Principles of Process Writing
Analytical process writing should follow these principles:
Being clear and complete. Shape the analysis based on (1) how readers will use it, and (2) what they already know about it. Aim to deepen their current knowledge about how the process unfolds and what principles are at work.
Offering an overview. In order to understand individual parts of or moments in the process, readers generally need the big picture. Start, then, by explaining the process’s essential principle, its goal, or its main product and/or result. 'Ihat overview statement can often serve as the thesis statement. Example: When a cell begins lo function abnormally, it can initiate a process that results in cancer.
Making the process manageable. A process essay unfolds effectively and clearly when the process is presented in manageable segments. First identify the process’s major phases or stages (perhaps limiting these to three or four). 'Ihen break each stage into discrete steps or events, grouping actions in clear, logical ways.
Making the process familiar. To help readers understand the writing, use precise terms, well-chosen adjectives, and clear action verbs. Consider, as well, using comparisons for unfamiliar parts of the process, likening, for example, the growth of hair to the growth of grass. Finally, design graphics such as flowcharts, time lines, or sequential drawings that display the process. (See the sample flowchart in F'igure 13.2.)
Signaling temporal relationships. Because process analysis is time related, readers need clear references to the order of events. Consider using terms such as step, phase, stage; transition words such as Jirst, second, next, finally; or actual numbering systems (1,2,3).
Sample Process Paragraph
In his essay “The Kmancipation of Abe Lincoln" (pages 226-229), Erie Foner identifies stages in the development of Lincolns support for the “Emancipation Proclamation.” In the following paragraph, Foner describes a series of events included in one of these stages:
In the summer of 1862, a combination of events propelled Lincoln in a new direction. Slavery was disintegrating in parts of the South as thousands of slaves ran away to Union lines. With the war a stalemate, more Northerners found themselves agreeing with the abolitionists, who had insisted from the outset that slavery must become a target. Enthusiasm for enlistment was waning in the North. The Army had lonq refused to accept black volunteers, but the reservoir of black manpower could no lonqer be iqnored. In response, Conqress moved ahead of Lincoln, abolishinq slavery in the District of Columbia, authorizing the president to enroll blacks in the Army and freeing the slaves of pro-Confederate owners in areas under military control. Lincoln signed all these measures that summer.
Reading Process Writing
As you read process essays, consider these questions:
1. Does the essay identify the process, outline its stages, explain individual steps, and (if appropriate) discuss causes and effects?
2. Does the writer effectively state and support his or her claims?
3. Does the writer use precise language and define unfamiliar terms?
4. Are steps organized chronologically and clearly linked with transitions?
Analytical process writing should follow these principles:
Being clear and complete. Shape the analysis based on (1) how readers will use it, and (2) what they already know about it. Aim to deepen their current knowledge about how the process unfolds and what principles are at work.
Offering an overview. In order to understand individual parts of or moments in the process, readers generally need the big picture. Start, then, by explaining the process’s essential principle, its goal, or its main product and/or result. 'Ihat overview statement can often serve as the thesis statement. Example: When a cell begins lo function abnormally, it can initiate a process that results in cancer.
Making the process manageable. A process essay unfolds effectively and clearly when the process is presented in manageable segments. First identify the process’s major phases or stages (perhaps limiting these to three or four). 'Ihen break each stage into discrete steps or events, grouping actions in clear, logical ways.
Making the process familiar. To help readers understand the writing, use precise terms, well-chosen adjectives, and clear action verbs. Consider, as well, using comparisons for unfamiliar parts of the process, likening, for example, the growth of hair to the growth of grass. Finally, design graphics such as flowcharts, time lines, or sequential drawings that display the process. (See the sample flowchart in F'igure 13.2.)
Signaling temporal relationships. Because process analysis is time related, readers need clear references to the order of events. Consider using terms such as step, phase, stage; transition words such as Jirst, second, next, finally; or actual numbering systems (1,2,3).
Sample Process Paragraph
In his essay “The Kmancipation of Abe Lincoln" (pages 226-229), Erie Foner identifies stages in the development of Lincolns support for the “Emancipation Proclamation.” In the following paragraph, Foner describes a series of events included in one of these stages:
In the summer of 1862, a combination of events propelled Lincoln in a new direction. Slavery was disintegrating in parts of the South as thousands of slaves ran away to Union lines. With the war a stalemate, more Northerners found themselves agreeing with the abolitionists, who had insisted from the outset that slavery must become a target. Enthusiasm for enlistment was waning in the North. The Army had lonq refused to accept black volunteers, but the reservoir of black manpower could no lonqer be iqnored. In response, Conqress moved ahead of Lincoln, abolishinq slavery in the District of Columbia, authorizing the president to enroll blacks in the Army and freeing the slaves of pro-Confederate owners in areas under military control. Lincoln signed all these measures that summer.
Reading Process Writing
As you read process essays, consider these questions:
1. Does the essay identify the process, outline its stages, explain individual steps, and (if appropriate) discuss causes and effects?
2. Does the writer effectively state and support his or her claims?
3. Does the writer use precise language and define unfamiliar terms?
4. Are steps organized chronologically and clearly linked with transitions?
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