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How to Write a Process Essay

Last Updated: December 6, 2023 Approved

This article was co-authored by Jake Adams . Jake Adams is an academic tutor and the owner of Simplifi EDU, a Santa Monica, California based online tutoring business offering learning resources and online tutors for academic subjects K-College, SAT & ACT prep, and college admissions applications. With over 14 years of professional tutoring experience, Jake is dedicated to providing his clients the very best online tutoring experience and access to a network of excellent undergraduate and graduate-level tutors from top colleges all over the nation. Jake holds a BS in International Business and Marketing from Pepperdine University. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 88% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 167,951 times.

A process essay, otherwise known as a how-to essay, tells a reader how to perform a particular task. The best process essays follow a clear step-by-step organization. Start by providing your reader with a time estimate and general summary of the task. Then, move on to a more detailed explanation of each and every necessary step. When you are finished with your essay, read it over carefully to ensure that you haven’t left anything out.

Getting Ready to Write

• For example, a process essay intended for professional chefs could probably skip a description of how to chop carrots and just say, “Finely chop the carrots,” instead.

• You could also include a comprehensive “Things You’ll Need” section at the beginning of the paper. Or list the materials needed after the introduction.
• If an item on the list is a bit unusual, such as a particular type of hand tool, then make sure to clearly introduce it within the text. For example, “The pin hammer has a finer tip than a standard hammer, making it suitable for more detailed work.” You can also include a picture of the item, particularly if the essay will be published online.

• If you are writing an essay about how to cook lasagna, your initial outline might just state, “Mix in basil.” Before you start writing, you could expand your outline to say, “Briefly mention taste differences between dried and fresh basil.”
• Note that the more specific your article or essay topic, the more specific your details needs to be.

Crafting an Introduction

• For instance, you might write, “The process of preparing lasagna has a rich heritage all of its own.”

• If your process essay focuses on a cooking task, this is where you might advise your readers to consult the ingredients or materials list and put every item on the counter.
• For example, you might write, “This recipe requires 30 minutes of active preparation time, along with 45 minutes of baking time.”

• For example, your thesis might be, “This essay will explore how to create a complicated lasagna dish in a short period of time by preparing the noodles and sauce in advance.”

Writing Your Body Paragraphs

• Be especially careful with items that contain multiple steps. Make the transitions clear and acknowledge prior steps regarding a particular item, if applicable.

• For instance, when making pasta, consider writing a paragraph on how to boil pasta and another paragraph on how to make the sauce. This separates the ideas for easy clarification.

• For instance, you could write, “Next, place the pot on the stove,” to move from one paragraph to the next.

• For example, you could write, “This essay shows…” instead of “I’ll show.”

• For example, you might caution a reader to, “Cook the meat until it is no longer red in the center.” This advice will help them to avoid a foodborne illness.

Wrapping It Up

• In the case of the recipe, you could write something like, “You now have a bowl of boiled pasta and finished Bolognese sauce. Serve up plates of pasta and sauce to your family, topping them with parmesan, if desired. You can serve garlic bread or a side salad with this dish, too.”

• A simple example for our newly-made dinner might be, "And there you have it! A delicious yet quick meal fit for the entire family that you can make over and over again without complaint. Next time, experiment with different herbs and spices to find your own spin on this classic dish."

• Look to see if there are places where you can eliminate steps or condense your instructions. A reader is more likely to finish directions that they can easily skim through.
• Ask someone to read through the essay to see if they can understand the process. If possible, pick someone from your intended audience demographic.

• Don’t rely on spell-check alone, as it cannot account for context and doesn’t catch every error.

Expert Q&A

• If there are alternative ways to do a particular step in the process, make sure to mention these as you go along. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

• Give your readers pacing instructions as well. If they need to go slowly while performing a certain task, tell them early on. The same rule applies if a task requires speed for success. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ Jake Adams. Academic Tutor & Test Prep Specialist. Expert Interview. 20 May 2020.
• ↑ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/essay-outline/
• ↑ https://www.georgebrown.ca/sites/default/files/uploadedfiles/tlc/_documents/hooks_and_attention_grabbers.pdf
• ↑ https://courses.lumenlearning.com/atd-clinton-englishcomp/chapter/2-the-process-essay/
• ↑ http://www.butte.edu/departments/cas/tipsheets/style_purpose_strategy/procress_paper.html
• ↑ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/readability-scores/

About This Article

To write a process essay, begin by writing an introduction that grabs the reader’s attention so they’ll want to keep reading. Then, end the first paragraph with a thesis statement presenting a problem for which you are offering a solution. Next, explain the process, making each step its own paragraph, and using transitions like "next" or "then" to move from one task to another. As the final step, let the reader know what to expect from the finished product and what to do with it. Finally, close your essay by reiterating why the process is helpful to the reader. For tips from our Education reviewer on how to proofread for common errors in a process essay, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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4.4: Process Essay

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Process Essay

The Purpose of the Process Essay

The purpose of a process essay is to explain how to do something (directional) or how something works (informative). In either case, the formula for a process essay remains the same. The process is articulated into clear, definitive steps.

Almost everything we do involves following a step-by-step process.

From learning to ride a bike as a child to starting a new job as an adult, we initially needed instructions to effectively execute the task. Likewise, we have likely had to instruct others, so we know how important good directions are and how frustrating it is when they are poorly put together.

Exercise: Step by Step Process

On a separate sheet of paper, make a bulleted list of all the steps required to complete one of the following processes:

• Tying a shoelace
• Parallel parking
• Planning a party
• Making a sandwich

The Structure of a Process Essay

The process essay opens with a discussion of the process and a thesis statement that states the goal of the process. The organization of a process essay typically follows chronological order.

The steps of the process are conveyed in the order in which they usually occur, and so your body paragraphs will be constructed based on these steps. If a particular step is complicated and needs a lot of explaining, then it will likely take up a paragraph on its own. If a series of simple steps is easy to understand, then the steps can be grouped into a single paragraph.

The time transition phrases covered in the Narration section are also helpful for organizing process analysis essays (see Table of Transition Words and Phrases for Expressing Time). Words such as first, second, third, next, and finally are cues to orient readers and organize the content of the essay.

Finally, it's a good idea to always have someone else read your process analysis to make sure it makes sense. Once we get too close to a subject, it is difficult to determine how clearly an idea is coming across. Having a peer read over your analysis will serve as a good way to troubleshoot any confusing spots.

Writing a Process Essay

Choose a topic that is interesting, is relatively complex, and can be explained in a series of steps. As with other rhetorical writing modes, it is best to choose a process that you know well so that you can more easily describe the finer details about each step in the process.

Your thesis statement should come at the end of your introduction, and it should state the final outcome of the process you are describing.

Body paragraphs are composed of the steps in the process. Each step should be expressed using strong details and clear examples.

Use time transition phrases to help organize steps in the process and to orient readers. The conclusion should thoroughly describe the result of the process described in the body paragraphs. See the student paper below, "Keep Them in Stitches," or one of the sample professional essays to read an example of a process analysis essay.

Sample Process Essay

"Keep Them in Stitches," by Jacob Gallman-Dreiling, describes the process of finding the perfect yarn for a knitting project. As you read, pay attention to the words and phrases the author uses to help orient the reader, as well as the strong details that bring the subject to life.

We begin with his outline, so you can see how he developed the essay.

