Process Writing Modes

• Descriptive

• Narrative

• Expository

• Persuasive

click here for a comparison between process writing & creative writing

Process Writing Mode:

Descriptive• Describes someone, a place, a thing, or an

event or an idea• The best descriptive essays address each of

the five senses …(see, hear, feel, taste,& smell)• Usually introduced in first or second grade• Most sophisticated descriptive essays include

similes or metaphors• “Place” descriptions include descriptions of

things at the place as well as each item’s location

sample

descriptive transition words

here, beyond, nearby, opposite to, above, across, before, down, in, inside, next, over, under, also, not only, but also

The Swinging TreeLiving in the jungle, swinging on a vine through trees, dropping into the river

to wrestle alligators. Sounds like Tarzan, right? Actually, I’m talking about me (except for the alligator part), plus I don’t actually live in the jungle, but it sure seems like it. I’m going to describe a place that’s more fun than an amusement part and a lot cheaper! It’s what my friends call the Swinging Tree.

The Swinging Tree doesn’t actually swing. You do, from a rope that’s tied to it. You can find this tree about halfway up Soldier Creek. This is a small river that flows into Perdido Bay on the Gulf Coast of Alabama. You have to use a boat to get there. The river is completely undeveloped, except for one old cabin. The dark creek water flows along banks that are lined with pine and cypress trees so close together that they seem like a solid wall. It really does feel like a jungle as you ride up the river to get to the Swinging Tree. Eventually, you’ll come to an old gray cypress tree on the left. It has Spanish moss hanging from its branches and leans out over the water at about 45 degrees. It’s about 90 feet tall. Wobbly steps made from lumber scraps have been nailed to its topside and go up it about 60 feet. You’ll know you are getting close when you begin to smell rotting leaves from the jungle floor and hear the laughter of kids.

The tree has a rope swing that hangs out over the water. The rope is really fat with a knot on the end. It feels really coarse because it once was used on a tugboat to tie barges together. To use the swing, you grab the end of the rope and climb up about 20 feet. Wrap your legs around the knot, hold on tight, and let ’er rip! Just as you are at the highest point over the water, let go and fall into the icy cold water. Don’t be surprised if you hear yourself making a Tarzan yell. I’m sure that once you have visited this place, you will want to come back many times.

sample descriptive essay

Process Writing Mode:

Narrative• Tells a story or presents a sequence of

events• The best descriptive essays address each of

the “five W’s & H” …who, what, when, where, why, how)

• Usually introduced in first or second grade• More sophisticated narratives include

dialogue among characters

sample

narrative transition words

first, second, third, etc., next, throughout, beside, between, among, when, where, as well as, after, before, after, finally, later, suddenly, immediately, as soon as, until, afterward, by afternoon

Big Bear ScareCan you imagine what it would be like to run into a wild bear while on a

camping trip? It happened to me! Last summer, our family went on a camping trip in Yellowstone Park. That’s the place that has all the bears! We had a big-time “bear scare.” The story begins when my dad took me fishing on this mountain stream. Unfortunately, the fishing was not good. I got cold and really bored and wanted to go back to the campground. I spotted a trail that looked like it might be a short cut back to our campsite and started hiking back.

I hiked awhile and eventually got back to the campground. Everybody started yelling and pointing at me. I didn’t know what was wrong. Finally, I turned around and saw a HUGE bear right behind me. He was following me just like a pet dog might follow its master. I was so scared that it felt like my hair was standing straight up on my head just like what happens in cartoons!

We ran and locked ourselves inside our car. That bear climbed right up on top of the car. He was so big the roof caved in a little! Next the bear started tearing up everything, looking for some free food. He ended up wrecking everything all over the campground. Boy, was Dad surprised when he came back from fishing to see what our visitor had done!

sample narrative essay

Process Writing Mode:

Expository• Explains …

– A process or series of things that happen– What something is -OR- an idea about something– Why something is important to understand or to do– Steps for how to do something

• Usually introduced in second or third grade

sample

expository transition words

first, also, next, so, however, in fact, finally, therefore, for example, for instance, as a result, accordingly, because, still, in contrast, otherwise, more important, to begin with, on the contrary, likewise, furthermore

The Art of ShoppingYou want to get what you need for less, so that you’ll have more to

spend on what you want? Doesn’t everyone? Just follow these easy steps and watch your closet fill up and your CD’s stack up. The art of shopping all starts before you ever set foot in a store and I call it pre-shopping. The first thing you need to do is to see how much money you have to spend. Next, make a list of what you need and then make a list of what you want. Combine your two lists into one and set an allotment or amount to spend on each item. You do not have to panic if you find a fantastic sale and the item isn’t on your list. You need to set aside a small miscellaneous fund for just such special occasions.

Now with list in hand you are ready to go shopping. The first thing to remember is to stick to your list. Just because sunglasses are on sale doesn’t mean you need to get them, especially if you already have three pairs. Secondly, be sure to comparison shop. Don’t buy the first thing you find, and remember you are after a look, not a logo. Finally, after you have found the best price on the needed item, purchase it with pride. Just in case you did not allot enough money for an item, take the amount out of your emergency or miscellaneous fund and remember to allot more next time.

Since you now have everything you need for less, you will have more to spend on the stuff you really want. You might as well start saving now for your next shopping spree! by Lynnley Clark

sample expository essay

Process Writing Mode:

Persuasive• Attempts to convince someone to change their beliefs

about something (why one thing is better than another thing)

-OR -• Attempts to convince someone to take some kind of

action (give permission, volunteer, visit some place, etc.)– A process or series of things that happen– What something is -OR- an idea about something– Why something is important to understand or to do– Steps for how to do something

• Usually introduced in fourth or fifth grade

sample

persuasivetransition words

as a result, consequently, therefore, however, so, since, in spite of, on the other hand, another, otherwise, even more important, at the same time, in conclusion, in addition, besides, furthermore, but, finally, as if

Why Wild Animals Make Good Pets Being an animal lover, it is my opinion that any animal would make a great house pet. Unfortunately, my parents do not share this opinion. My task is to be convincing enough to persuade them to accept my side of this issue. As the reader of this essay, it is my intent to practice my arguments and opinions on you before presenting them to my parents. First, let us consider the merits of an elephant as a pet. Mom should love this animal. After all, there is no vacuum cleaner as powerful or that has as much suction power as the trunk of an elephant. Furthermore, Mom could really save on food bills because we all know the favorite food of an elephant is peanuts. Dad could also engage the skills of an elephant. Those hooves are large enough to mow all our grass down to a nub. Elephants could do all the necessary lifting at our house. Secondly, if big is not your thing, then please consider small. What better conversation piece than an anteater! You won’t have any food bills! Anteaters literally live off the land. Mom would never be plagued with ants in the sugar bowl again. Dad could permanently discard yard ant killer. Anteaters just move stealthily about the house doing their thing. Remember, the perfect house pet is silent and unobtrusive. I have presented Mom and Dad with two opinions regarding the perfect house pet. However, I know that the number three can be the charm. Thirdly, the happy medium is a seal. All I can say is that Dad will never be obligated to play ball with me again, and Mom will never have the backbreaking job of scrubbing the tub. The tub will never be empty of water again, so it becomes permanently inaccessible. Mom and Dad, need I say anything more? I have convincingly presented the issues. Finally, remember: You will never have to keep up with the Joneses again. You will be permanently ahead because no one can top the “Great House Pet Caper.”

sample persuasive essay