Defining a Process

A process involves the steps that explain how something works or how to do something. When describing a process you follow step-by-step instructions through the use of detailed examples and descriptions.

What is a process?

April 10, 2023 Copyright Rasmussen, Inc. 2011. Proprietary and Confidential. 1

Process Paragraph Defined



Take the time to plan out what you want to write about!

Make an OutlineOr

Complete a Mind MapOrganizing your ideas will improve your paragraph

and will help you organize your ideas!

Make a plan BEFORE you write!


Blank Mind Map

Carving a Pumpkin – Mind Map Example

How to Carve a Pumpkin

Preparing the outside of a

pumpkin

Wash the outside of the pumpkin to remove the dirt

Cut around the stem

Preparing the inside of a pumpkin

Scoop out the seeds and pulp

Smooth the inner surface so the candle can rest properly

Carving the Face

Locate the best side of the pumpkin

Draw or trace the face

Use a knife tocut along thelines

Insert the candle, light it, replace thetop

Closing Paragraph

Summary sentence #1 Summary

sentence #2

Step 2

Step 1

Step 3

I. Topic (what your paper is going to be about--what process you are describing) II. Main idea one (step one of the process)

a. Descriptive sentence or fact about step one

III. Main idea two (step two of the process) a. Descriptive sentence or fact about step two

IV. Main idea three (step three of the process) a. Descriptive sentence or fact about step three

V. Conclusion a. Summarize your topic in one or two sentences

Example: Blank Outline


I. If you want to impress your friends at Halloween, just follow these simple steps needed for carving a pumpkin into a jack-o-lantern.II. Preparing the pumpkin (step one of the process)

a. wash the outside of the pumpkin b. cut around the stem

III. Preparing the inside of the pumpkin (step two of the process)a. scoop out the seeds and pulpb. create a smooth inner surface so the candle can sit properly

IV. Carving the face (step three of the process)a. draw a faceb. cut along the drawn linesc. insert the candle

V. Closing - summarize the main idea (FYI: Your entire paragraph will be 7-11 sentences.)

Outline: Carving a Pumpkin

• Once you know what you want to write about, start a rough draft!

Now What?


Don’t Procrastinate

Let’s watch a short video on the process of melting crayon art!


On the following slides, we will draft a process paragraph based on the video we watched on crayon art!


• Avoid saying, “This paragraph will be about…”• Be creative and interesting. Grab your

reader’s attention while also making sure it is clear what your purpose is for your paragraph.

• Share some possible topic sentences in the chat!

Where do we begin? Topic Sentence!


• Crayon art is easy, inexpensive and has the wow factor we are all looking for in our craft projects.

• Following a few simple steps will allow you to create an awesome work of crayon art.

• This paragraph will teach you how to make crayon art.

Topic Sentences: Which one do you like the most?


Step One: Think about step one of the process!

II. Main idea one (step one of the process) a.Descriptive sentence or fact about step one

Example: Before you can get started, you need to gather your supplies. You will need a canvas, glue gun, hair dryer and most importantly, crayons!


Step Two: Think about step two of the process!

III. Main idea two (step two of the process) a.Descriptive sentence or fact about step two

Example: Once you have all of your supplies, you will glue the crayons to the top of the canvas with the pointy end facing down. Consider the pattern of color you want to see when you decide on crayon placement.


Step Three: Think about step three of the process!

IV. Main idea three (step three of the process) a.Descriptive sentence or fact about step three

Example: Next, set your canvas upright and turn your hairdryer onto the highest heat setting. Heat the crayons until they melt and run down the canvas creating a awesome piece of art.


ConclusionV. Conclusiona. Summarize your topic in one or two sentences

Example:By following a few simple steps you can turn cheap crayons into something beautiful to hang on your walls!


Transitions to Signal Sequence

• Let’s take a look at our finished product!


Creative Crayons

Crayon art is easy, inexpensive and has the wow factor we are all looking for in our craft projects. Before you can

get started, you need to gather your supplies. You will need a canvas, glue gun, hairdryer and, most importantly, crayons! Once

you have all of your supplies, you will glue the crayons to the top of the canvas with the pointy end facing down. Consider the

pattern of color you want to see when you decide on crayon placement. Next, set your canvas upright and turn your hairdryer onto

the highest heat setting. Heat the crayons until they melt and run down the canvas creating a awesome piece of art. By following a

few simple steps you can turn cheap crayons into something beautiful to hang on your walls!

Notice the APA formatting:

-Times New Roman

-12 pt font

-Double spacing

A Complete Process Paragraph


Requirements For Your Paragraph

Every paragraph must have the following components:•A topic sentence – to introduce what the paragraph will be about•Supporting detail sentences – these details help to explain the process

•A closing sentence- to sum up the main idea of the paragraph

Length:•The previous example is 8 sentences. Aim for 7-11 sentences in your paragraph.APA: •Use Times New Roman 12 Pt Font•Double Space your paragraph•Include a Title Page

• Use the Revision Checklist in the course to proofread, edit and revise your paragraph before you submit to the dropbox.

Revision Checklist


• At the end of the presentation, download step by step instructions that will help you complete the following:

Complete an APA Cover PageFormat font and sizeHow to double space

APA Cover Page


Body sentences come in the middle of your paragraph. Body Sentences or supporting details provide details and support. They help define or provide additional background information about the topic. Sometimes body sentences describe or illustrate a point. All body sentences must support the topic sentence and be directly linked back to the main topic.

Components of a Paragraph- Body Sentences


Topic Sentence

Education

Defining a Process