Jacob Gallman-Dreiling English 1101 Honors Dr. X 24 February 2019

Thesis statement: Choosing the perfect yarn for a knitting project relies on the preferences of the person for whom the project is being made, the availability of the yarn, and the type of yarn called for by the pattern.

I. Choosing the perfect yarn for a knitting project relies on the preferences of the person for whom the project is being made.

A. The knitter must determine if the recipient has any allergies or sensitivities.

1. Wool yarn will aggravate allergies to lanolin.

2. Acrylic yearns can be scratchy or leave splinters.

B. The knitter must consider the type of project.

1. Warmer items should be made with animal fibers.

2. Lighter items should be made with cotton.

C. The knitter must consider the care of the finished garment.

1. Wool yarn should be hand washed with cold water.

2. Cotton and acrylic yarns are machine washable.

D. The knitter must determine what color the recipient prefers.

1. Solid colors are great for sweaters and accessories like professional iPad cases.

2. Variegated yarn makes for show-stopping pieces and can help maintain the knitter?s interest through the end of the project.

II. Choosing the perfect yarn for a knitting project relies on the availability of the yarn.

A. Many people prefer to shop for yarn at a local yarn store.

1. An advantage to shopping in person is the ability to touch the yarn.

2. An advantage to shopping at the local yarn store is the knowledgeable staff, many of whom have been knitting for years.

3. An advantage to shopping at the yarn store is that the staff can provide ready assistance and often have first-hand knowledge of the yarn the knitter intends to use.

B. Other people prefer to shop at one of the many online retailers.

1. Online retailers typically have greater stock availability.

2. Online retailers also provide tutorial videos.

III. Choosing the perfect yarn for a knitting project relies on the type of yarn called for by the pattern.

A. The knitter must determine the proper yarn weight for the project.

1. Fingering, sport, and DK weight yarns are good for smaller projects like socks or baby clothes.

2. Worsted, bulky, and super bulky are great for sweaters, scarves, blankets, and washcloths.

B. The knitter must determine the recipient?s preferences.

1. Some people prefer sweaters with a small gauge.

2. Some people prefer socks with a large gauge

Jacob Gallman-Dreiling English 1101 Honors Dr. X 24 February 2014

Keep Them in Stitches

The popularity of knitting is cyclical, rising and falling according to the prevailing opinion of women's places in society. Though internationally a unisex hobby, knitting is pervasively thought of as a woman's hobby in the United States. Knitting is currently enjoying a boost in popularity as traditionally minded women pick up the craft while women who enjoy subverting traditional gender roles have also picked up the needles to reclaim "the lost domestic arts" and give traditionally feminine crafts the proper respect. American men are also picking up the needles in greater numbers, with men's knitting guilds and retreats nationwide. This rise in popularity has made the receiving of hand-knit items special, and many people enjoy receiving these long-lasting, painstakingly crafted items. For any knitters, the perfect gift starts by choosing the perfect yarn. Choosing the perfect yarn for a knitting project relies on the preferences of the person for whom the project is being made, the availability of the yarn, and the type of yarn recommended by the pattern.

In order to select the right yarn for a knitting project, the knitter must take into account the preferences of the recipient of the knitted item. The most basic choice is the composition of the yarn to be used. Natural fibers are luxurious and tend to age better. Nevertheless, the knitter must determine if the recipient has any allergies or sensitivities. Wool yarn, for example, will aggravate allergies in those sensitive to lanolin, but mohair, alpaca, cotton, or angora will not cause discomfort. Acrylic is a synthetic yarn, but it can be scratchy or leave splinters. A second consideration is the type of project the knitter plans to complete: each project requires a specific type of yarn. For warmer items such as sweaters, blankets, or mittens, animal fibers are best. Socks, warmer-weather items, and household accessories are best served using cotton. One must also give thought to the care of the finished project. Items made from wool yarn survive best when hand washed in cold water whereas cotton and acrylic items are machine washable.

Once the type of yarn has been chosen, the knitter should consider what color yarn the recipient prefers. A solid color garment looks more professional and functions as a base piece in a wardrobe or interior design. Sweaters, iPad and tablet cases, as well as belts are well-suited to solid colors. Pieces made with variegated colors, in which the yarn has either multiple colors or shades of the same basic color, make for show pieces and accessories. Socks, gloves, scarves, and cowls are great projects for variegated yarn. Variegated yarn colors tend to keep the knitter's interest, but multicolored yarn can be difficult to use when working on larger projects which require multiple skeins of yarn. Due to the way yarn is dyed, the color at the end of one skein may not match the color at the beginning of the next skein.

The next step in determining the right yarn for a project is availability, particularly where to purchase the yarn. Some people prefer to shop at a local store for yarn because it offers many advantages. Shopping in person allows the knitter to feel the yarn he or she intends to purchase. This can help sway the knitter's opinion in regards to yarn choice. The staff at a local shop is often knowledgeable; many of them have been knitting for years, and they are usually ready to offer assistance with projects or yarn selection. If a knitter does not live near a yarn store, there are many online retailers who can fulfill their orders. Online retailers typically have a larger selection of yarns and patterns available for download. Since they cannot give personal assistance, many compensate for this deficiency by providing free tutorial videos.

Finally, choosing the right yarn for a project relies on the type of yarn called for in the knitting pattern. Patterns are highly adaptable. Most things in a pattern can be substituted: yarn type, yarn weight, color, and number of stitches can all be substituted to fit the knitter's desire, but the pattern will provide a good place to start. The yarn weight, which determines the gauge of the project, is one of the most basic substitutions. Fingering or lace weight, sport, and DK weight are lighter weight yarns typically good for smaller projects like socks or baby clothes. Those types of yarn tend to be knit on smaller needles and produce a smaller stitch. Worsted, bulky, and super-bulky yarns are chunkier, knit on larger needles, and provide beautiful, large stitches. They are well suited for sweaters, scarves, blankets, and washcloths. The preferences of the recipient must also be taken into account. Some people prefer sweaters with a small stitch, while others prefer thick, warm socks to wear around the house.

The right yarn for a knitting project is one that meets the preferences of the recipient of the project, is readily available, and matches the needs of the pattern. After the project is completed and given to the intended recipient, both the knitter and receiver can bask in the adulation the finished garment brings. These hand-knit items can be passed down for several generations, truly becoming a gift that keeps on giving.

Online Process Analysis Essay Examples

* Note: Links to these articles may change or break. However, access to them may be free of charge if accessed through your college/university library database.

Stanley Fish, an American literary theorist, public intellectual, and professor of humanities and law, tells us in an article in the New York Times why "Meanwhile: Getting Coffee Is Hard to Do"

Process Essay

What is process essay.

Explain to do sth in step-by-step

A writing process

Is a outline of an essay

60% got this right

How many steps in writing process to write a process essay,    88% got this right, re-order the steps.

Choose a topic

Write the rough draft

   100% got this right

Which one is the topic for process essay.

How to make a sandwich?

Advantages of mobile phone

Sports are good for health

Why do people smoke?

53% got this right

Does process essay need a hook and thesis statement.

Not necessary

   94% got this right

Can a strong thesis statement of process essay stand without the number of step.

100% need number of step

It is not okay

64% got this right

Which transition words can use in body of a process essay, what is the last step of writing process of a process essay.

Proofread the final Draft

Get feedback from peer

Revise the rough draft

69% got this right

Re-order the 4 last steps of writing process of a process essay..

