Writing Process Analysis
If you need to explain how to do something or how something was (is) done, you will engage in process analysis. You will break down your topic into stages, explaining each so that your reader can duplicate or understand the process.
Two Types of Process Analysis: Directive and Informative
Directive process analysis explains how to do something. As the name suggests, it gives directions for the reader to follow.
Informative process analysis explains how something was (is) done by giving data (information). Whereas the directive process analysis tells you what to do in the future, the informative process analysis tells you what has occurred or what is occurring. If it is something in nature, such as the formation of a mountain, you can read and understand the process by which it emerged. In this type of process analysis, you do not tell the reader what to do; therefore, you will seldom use the words you or your.
Working with stages
Preparation or Background
In the first stage of directive process analysis, list the materials or equipment needed for the process and discuss the necessary setup arrangements. For some topics, this stage will also provide technical terms and definitions. The degree to which this stage is detailed will depend on both the subject itself and the expected knowledge and experience of the projected audience.
Informative process analysis may begin with background or context rather than with preparation. For example, a statement explaining how mountains form might begin with a description of a flat portion of the earth made up of plates that are arranged like a jigsaw puzzle.
Steps or Sequence
The actual process will be presented here. Each step or sequence must be explained clearly and directly, and phrased to accommodate the audience. The language, especially in directive process analysis, is likely to be simple and concise; however, avoid dropping words such as and, a, an, the, and of, and thereby lapsing into "recipe language." The steps may be accompanied by explanations about why certain procedures are necessary and how not following directions carefully can lead to trouble.
Order
The order will usually be chronological (time based) in some sense. Certain transitional words are commonly used to promote coherence: first, second, third, then, soon, now, next, finally, at last, therefore, consequently, and – especially for informative process analysis – words used to show the passage of time such as hours, days of the week, and so on.
Basic Forms
Consider using this form for the directive process (with topics such as how to cook something or how to fix something).
Example: How to prepare Spring Rolls
In the first stage of directive process analysis, list the materials or equipment needed for the process and discuss the necessary setup arrangements. For some topics, this stage will also provide technical terms and definitions. The degree to which this stage is detailed will depend on both the subject itself and the expected knowledge and experience of the projected audience.
Informative process analysis may begin with background or context rather than with preparation. For example, a statement explaining how mountains form might begin with a description of a flat portion of the earth made up of plates that are arranged like a jigsaw puzzle.
Steps or Sequence
The actual process will be presented here. Each step or sequence must be explained clearly and directly, and phrased to accommodate the audience. The language, especially in directive process analysis, is likely to be simple and concise; however, avoid dropping words such as and, a, an, the, and of, and thereby lapsing into "recipe language." The steps may be accompanied by explanations about why certain procedures are necessary and how not following directions carefully can lead to trouble.
Order
The order will usually be chronological (time based) in some sense. Certain transitional words are commonly used to promote coherence: first, second, third, then, soon, now, next, finally, at last, therefore, consequently, and – especially for informative process analysis – words used to show the passage of time such as hours, days of the week, and so on.
Basic Forms
Consider using this form for the directive process (with topics such as how to cook something or how to fix something).
Example: How to prepare Spring Rolls
I. Preparation
A. Suitable cooking area
B. Utensils, equipment
C. Spring roll wrappers
D. Vegetables, sauce
II. Steps
A. Season vegetables
B. Wrap vegetables
C. Fold wrappers
D. Deep-fry rolls
E. Serve rolls with sauce
Consider using this form for the informative process (with topics such as how a volcano functions or how a battle was won).
Example: How Coal Is Formed
Consider using this form for the informative process (with topics such as how a volcano functions or how a battle was won).
Example: How Coal Is Formed
I. Background or context
A. Accumulation of land plants
B. Bacterial action
C. Muck formation
II. Sequence
A. Lignite from pressure
B. Bituminous from deep burial and heat
C. Anthracite from metamorphic conditions
Combined Forms
Combination process analysis occurs when directive process analysis and informative process analysis are blended, usually when the writer personalizes the account.
Useful Prewriting Procedure
All the strategies of freewriting, brainstorming, and clustering can be useful in writing a process analysis. However, if you already know your subject well, you can simply make two lists, one headed Preparation or background and the other steps or sequence. Then jot down ideas for each. After you have finished with your listing, you can delete parts, combine parts, and rearrange parts for better order. That editing of your lists will lead directly to a formal outline you can use in Stage Two of the writing process.
Source: Brandon, L. & Brandon, K. (2008). Paragraphs & Essays with Integrated Readings. Houghton Mifflin Company.
Combined Forms
Combination process analysis occurs when directive process analysis and informative process analysis are blended, usually when the writer personalizes the account.
Useful Prewriting Procedure
All the strategies of freewriting, brainstorming, and clustering can be useful in writing a process analysis. However, if you already know your subject well, you can simply make two lists, one headed Preparation or background and the other steps or sequence. Then jot down ideas for each. After you have finished with your listing, you can delete parts, combine parts, and rearrange parts for better order. That editing of your lists will lead directly to a formal outline you can use in Stage Two of the writing process.
Source: Brandon, L. & Brandon, K. (2008). Paragraphs & Essays with Integrated Readings. Houghton Mifflin Company.
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