Telling how something works . . .

From Reading to Writing In “To Build a Fire,”

Jack London’s meticulous description of the

steps needed to build a fire in the Arctic gives

the reader a keen awareness of what a traveler

must do to survive.

Process Description

Telling how something works . . .In everyday life, you frequently rely on process

descriptions to figure out how something works

or to learn how to do something. You use them

to get from your home to an unfamiliar

destination, to cook dinner, or to assemble

furniture, for instance.

Process Description

B a s i c s i n a B o x

Process Description at a Glance

RUBRIC Standards for Writing

A successful process description should

• begin with a clear statement of the topic and your purpose

• explain to readers how to do something or how something works

• present the steps of the process in a logical order

• define any unfamiliar words or phrases and provide background information that is essential to the reader’s understanding

• use precise language and transitional words to describe each step clearly

Write what you care about and understand.

Richard North Patterson, novelist

Write what you care about and understand.

Richard North Patterson, novelist

One way to find an interesting process to describe is simply to observe people. Watch someone cook a dish you like, or study an athlete, artist, or family member in action. You may want to consider describing something you already know how to do well.

Writing Your Process Description1 Prewriting

Planning Your Process Description

1. Know your audience. How much will they know? What information will be most helpful? What special terms might they need to know? Consider whether a humorous or more serious tone best suits your audience.

2. Gather information. What do you need to know to describe your process clearly and completely? Also, consider whether you or your readers will need background information or certain skills or materials before beginning.

3. Organize your information. You might make a numbered list of the steps in chronological order before you begin writing.

Writing Your Process Description2 Drafting

Begin by explaining why the process is important or useful. Tell your readers what you will be describing and why. Use the following strategies to make your description clear and interesting:

Details: Include all the steps, described in enough detail for the readers to carry out each part of the process themselves. Also, list any equipment or materials readers might need.

Writing Your Process Description2 Drafting

Definitions: Explain any words or phrases

your readers might not know.

Illustrations: Use maps, charts, graphs,

diagrams, or other illustrations when they will

help your readers better understand the

process.

Transitions: Use words such as first, next,

before, after, or during to help readers know

when each step occurs.

Writing Your Process Description3 RevisingTARGET SKILL

CLARIFYING MEANING

Vague phrases or words in your process

description may leave readers uncertain of

what to do. Including specific words and

details will help make your process

description easier for readers to follow.

Writing Your Process Description4 Editing and ProofreadingTARGET SKILL

VERB TENSES

Using the wrong tenses in your writing can

cause confusion when you are giving

directions. Check to see that your verb tenses

—past, present, or future—are consistent and

make sense when you edit your work.