Proofread the final draft

Body paragraph must need at least_____

3 paragraphs

2 paragraphs

No need body paragraph

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A process essay is a step-by-step guide on how to do or make something. It is important to include every step of the process, even if something appears self-explanatory. Your audience might not be as familiar on the topic as you are.

What may be equally important, and is often overlooked, is what not to do. For example, the process of making caramel is deceptively simple. The sugar mixture needs to be swirled to prevent burning. However, stirring the mixture will cause the molecules to agitate, making the syrup crystalize into a solid unusable lump. So, when writing a process essay on caramel it is equally important to define swirling and to caution against stirring.

Since a process essay is a series of instructions, transition words are an important component. Transitions establish connections between ideas. They can be a single word that imparts a logical order or sequence to your writing, or it could be an entire sentence that connects one paragraph to the next.

Transition Words

If you have not been given a topic, choose one that you feel confident in explaining to your audience. Refer again to the introduction section of this guide to find information on progression and organization. Brainstorming and creating an outline will help you avoid missing any steps or directions. Here are a few topic suggestions for a process essay:

• Car Mechanic
• Cellular Structure
• Applying for a Green Card
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• URL: https://jefferson.kctcs.libguides.com/Essay

How to write a process essay

• August 25, 2023

Process essays are one of the most common types of essays . It’s simply explaining a process of how to do something. 

In this article, we’ll show you how to write a process essay in steps with interactive examples. 

Process essay definition

Let’s take a look at the steps outlined below to write a clear and effective process essay. 

Choose a topic

You should start by choosing a topic that not only interests you but also attracts your target audience. 

Whether it’s brewing the perfect cup of coffee or conquering the art of origami, your topic should be engaging and well-defined.  Let’s have a look at topic examples:

• Crafting Exquisite Miniature Bookbindings
• Building a Sustainable Vertical Garden
• Making the Perfect Cup of Coffee

So for this guide, I’ve chosen “Making the Perfect Cup of Coffee”. Now let’s continue with the next steps.

Create a process essay outline

Now that you’ve your topic at hand, it’s time to create an outline to present the steps chronologically. Outline will also help you organize your thoughts and ideas so you won’t get lost during the writing process.

Let’s examine this step with an example of a process essay explaining “Making the Perfect Cup of Coffee”.

Process essay outline example

• Thesis statement
• Provide safety precautions if necessary.
• Address to the reader
• Provide any variations or customization options if applicable.
• End with a memorable concluding thought or call to action.

By presenting the steps in chronological order, your readers can follow the process smoothly. 

During this step, just make sure to:

• Expand on each step you outlined earlier.
• Use clear and concise language.
• Make use of bullet points or numbered lists to make the process visually appealing.

After completing the outline, it’s time to write an interesting introduction.

Write an introduction

• Hook the reader's interest with a hook sentence
• Offer a brief overview of the topic and its significance
• Introduce and explain the process with a thesis statement at the end of introduction

Process essay introduction example

Introduction

Now that we have an intro on our hand, you need to tell what materials you need to finish the process.

Write the materials needed for the process

Listing the necessary materials for the process is a best practice for process essays. Typically found just after the introduction, this paragraph is devoted to outlining the necessary materials.

Here, p rioritizing the list is important; the more influential a component is, the higher its position on the list should be.

Example material list for process essay

Body paragraphs

Materials needed

• High-quality coffee beans that align with your flavor preference.
• A grinder for optimal flavor extraction.
• Equipment for brewing methods, such as a pour-over apparatus, a drip coffee maker, a French press, or an espresso machine.
• Fresh and clean water for brewing.
• Optional additives like milk, cream, sugar, flavored syrups, or other preferred elements.

Start writing the process

Right after listing the materials needed, it’s time to start writing the process itself.

When describing your process, be careful not to make it too complicated. To keep your readers on track, use transitional words like “after,” “eventually,” “first,” “then,” and others help you maintain an understandable tone.  

Or simply use a 1,2,3, bullet point structure as seen in example below to remind readers of their step during the process.

Body paragraphs - Process writing example

Materials needed ...

• Grind the beans just before brewing for optimal freshness. Use a burr grinder and adjust the coarseness to match your brewing method (coarse for French press, fine for espresso).
• Weigh your coffee grounds using a scale. A standard ratio is 1 to 2 tablespoons of coffee per 6 ounces of water, but adjust to your taste.
• Ensure the water is heated to the ideal temperature, typically between 195-205°F (90-96°C). Water that's too hot or too cold can affect the taste.
• Pay attention to the brewing time. Generally, 4-5 minutes is suitable for most methods, but again, adjust based on your preference.
• After finishing, regularly clean your coffee maker or French press to prevent rancid oils and residue from affecting your coffee's taste.

As seen from the example above, using an imperative language structure is generally preferable. It makes total sense as you’re describing a process in steps and usually don’t need a full sentence structure. 

Give tips and supporting details

After explaining the process above, it’s now time to provide tips and supporting details. Here, make use examples, tips, and even warnings if necessary. 

In other words, anticipate the questions your readers might have and address them as you go along. 

Body paragraphs - Supporting details

Supporting details & tips

• Ensure safe handling of hot water and coffee-making equipment.
• Water that's too hot can result in over-extraction, while water that's too cold won't extract enough flavor.

Write a conclusion

At this step, you simply need to write a conclusion paragraph to end your process essay. First summarize the key points, and restate the process in a concise and short sentence. And finally, finish your process essay by a memorable sentence or a call-to-action. 

Process essay conclusion example

Revise and polish your essay.

Now that you’ve written your essay, take a breath, and then come back for some editing. Check for consistency, correct sentence structure, efficient transitions , tense selection , and other linguistic issues that may arise. 

If possible, make use of proofreading tools like QuillBot or Grammarly . 

• Think about potential reader misunderstandings and address them. If needed, explain what should be avoided.
• Offer explanations for steps that might seem unusual or complicated.
• Define any unfamiliar terms or materials that the reader might not understand. This ensures clarity in your essay.

So  you’ve successfully learned how to write a captivating process essay. Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you write, the better you’ll become.

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How To Write A Process Essay: Detailed Manual

Writing an essay is a huge part of your college education. Every university makes its students write an essay on different subjects and topics to test their learning, critical thinking abilities and knowledge about the particular topic. Throughout your academic life, you’ll need to write down all sorts of papers such as expository, argumentative, etc. A process essay is one such essay every student has to write during school or college years. Therefore, it is crucial to know different steps to describe the different processes correctly. So, in this article, we provide an exhaustive guide on how to write a good process essay.

What Is A Process Essay?

Before you jump on writing, it is important to know – what is a process analysis essay. A process essay is also known as a HOW-TO essay. As the name suggests, this essay describes a procedure of doing something. It gives step-by-step instructions that show how to perform a task or a project.

This type of essay serves to inform readers on how to do something and teach them the steps to reach a specific goal. A strong essay leads its readers through the task and guarantees their success. It is mostly used to inform new and inexperienced people about a certain task. Some of the examples include – a recipe, user’s guide, security instructions, instruction manual, etc.

Some of the  process essay topics  are:

• How to operate a machine?
• How to make pancakes?
• How is maple syrup produced?
• How to put gas in a car?
• How do you make frosting for cookies?

