

onsAdjectives

Linking Words

(Time/Logical

Order)

Subordi

nating

Coordinat

ingAfter

Before

In

addition

to

Prior to

Since

The first (thing)

The second

The third

The next

The last

The final

First (of all)

To begin with

At first

Second

Third

Next

Then

After that

At this point

the first step

in the beginning

first of all

to begin with

to start with

the second step

next

while you are . . .

as you are . . .

eventually

after you have . . .

then

afterward

the last step

the final step

finally

After

Before

Since

When

While

Until

And


a).Write 1 clear topic sentence that states the element that you are writing about.

In this sentence, try to include how many steps there are for your instructions.

There should be at least 3 steps and no more than 6 steps.

b).Write 1 sentence that tells the first step in this process.

c) Write 1-2 sentences that provide an explanation or an example of this first

step. Your explanation should tell what this step involves and why this step is

needed.

d) Using a transitional phrase, write 1 sentence that states the second step in

your process.

e) Write 1-2 sentences that explain your second step. Again, your explanation

should tell what the step involves and why it is needed.

f) Using another transitional phrase, write 1 sentence that mentions the third

step in your process.

g) Write 1-2 sentences that fully explain your third step.

h) Write 1 closing sentence that seals off your paragraph.

Note if your process analysis has more then three steps, then simply carry on

after letter (g) and use the same format that appears in (b-g)

3. A student sample of a well developed and focused process analysis paragraph:

The lower case letters are a guideline to show my readers how the paragraph

follows the format in step 2.

(a) Writing a well-developed essay can be easily done in about three to four steps.

(b) The first thing that should be done in order to write a great essay is to

brainstorm.



(c) Brainstorming allows the writer to take time to think about what he/she wants

to write about. Furthermore, brainstorming helps the writer plan out and

organize his/her thoughts and ideas, which will help with writing a focused

essay.

(d) The second step is to write a first draft and second draft.

(e) Writing out a first and second draft will help the writer determine if he or she is

staying on topic and following through with his/her outline from the brainstorm

process.

(f) The final step is to properly edit your second draft.

(g) When editing your essay, the writer should edit to see if your essay has

sufficient content and is well organized. Furthermore, the writer should edit for

any grammatical or mechanical errors, in order to have a successful essay.

(h) Finally, the essay should be ready to be turned into your professor.

4. A student sample of a well developed and focused process analysis paragraph:

The lower case letters are a guideline to show my readers how the paragraph

follows the format in step 2.

(a) My grandmother's famous bread is easy to make; it can be done in three easy

steps.

(b) The first step is to layout all of the ingredients.

(c) These ingredients include flower, water, sugar, yeast, salt, honey, and two

eggs. Laying out these ingredients will allow you to stay organized when

baking the bread.

(d) The next step in baking my grandmother's famous bread is to mix all the

ingredients in a mixing bowl.



(e) The best way to mix the ingredients is to mix the flower and water first, and

then add all the other ingredients while mixing. This mixture will help blend all

the flavors together.

(f) The final step for this bread is to bake it in the oven.

(g) When ready to bake it, you should pre-heat the oven to 450 f., and then bake

the bread for about 30 minutes at this same temperate. This temperature and

baking time will allow the bread to cook while keeping all of its moisture;

therefore, the bread will not dry out.

(h) Finally, the bread is ready to serve, so take it out of the oven, let it cool, cut it,

and enjoy.

5. Always properly edit your work for content/organization and

grammar/mechanics.

VII. Paragraph Writing

Concrete Slump Test

To test concrete slump in Civil Engineering. First, you need something some

equipment such as concrete, meter, wheel barrow, cone, board that support

cone, and deformation bar. Second, you pour the concrete in wheel barrow

into cone that supported by board three steps. Each step you hit the concrete

25 times. When you pour the concrete cover the top of the cone, then you hold

the cone slowly and put it on the board. Finally, you take the meter survey the

distance from the concrete that inclined to deformation bar that stay on the top

of the cone. So you will know the concrete slump before you work with and

use it.

Written by: Seng Phearun.



How to Make a Good Cup of Tea

Making a good cup of tea is exquisitely simple. First, the teapot is heated by

filling it with water that has just come to a boil. This water is then discarded,

and one teaspoon of loose tea per cup is placed in the teapot (the exact amount

may vary according to taste). Fresh water that has just come to a boil is poured

into the pot. A good calculation is six ounces of water for each cup of tea. The

tea must now steep for three to five minutes; then it is poured through a

strainer into a cup or mug. A pound of loose tea will yield about two hundred

cups of brewed tea. Using a tea bag eliminates the strainer, but it is still best to

make the tea in a teapot so that the water stays sufficiently hot. The typical

restaurant service a cup of hot water with the tea bag on the side will not

produce the best cup of tea because the water is never hot enough when it

reaches the table and because the tea should not be dunked in the water; the

water should be poured over the tea. Although tea in a pot often becomes too

strong, that problem can be dealt with very easily by adding more boiling

water.

Written by Ou Sokhom

Process Analysis Writing

To write a good process paragraph, you should pay attention to three

important things. First, make sure that the steps in the process are complete.

Following a procedure whose steps are incomplete will fail to produce the

expected result. Second, present the steps in the right sequence. For example,

if you are describing the process of cleaning an electric mixer, it is important

to point out that you must first unplug the appliance before you remove the

blades. A person could lose a finger if this part of the process were missing.

Improperly written instructions have caused serious injuries and even death.

Finally, use correct transitional words to indicate the sequence of the process



you are writing. The followings are transitions commonly used in process

analysis.

Written by Por Lengeang

How To Be A Good Friend

To be a good friend, an individual has to spend time working on her

friendships, or they will eventually fade. When two people first meet, they

both need to be sure they are acting in good manor, so they don’t scare the

other away. After they meet and start talking a few times, they will start

getting to know each other, calling each other, and spending more time with

each other. That is how a friendship begins. After they call each other

“friends”, the friendship has to be made through the effort of more than just

one person, so each has to do her own part. Friendships shouldn’t take a lot of

money but they do take a lot of time and care. Friends should always listen to

what the other has to say, and then should give advice only when asked for it.

No matter how much friends are alike, everyone has differences, so a friend

should be able to accept their differences. After being a friend to a person for a

long period of time, one might get tired of hearing repeated problems

everyday, but a good friend will always be there for her friend no matter what.

Written by Kheang Hychhay.



Reference

From Website

http://www.englishparagraph.com/

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