A process paragraph is adescription of howsomething works or howsomething is done. Itexplains the steps youneed to follow tocomplete an activity.

Module 4Descriptive Paragraph

Describing a Process

Information taken from:Butler, L. Fundamentals of Academic Writing. LongmanHogue, A. (2008). First Steps in Academic Writing. Longman.

There are four keys to writing clear process paragraphs.1. Begin with a topic sentence that names the topic and

says the paragraph will give instructions about it.

2. Divide the instructions into a series of steps. For sometopics, you will put the steps in order by time and usetime-order transitions signals to show the order.

3. Explain each step one by one.

4. Use transition signals to introduce each new step.

Topic Sentence for ParagraphsDescribing a Process

The Topic part of a topic sentence for a paragraph describing a processnames the topic.

The controlling idea tells your readers that they will that they will learn tomake or do

Examples:

Anyone can learn to change a flat tire by taking this step.

It is easy to soothe a crying baby if you follow my advice.

Follow these instructions to make delicious pizza.

Concluding Sentence forParagraphs Describing a Process

The concluding sentence of a process paragraph mentions the topic againto remind the reader what the paragraph was about.

Examples:

In no time at all, your flat tire will be repaired, and you will be on your wayagain.

If you follow these steps, your baby will fall asleep within five minutes.

You now have a delicious pizza to enjoy.

Listing-order and Time-order SignalsIn a process paragraph, you can use either listing ordersignals or time order signals. Notice that many listing-ordersignals and time-order signals are the same.

If the steps in your paragraph, must be in a specific order,use time order signal.

If the order doesn’t matter, use listing-order signals.

Listing-order Signals Time-order signals

First, second,third,

In addition Also Finally

First, second,third,

Next, Then, After that, Finally,

Before a test In the morning During a flight

Listing-order and Time-order SignalsThese transition signals usually appear at thebeginning of a sentence, followed by a comma.Then is an exception. Do not put a comma afterthen.

Examples:

First, make the pizza dough.

Then add 2 cups of water.

Writer’s Tip!

Do not put a transition signal at the beginning ofevery sentence in a process paragraph. Aparagraph with too many transition signals is just asconfusing as a paragraph with none!

Use a transition signal with important steps, not withevery step.

ModelSimple Outline for a Process Paragraph

TITLE

TOPIC SENTENCE

CONCLUDINGSENTENCE

How to Have a Successful Garage Sale

It’s easy to have a successful garage sale if you prepare ahead oftime.

A. Collect used things in good conditionB. Clean the ítems and store them in the garajeC. Decide on a date and time for your saleD. Decide on the prices and mark a Price on each ítemE. Make signs to advertiseF. Put signs around the neighborhoodG. Get change from the bankH. Arrange ítems on tables in your driveway or yard.I. Be prepared to bargain.

If you follow all of these steps, your garage sale will be a greatsuccess.

Model ParagraphHow to Have a Successful Garage Sale

Prepare ahead in order to have a successful garage sale.First, collect

good items in good condition. These ítems can be clothes, toys, books, dishes,

lamps, furniture, TVs, and sporting godos. Clean everything well and store it in

your garage until the day of the sale. Next, decide on a day and time for your

sale. Third, decide on the prices, and mark a price on each item. If you are not

sure how much to charge, check the prices at other garaje sales in your

community. Fourth, make signs advertising the date, time, and address of your

sale, and put them around your neighborhood. Then get some change from the

bank. Get at least twenty dollars in one dollar bills, a roll of quarters, and a roll

of dimes. Finally, get up early on the morning of the sale, and arrange the

items on tables in your driveway and in your garage. After that, sit back and

wait for customers to arrive. Be prepared to bargain! If you follow all of these

steps, your garage sale will be a great success.

Questions on the Model

Answer the questions based on the model paragraph.

1. What is the topic of the model paragraph?

2. Which is the topic sentence?

3. How many steps does the paragraph explain?

4. What are the transition signals that introduce each main step?

Answers

1. What is the topic of the model paragraph?

Doing a garage sale

2. Which is the topic sentence?

Prepare ahead in order to have a successful garage sale

3. How many steps does the paragraph explain?

9 steps, but not all of them contain a transition signal. Only the mostimportant steps.

4. What are the transition signals that introduce each main step?

First, next, third, fourth, then, finally, after that