Prepare Process Essay Outline

An outline or a template includes a few short sentences on what you are planning to write in the content. The process analysis essay outline is helpful in any situation associated with writing and also helps to improve the structure of your piece. Every process is different, however, the structure remains the same. Most good essays follow this common outline:

• Introduction – tell about what you are going to discuss;
• Body – describe the process step-by-step;
• Conclusion – sum up and describe the results.

After preparing the outline, go through it again to make sure that you haven’t missed out any point. You can also add more details that you don’t want to leave out.

Types Of Process Essay Writing

There are mainly two types of writing for a process essay – how to do something and how something works.

• How to do something

The purpose of this type is to inform someone how to do a particular task or a project. The reader should be able to follow the steps clearly and successfully achieve their goals. Examples include:

• How to repair your phone
• How to cut an onion
• How to create a DIY notebook
• How to book flight tickets
• How to tidy up your room effectively
• How Something Works

This type of process writing is designed to inform readers about how a particular thing works. The reader will not necessarily do everything described in the essay but will only read it, and, hopefully, understand the process successfully. Here are some examples of what your potential readers may be interested in:

• How a motor generator works
• How presidential elections happen
• How evaporation occurs
• How the car engine works
• How a plant grows

How To Start A Process Essay?

Before you put pen to paper, you should know how to structure an essay properly. The process of writing this write-up is quite simple, but only if you follow an effective step-by-step approach that allows for producing an outstanding essay. Below are some guidelines every student must follow while writing an essay:

• Introduction

It is the most important part of any essay. A good introduction generates interest in the reader about your process and also sets the tone of the essay. The introductory part serves the purpose to inform the readers what they can expect from the essay and why they need this knowledge. This part is generally shorter than the body paragraph as it includes:

• Hook – The first sentence that interests the readers.
• Identification – Brief introduction to the process.
• Thesis statement – Last line of the introduction that tells the readers how to solve the problem.
• Body Paragraphs

It is the part where you’ll explain all the steps of doing a task in greater detail. The number of paragraphs your essay will depend on the stages of the process you are describing. However, make sure that each paragraph is not too lengthy and complex to read. For example, if you’re writing about how to make a pizza, divide the process into different paragraphs such as – how to make the pizza dough, how to make the pizza sauce, etc.

Keep your outline beside you while writing the body, so you don’t skip any important steps and ensure that they are in the correct order.

Moreover, each paragraph should consist of the necessary details for the process to be completed successfully. These include the tools and equipment required to perform the task, as well as the difficulties that the reader may face.

After explaining the whole process, write a confident conclusion. This part should be short and to the point and must give an idea to the reader of what the end result will look like. The conclusion mainly consists of a summary of the main idea of the text and the thesis statement. You can also restate some highlights and the overall purpose of the task. Make sure the readers feel they have learned something by going through your text.

• Write A Thesis Statement

The thesis statement is the last line of the introduction and also the most important line of the whole essay. It serves to inform the readers about the purpose of your paper, the problem, and the steps to solve it.

• Use Transitions Writing A Process Analysis Essay

To create a well-structured essay, introduce each step using transition or signal words such as next, now, so that, then, immediately, later, eventually, etc. For example, tap on the text icon on the right-hand corner of your screen. Then, type your text using different fonts. Using transition words make the steps flow one after the other and motivate your readers to read the whole paper.

Proofread Your Process Analysis Essay

Once you are done writing, the next important step is to proofread your essay carefully. Proofreading means to examine your text to find and fix different grammatical errors, typos, spelling and style mistakes. Proofreading a paper before you submit it can mean the difference between a disastrous essay and a brilliant one. Many students skip this step while writing. Remember, proofreading is as important as writing your essay.

Here are some tips that you can follow while proofreading your essays:

• Read your essay very carefully to detect and correct any mistakes.
• Use simple language that is easily readable by your audience.
• Avoid the use of complex and difficult vocabulary
• Eliminate repetitions as it makes the essay boring. You can use a thesaurus to search for synonyms of common words.
• Run a spell checker to fix some mistakes.
• Make sure the grammar is flawless before submitting your write-up.

Some students find it difficult to complete and proofread these essays on time because they have to make time for other important things as well such as social life, sports, hobbies, family, etc. In such a situation, you can get the help of writing services available online that can not only help you to write  different types of essays but also submit these before the deadlines.

Tips For Writing A Process Essay

In addition to the above steps, implement the following tips to write an effective process essay:

• Research thoroughly before writing
• Determine who your target audience is and what they expect from your paper. Assume that your readers don’t know a single detail about the subject, so you don’t miss out any point.
• Clearly mention the purpose of each step of the process.
• Write all the steps in chronological order.
• Your essay should be precise and to the point.
• Provide definitions of all uncommon words.
• Create a list of all the tools and equipment used in the process.
• List all the dangers and precautions to be taken while doing the process.
• Avoid using imperative sentences. Otherwise, it will appear like an instruction manual and not an essay.
• Also, provide your readers with a time estimate of the task.

Now you know that writing a process essay is quite simple. Once you prepare an outline of the points you want to include in your content, you can easily write a good, detailed and well-structured paper without missing an important point. Therefore, as long as you follow the above tips, you will be able to craft a perfect essay.

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50 Great Topics for a Process Analysis Essay

Illustration by Jiaqi Zhou. ThoughtCo.

• Writing Essays
• Writing Research Papers
• English Grammar
• Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia
• M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester
• B.A., English, State University of New York

If you've ever read an instruction manual or written a set of directions, then you are probably familiar with process analysis writing. This form of composition is often used in the field of technical writing to explain the process of a complex system logically and objectively. Because the material covered in process analyses can be quite complicated, this type of writing tends to be detailed and long.

Looking to write your own process analysis essay but not sure what to write it about? Here are 50 topics for you to consider. Whether you're aiming for something technical, like how solar panels work, or something motivational, such as how to gain self-confidence, there's bound to be at least one idea that resonates.

What Is Process Analysis Writing?

Process analysis  writing involves a comprehensive set of instructions that explains a process from beginning to end. To successfully write a process analysis essay, writers must critically analyze each step of the process they have chosen to describe and determine the most reasonable way of delivering information before writing. Expertise is required when explaining a process with this level of detail, and this can be obtained through firsthand experience or thorough research.

The topic of a process analysis essay needs to be as specific as possible, and the tone of the essay must be clear and straightforward. A writer's main goal when crafting a process analysis essay should be to make a process easy to follow. Below is a set of tips that will help you achieve this.

Tips for Writing a Process Analysis Essay

When writing an essay or speech through process analysis, keep these tips in mind:

• Include all steps and arrange them in chronological order .
• Explain why each step is necessary and include warnings when appropriate.
• Define any terms that may be unfamiliar to readers.
• Offer clear descriptions ​of any required tools or materials.
• Give your readers a way to measure the success of the finished process.

50 Process Analysis Essay Topics

Writers will have an easier time writing process analysis essays and following the above guidelines for topics they know well. To begin, choose a subject that you enjoy writing about and can explain well. These prompts offer potential process analysis essay topics to get you started.

• How to mow your lawn
• How to win a game of Texas Hold 'em poker
• How to lose weight without losing your mind
• How to find the perfect roommate
• How to move to a different city
• How to achieve academic success in college
• How to pitch a knuckleball in baseball
• How to plan the perfect party
• How to survive a night of babysitting
• How to pitch a tent in the rain
• How to housebreak your dog
• How to kick a bad habit
• How to overcome insomnia
• How to stay sober on a Saturday night
• How to rent your first apartment
• How to avoid a nervous breakdown during exams
• How to enjoy the weekend for less than $20
• How to make the perfect brownies
• How to keep resolve arguments with your spouse
• How to bathe a cat
• How to get what you want by complaining to a company
• How to survive a recession
• How to toilet train a baby
• How to gain self-confidence
• How to use social media sensibly and effectively
• How to wash a sweater
• How to remove stubborn stains
• How to build successful relationships with instructors
• How to give yourself a haircut
• How to plan the perfect class schedule
• How to apply the Heimlich maneuver
• How to end a relationship
• How to make a flaky pie crust
• How to take the best photographs with a smartphone camera
• How to quit smoking
• How to get around without a car
• How to make the perfect cup of coffee or tea
• How to maintain an eco-friendly and affordable lifestyle
• How to build a great sandcastle
• How to edit a video
• How to build and maintain a stable friendship
• How to insert contact lenses
• How to write a great exam
• How to teach responsibility to a child
• How to groom your dog
• How ice cream is made
• How a cell phone takes pictures
• How a magician saws a woman in half
• How solar panels work
• How to choose a major in college

Even More Essay Topic Ideas

If you're still not quite sure what to write about, consider looking through this list of how-to essay ideas . You can get creative with your essay, so focus on picking a topic that you find interesting or engaging. Remember that you can also conduct your research after deciding on a topic, so you don't necessarily have to be an expert on a subject already in order to select it.

• 50 Argumentative Essay Topics
• 100 Persuasive Essay Topics
• Examples of Great Introductory Paragraphs
• 501 Topic Suggestions for Writing Essays and Speeches
• Evaluating a Process Analysis Essay
• Process Analysis Essay: "How to Catch River Crabs"
• How to Write a Great Process Essay
• List of Topics for How-to Essays
• How to Break in a New Baseball Glove
• Process Analysis in Composition
• A Sample Essay for Common Application Option #7: Topic of Your Choice
• Topical Organization Essay
• Tips for the Pre-2013 Personal Essay Options on the Common Application
• 6 Steps to Writing the Perfect Personal Essay
• Common Application Essay Option 6: Losing Track of Time
• How to Write a Narrative Essay or Speech

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Process Analysis: How to Write a Process Analysis Essay

Writing a process analysis essay sounds like a problematic task to do, but in reality, it’s just another writing assignment. In this article, our college essay writing service will explain how to write a process analysis essay, list some process analysis essay topics and give you useful writing tips and examples. But first things first — let’s start with a process analysis definition.

What Is a Process Analysis Essay

Before jumping to the How To section, let’s answer the question of what is process analysis. Process analysis is an essay which explains how something is done, how something occurs, or how something works. In this type of essay, the writer is required to present the steps of the process in sequential order, from first to last. All concepts or terms that might appear uncommon are defined.

For Example: When writing a process analysis essay about becoming a better person, you count and describe some actions — from small to bigger ones — like lifting peoples’ self esteem around you when you were young, to becoming a motivational speaker when you’re older.

Sometimes, your professor will assign you a process analysis topic. And sometimes, you will have to pick a topic by yourself.

You should also read the article on discursive essay format . It will help expand your understanding in writing any type of paper.

Stuck on the Steps of Process Analysis?

Journey through your essay with ease. Our expert guides are ready to help you analyze every step of the way!

Process Analysis Essay Structure

Process essays may be divided into two categories: informative and directive. A directive process analysis gives instructions on how to accomplish a certain goal (for example, how to prepare the best waffles). An informational process analysis essay describes a topic to the reader (for example, how an aircraft engine functions). A process essay may be written in three easy steps:

• Split the task

The workflow should be broken down into simple, well-defined phases that generally maintain a temporal sequence and have a clear objective. You can better arrange the document with a process paper outline.

• Make smooth transitions

A process analysis essay remains more engaging when you use transitional terms—the audience benefits from phrases like - therefore, subsequently, afterward, etc.

• Study the essay thoroughly

Inspect any potential gaps, such as missing ingredients from a recipe, by going through the process essay point by point.

Process Analysis Essay Examples

Referring to an example can save you time. Our free samples can provide insight into what a process analysis essay should look like.

How to Pick a Process Analysis Essay Topic

Imagine you need to describe something in steps: what would they be? Don’t rush with making a final decision and try to rationalize your choice by following our recommendations:

• Pick a topic you have a good understanding of.
• Choose a theme that will involve the readers.
• Focus your topic on a specific thing.
• Make sure you can explain your topic without pictures. Focus on words.
• Ensure that the topic is helpful and has practical worth.
• Your topic must be relevant. If you decided to write about using a pager, we suggest you rethink your idea.

It’s okay if you don’t have a lot of process analysis essay topics in mind; just focus on the writing process and pick one of the ones we’ve prepared for you below.

Check out our ARTICLE TO FIND MORE ESSAY TOPIC IDEAS

Writing a Process Analysis Essay Step-By-Step

Process analysis essay structure is as follows:

Let's overview that structure in more details:

• The introductory part should explain the actual process and why it’s relevant or necessary. Avoid any unnecessary information such as the background, history or origin. If for instance, a recipe needs tomato sauce, the reader should be informed so. In other words, go directly to the issue and provide only the necessary information.
• The next paragraph should present a list of all the equipment, tools or resources necessary for the particular process. For instance, if some ingredients cannot be found in the locality, explain where you can find it, or them. Potential risks or side effects that are likely to occur in the process should be stated so that the reader remains informed. Furthermore, it is essential to inform the reader about what might go wrong and what can be done to avoid potential mistakes.
• Then, outline the process in sequential order. If the process requires some steps to be undertaken at particular stages, these should be stated and explained clearly, at relevant points in the sequence. The writer should be very keen to avoid confusion. For processes that appear complicated, the steps should be subdivided accordingly. Additionally, the writer needs to vary their use of transitional words such as “after”, “then”, “next” to make sure the essay does not become repetitive.
• The final part should present a general review of the whole process so the writer can reinforce the main points succinctly, without details.

You can also read the essay example from our essay writer . If you still need help, contact us and we will do everything in the best way.

Process Analysis Essay Outline

The structure for this type of analysis essay outline is as follows:

Introduction:

• Introduce your topic and briefly outline what the process will achieve.
• Demonstrate where this process is relevant or when it is useful.
• It’s a good idea to offer a real-world example of the outcome of the procedure.
• The processes should be presented in paragraphs.
• Perform each step in its section.
• Appropriate transitions should be employed for each step.
• Be descriptive in your presentation.

Conclusion:

• In your conclusion, summarize the procedure. You don’t have to repeat all the individual steps, but you need to reinforce the main points and milestones.
• Describe the expected result.

Writing Tips

• Appropriate Use of Language and Vocabulary Making good use of vocabulary and technical terms can often make or break an assignment. This impacts the degree of depth and clarity the reader can get out of it. Thus, if your audience is meant to be doing the procedures while reading, the steps should be simple and to the point.
• Give the Reader a Sense of Direction When including comments in your essay that are tailored to give a sense of direction, like “once that’s done” or “wait until”, it’s best to do so where relevant. Try to avoid over-complicating the steps, while keeping everything clear and concise.
• Use Chronological Progression For example, if it’s a cooking recipe, it should always include the steps in sequential order, while also indicating how much of each ingredient to add. Additional information like cooking techniques can be added at the end—to be as detailed as necessary.

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Process Analysis Got You Puzzled?

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Annie Lambert

specializes in creating authoritative content on marketing, business, and finance, with a versatile ability to handle any essay type and dissertations. With a Master’s degree in Business Administration and a passion for social issues, her writing not only educates but also inspires action. On EssayPro blog, Annie delivers detailed guides and thought-provoking discussions on pressing economic and social topics. When not writing, she’s a guest speaker at various business seminars.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

Related Articles

How to Write a Process Analysis Essay: Examples & Outline

Process analysis is an explanation of how something works or happens. Want to know more? Read the following article prepared by our custom writing specialists and learn about:

• process analysis and its types
• a process analysis outline tips
• free examples and other tips that might be helpful for your college assignment

So, let’s start digging deeper into this topic!

• ♻ Process Analysis Definition
• ✏️ Process Analysis Types

☑️ How to Write a Process Analysis Essay

• 📑 Examples & Bonus Tips

♻️ What Is Process Analysis?

A process analysis describes and explains the succession of actions, points out a specific result, and provides a detailed plan.

To be more precise, process analysis is targeted at explaining:

• how things work;
• how to do or make something;
• how something operates or happens.

So, if you want to know how an aircraft flies or how to start a business, you need to deal with process analyses that detail these procedures. You might be asking yourself: Are these two processes similar to each other? In fact, they are different. Moreover, there exist other types of processes. That’s why we have united some basic types into categories for your convenience.

Let’s get into the details.

• Processes that are either related to people or performed by them, such as relationships, psychological aspects, or some manuals. These include descriptions of how to overcome depression, work in a team, or change the oil in your car.
• Processes that take place within a society. For example, it can be a description of the electoral process or how the judicial system works.
• Processes that occur in nature. It may be an explanation of cell division, the process of season change, or the life cycle of an organism. Process analysis plays a crucial role in scientific research. It helps to describe complex mechanisms and procedures, leading to advancements in science.
• Processes that are performed by machines. It can be an explanation of how a car engine works or how a helicopter flies.
• documenting knowledge;
• analyzing some separate actions;
• finding problematic issues;
• identifying the options for further improvements.

As you can see, some of these processes just need to be described , while others should be explained . There is a considerable difference between a description and an analysis. If you want to find it out, read the following part of this article.

✏️ Two Types of Process Analysis

As you already know, a process can be either described or explained. Following this, the two types of process analysis are:

• Directive process analysis: a description of a process.
• Informational process analysis: an explanation of how something works.

The primary difference concerns the purpose of these analyses. Now, let’s go into details.

Directive Process Analysis: Examples & Definition

Directive process analysis (also called prescriptive) answers the question of how to do or make something . In other words, it serves as an outline of specific steps a person should take to achieve the desired result. For example, it may be a description of how to plan a party or write a particular essay type (like this article.)

This type of process analysis is used in tutorials, manuals, or policy guides. In most cases, technicians and decision-makers utilize it.

Informational Process Analysis Essay: Examples & Definition

In contrast, an informational process analysis (also called explanatory or descriptive) demonstrates how something works or is done . To be more precise, it presents information about the way some things or phenomena function. For example, it can describe how a disease affects our bodies.

A descriptive analysis consists of two parts:

• data gathering;
• identifying casual relationships.

This combination helps find out the essence of the process.

An informational process analysis may be found in essays, magazine or newspaper articles, or videos. Mostly, students, researchers, or just curious people are interested in this type.

We have talked about the process analysis definition and types. Now, it’s time to find out about a process analysis essay and how to write it correctly. In this section, you will find lots of interesting and helpful information on how to write each part of the essay, some tips on topics selection, and examples.

Process Analysis Essay Outline

Let’s start with the essay structure. Keep in mind that a process analysis should be written in chronological order. If you want your readers to understand the presented process clearly, divide it into stages and then into steps. It will make your essay more coherent.

A process paper outline consists of 4 parts. Here they are:

Process Analysis Essay Topics: How to Choose

Choosing a topic may seem confusing. You have many things you want to talk about, and you simply can’t decide. Sounds familiar? Don’t worry; these tips will help determine what process analysis essay topic to choose.

To select a topic, you need to:

• Analyze your interests and hobbies;
• Choose a process related to your interests;
• Look for something you are familiar with and don’t need any further research;

To sum it up, write about something you like and know about.

How to Start a Process Analysis Essay

You’ve chosen the topic but don’t know how to start writing about it? Don’t worry; we’ve collected the most effective strategies to help you create an excellent introduction.

It’s worth mentioning that your introductory part depends on the type of your process analysis. If it’s a directive essay, you need to explain the process to your readers. If it’s an informational essay, you describe the process.

STEP #1: Start with a definition . It’s necessary to mention the purpose and importance of your paper. The audience should have a meaningful reason for reading your essay.

Writing a perfect essay is easier than you think (directive.)

Stress is one of the reasons for health problems (informational.)

STEP #2: Add some background information . Expand on the details and define the process.  

Baking requires particular skills and time. However, if you do everything correctly, you will get an excellent cake (directive.)

Constant stress exposure leads to the development of various health disorders, resulting in complex treatment (informational).

STEP #3: End your introduction with a thesis statement . Present the steps or stages of the process in one sentence.

To write a perfect essay, one needs to search for information from different sources, analyze the gathered data, and organize the ideas into a coherent text (directive.)

Chronic stress leads to the rise of blood pressure, the release of histamine, and a change of insulin level (informational.)

Just follow these steps to make sure you included all the necessary aspects in your introduction.

Process Analysis Thesis Examples and Tips

A thesis statement is a roadmap of your essay. That’s why it’s important to make it an effective one. Here’s what to keep in mind when writing a powerful thesis.

• Its content. It should contain all the essential information on your topic. A thesis is like a presentation of your paper in one sentence. That’s why you need to be clear and concise. Each of the aspects mentioned in a thesis should be expanded in a body paragraph.

Baking a pie is a simple process as all you need to do is to mix all the products, prepare the filling, and bake the combined ingredients in the oven.

When you see such a thesis, you understand that the paper will be about baking a pie rather than changing a tire.

• The number of parts. In fact, a process analysis thesis consists of two parts: the main point and the organizational format. The first element focuses on the purpose of the thesis. It’s worth mentioning that the content of the second part depends on the type of your process analysis essay.

• Its place in the text. Your thesis should be situated at the end of your introduction. To be more precise, it’s the last sentence of this part. In such a way, our audience will get a hint about the content of the following body paragraphs.

Feel free to check out the additional tips below. They will make your thesis perfect.

• Make it an affirmative sentence . Don’t write your thesis in the form of a question. This statement should be the answer to the question of the audience.
• Try to make it emphatic . Don’t start your thesis with trite phrases such as   “this essay will explain,” “I will inform you about,” or “I will describe.”
• Add more aspects if necessary.  For example, the thesis may state the inefficiency or unfairness of the process in question.

Process Analysis: Paragraphs for the Main Body

Similar to a thesis statement, the content and structure of the main body depend on your essay type. We have prepared several useful strategies for both types.

Informational Process Analysis: Body Paragraphs

Directive Process Analysis: Body Paragraphs

Transition Words for Process Essay & Examples

Each process has a beginning, a middle part, and an ending. To present a process analysis, divide it into meaningful parts and organize them properly. The readers should always have a clear understanding of a succession of actions.

That’s why you need to use transitional words. They can help the readers follow the text. We have prepared a list of transition words with some examples. Check it out below.

Process Essay Conclusion Writing Strategies

Finally, we get to the concluding part and how it should be arranged. Here are some helpful strategies for you to write an effective conclusion.

• Briefly summarize all the information you mentioned in your body paragraphs.
• Don’t introduce any new details. This part intends to conclude the essay.
• Paraphrase your thesis statement.
• Relate your conclusion with the introduction. There should be a logical ending for your essay. Sum up the information presented in all the parts of your paper.

To conclude, stress produces a negative effect on health. That’s why you should do something to reduce its impact. Include meditation and yoga in your daily routine. Don’t forget to have enough sleep. If you follow all these recommendations, your mental and physical health will improve very soon.

📑 Process Paragraphs Examples & Bonus Tips

We have already composed the process analysis essay. Now you know what to include and what to pay attention to while writing such a type of essay. However, we would like to share a list of some additional tips with you. They will help you to look at your paper from different angles and make it perfect.

Bonus tips:

• Consider the tone of your writing. Try to sound as professional as possible.
• Don’t forget about the formal style. Avoid writing in 1 st person. Instead, use the 2nd person in directive and the 3rd person in informational process analyses:

• You can interrupt the chronology of your process description. Sometimes, it’s essential to specify the terms or concepts, show how the preceding and following steps are connected, or clarify why it’s necessary to do some steps simultaneously.
• Give your readers a specific reason to care about your essay. Before writing your thesis statement, ask yourself: Why do people need to know about this process? The thesis should reflect the answer to this question.

Finally, we would like to present you with a process analysis essay example. Pay attention to the contents of each essay part:

Below, you can find even more process analysis essay samples. Make sure to check them out to get some inspiration for your paper.

• A Medical Committee’s Group Process Analysis
• How to Groom Your Pet Dog: Process Analysis
• Agency Supervisory Process Analysis
• Passing a Test: Process Analysis

Process Analysis Essay Topics

• Analysis of engineering process.  
• Steps to successful aging.  
• Analysis of quality improvement process. 
• The process of data analysis . 
• How to lose weight .  
• Process of selecting a suitable theory or model in health intervention. 
• The important steps of images processing. 
• Strategic planning process analysis: stakeholders and initial agreement guidelines. 
• How to write: process analysis. 
• Steps for maintaining your mental health during pandemic.  
• Process for financial accounting cycle .
• Steps for creating a realistic buyer persona.
• How to make a final decision .
• Stages of problem-solving strategy . 
• The risk management in healthcare : process analysis. 
• How to organize a group: stages.
• Describe the contingency planning process. 
• Steps to planning a career.  
• Enhancing wireless network performance: process analysis. 
• How to cope with grief: five stages theory .  
• Process for conflict resolving .  
• How to analyze a primary source.  
• Communication problems at workplace: stages analysis.  
• How to conduct sociological research . 
• Process of prenatal development : main stages. 
• Stages of developing a new product . 
• Clear steps to conducting community-based research . 
• Making a dental public health policy : process analysis. 
• Conducting a utility test : process analysis. 
• The key steps to facilitate parent participation process.  
• The implementation plan for treating patients with cancer. 
• Discuss the steps of buying a product . 
• Describe the process of business development .  
• Analyze the brewery process . 
• Cognitive development of children: process analysis. 
• Describe the stages of different types of interviews . 
• Analyze the process of employees’ talents development. 
• How to buy a used motorcycle . 
• Steps to making ethical decision.  
• Analyze the ways of managing s diverse international team.  
• Process analysis for proper teeth cleaning.  
• Describe the steps of project management .  
• Four stages of business development .  
• How to cope with distress in nursing.  
• External auditing process analysis. 
• Analyze the stages of Alzheimer’s disease.  

We hope you find our article useful and apply these strategies to your process analysis essay. We wish you success with all your future assignments.

Further reading:

• Case Study Analysis: Examples + How-to Guide & Writing Tips
• How to Write a Visual Analysis Essay: Examples & Template
• How to Write a Film Analysis Essay: Examples, Outline, & Tips
• How to Write a Literary Analysis Essay Step by Step

🔍 References

• Process Analysis: The University of Toledo
• Business Process Analysis: UNICE
• Process Analysis: University of Minnesota Twin Cities
• Informative Process Analysis: Saint Leo University
• How to Write a Thesis for Process Analysis Essay: Seattle PI
• Informative Process Analysis: Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
• Introductions and Conclusions: University of Toronto
• Process Description: How to Write about a Sequence of Events: Seton Hill University
• Essay Introductions: University of Maryland
• Essay Structure: Harvard University
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The difference between an argumentative and persuasive essay isn’t always clear. If you’re struggling with either style for your next assignment, don’t worry. The following will clarify everything you need to know so you can write with confidence. First, we define the primary objectives of argumentative vs. persuasive writing. We...

You don’t need to be a nerd to understand the general idea behind cause and effect essays. Let’s see! If you skip a meal, you get hungry. And if you write an essay about it, your goal is achieved! However, following multiple rules of academic writing can be a tough...

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Essays That Worked

The essays are a place to show us who you are and who you’ll be in our community.

It’s a chance to add depth to something that is important to you and tell the admissions committee more about your background or goals. Below you’ll find selected examples of essays that “worked,” as nominated by our admissions committee. In each of these essays, students were able to share stories from their everyday lives to reveal something about their character, values, and life that aligned with the culture and values at Hopkins.

Read essays that worked from Transfer applicants .

Hear from the class of 2027.

These selections represent just a few examples of essays we found impressive and helpful during the past admissions cycle. We hope these essays inspire you as you prepare to compose your own personal statements. The most important thing to remember is to be original as you share your own story, thoughts, and ideas with us.

Ordering the Disorderly

Ellie’s essay skillfully uses the topic of entropy as an extended metaphor. Through it, we see reflections about who they are and who they aspire to be.

Pack Light, But Be Prepared

In Pablo’s essay, the act of packing for a pilgrimage becomes a metaphor for the way humans accumulate experiences in their life’s journey and what we can learn from them. As we join Pablo through the diverse phases of their life, we gain insights into their character and values.

Tikkun Olam

Julieta illustrates how the concept of Tikkun Olam, “a desire to help repair the world,” has shaped their passions and drives them to pursue experiences at Hopkins.

Kashvi’s essay encapsulates a heartfelt journey of self-discovery and the invaluable teachings of Rock, their 10-year-old dog. Through the lens of their companionship, Kashvi walked us through valuable lessons on responsibility, friendship, patience, and unconditional love.

Classical Reflections in Herstory

Maddie’s essay details their intellectual journey using their love of Greek classics. They incorporate details that reveal the roots of their academic interests: storytelling, literary devices, and translation. As their essay progresses, so do Maddie’s intellectual curiosities.

My Spotify Playlist

Alyssa’s essay reflects on special memories through the creative lens of Spotify playlists. They use three examples to highlight their experiences with their tennis team, finding a virtual community during the pandemic, and co-founding a nonprofit to help younger students learn about STEM.

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On Tech: A.I.

Applying to college here’s how a.i. tools might hurt, or help..

ChatGPT might change the application essay forever.

By Natasha Singer

I spent the last week talking with university officials, teachers and high school seniors about the dreaded college admissions essay.

I cover education technology at The Times. And I’ve been thinking a lot about how artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT, which can manufacture school essays and other texts, might reshape the college application process.

I was particularly interested to learn whether admissions officials were rejiggering their essay questions — or even reconsidering personal essays altogether.

Amid a deluge of high school transcripts and teacher recommendations, admissions officers often use students’ writing samples to identify applicants with unique voices, experiences, ideas and potential. How might that change now that many students are using A.I. chatbots to brainstorm topics, generate rough drafts and hone their essays?

To find out, I contacted admissions officials at more than a dozen large state universities, Ivy League schools and small private colleges, including Juan Espinoza , the director of undergraduate admissions at Virginia Tech.

Right now, he told me, many universities are still trying to figure out how the A.I. technologies work and what they mean for the admissions process.

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• 1. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt How many different types of paragraphs are in an essay? One Two Three Four
• 2. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt What do you call the first paragraph in a formal essay? Beginning Grabber Hook Introduction
• 3. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt What do you call the last paragraph in a formal essay? Resolution Conclusion Ending Finale
• 4. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt What do you call the paragraphs where key ideas are developed and explained? Introductions Body Paragraphs Key Paragraphs Conclusions
• 5. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt What three elements must be included in an introduction? Evidence, Explanation, Elaboration Opinion, Reasons, Evidence Lead, Background, Thesis Thesis, Restatement, Conclusion
• 6. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt What are the two parts of a thesis statement? Subject & Predicate Thesis & Statement Topic & Subject Answer & Reasons
• 7. Multiple Choice Edit 1 minute 1 pt How many body paragraphs should a formal essay have? One Two Three Four
• 8. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt What is the first step in the writing process? Plan the Essay Proofread the Essay Cite Evidence Draft the Essay
• 9. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt Begin every body paragraph with  _________________. a lead an introduction a topic sentence background information
• 10. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt Which type of paragraph must contain cited evidence? Body Paragraph Beginning Conclusion Resolution
• 11. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt When you cite evidence you must _______. credit, or name, the source summarize ideas copy exact words retell in your own words
• 12. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt After citing evidence you must _____ and _____. review, revise quote, paraphrase explain, elaborate introduce, summarize
• 13. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt Which transition signals a conclusion? In addition, Similarly, For example, In short,
• 14. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt Which transition signals an explanation? The author states This illustrates The author states In the same way
• 15. Multiple Choice Edit 30 seconds 1 pt Which transition signals a contrast (difference)? Furthermore For instance As a result However

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5 Things To Do This Summer To Prepare Your College Applications

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Harvard University Admissions

The summer before senior year is a critical time for those preparing to submit college applications in the fall. While summer is traditionally seen as a time to relax and recharge, it also offers a valuable opportunity for students to develop their passion projects, start writing their application essays, and plan a timeline that will allow them to stay organized and on track throughout the fall. As they look forward to compiling their college applications, here are five essential tasks that rising seniors should tackle this summer to set themselves up for success:

1. Start The Common App Essay

One of the most daunting and time-consuming parts of the college application process is writing the personal statement , also known as the Common App essay. Students should anticipate that the writing process will take longer than they initially expect it to, as the best essays require self-reflection, multiple drafts, and a great deal of editing. Writing this essay over the summer will allow students time to brainstorm, draft, and revise without the added pressure of schoolwork.

The Common App essay should tell a compelling story. Often, it will serve to highlight a student’s hook and cohere all of the elements of a student’s application around a central narrative. Students should begin by reflecting on their experiences, values, and academic and personal goals. While many students assume that a standout essay requires a groundbreaking discovery, a life-altering experience, or a heroic feat, some of the most engaging and original essays are those that find significance in seemingly mundane or everyday experiences. By working on their essay over the summer, students not only have the time to workshop a unique topic, but they can also find inspiration in the activities that they engage in outside of the classroom—a lesson they learned in their summer job, a relationship they forged during their summer travels, or a personal value or belief they developed through their summer volunteering.

2. Finalize A Balanced College List

While many students go on their college visits during the spring of their junior year, summer can offer a prime opportunity for students to visit colleges and hone their balanced college list . As students evaluate the schools on their list after their visits, they should consider factors such as location, size, academic programs, extracurricular activities, and campus culture. For students who have hectic summer schedules, virtual tours, college webinars, and online information sessions can provide valuable insights.

Additionally, when it comes to finalizing their college list, students should aim to include a mix of roughly two to three safety schools, four to six match schools, and four to six reach schools. Safety schools are those for which a student’s academic credentials (standardized test scores and GPA) significantly exceed the institution’s average admitted student profile. Match schools are those for which a student’s credentials are on par with the average, and reach schools are those for which a student’s credentials are below the average of admitted students’ profiles. Students should also consider all Ivy League and top-tier schools to be reach schools, no matter how competitive their GPA and standardized tests scores are. A well-balanced list will set students up for success and provide them with options when decision time comes next spring.

See A Total Eclipse Of A Star As Manhattanhenge Returns The Night Sky This Week

The acolyte episode 3 review one of the most disappointing star wars episodes ever made, apple’s new security update exposes samsung’s biggest ai problem, 3. achieve standardized testing goals.

As top schools continue to reverse their test-optional policies, it is critical for students to set ambitious yet attainable goals for their standardized test scores, as they are the foundation of a competitive application. There is still time for students to sign up to sit for summer tests—the ACT will be offered on July 13 (registration deadline passed on June 7, but late registration is open until June 21), and the SAT will be offered on August 24 (August 9 is the registration deadline). Students should set a study schedule that allows them to review key concepts, practice sample questions, and take full-length practice tests during their free time.

Those who have already taken standardized tests should consider retaking them if they believe they can achieve a higher score. Higher scores can increase an applicant’s competitiveness, both for college admission and for merit-based scholarships. Consistent, focused preparation can make a significant difference in students’ performance.

4. Develop A Passion Project

A passion project is an independent initiative that reflects a student’s core interests and showcases the applicant's dedication and creativity. Whether it's starting a nonprofit, conducting independent research, creating a blog, or launching a community service project, a strong passion project should highlight students' commitment to their interests and ability to make a meaningful impact in their communities.

Summer is the perfect time to either start or significantly scale a passion project. Students should focus on setting clear goals, planning their activities, and documenting their progress. This project can provide rich content for their personal statement, supplemental essays, and interviews, illustrating their unique strengths and interests to admissions officers.

5. Make A Plan for Requesting Letters Of Recommendation

For students who have not yet done so, summer is an excellent time to request letters of recommendation. Students should identify the teachers, coaches, or mentors who can speak positively about their abilities and character. Reaching out to recommenders early to discuss college plans and expressing why they value their recommendation will allow recommenders to craft thoughtful letters that reflect students’ strengths and contributions.

Additionally, students should use the summer to prepare a concise packet of information for each recommender, including their resume, a list of their achievements, and any specific points they would like their recommender to highlight. Providing this information can help recommenders write a more personalized and detailed letter.

Summer is the perfect time to make progress on college applications. Students who wait until the fall must juggle the stress of sports, extracurricular activities, volunteering, and earning good grades in school, as first semester grades are often considered in the application review process. Focused summer preparation can allow students to make significant progress ahead of time, write quality essays, prepare cohesive applications, and be less stressed come fall.

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