This type of essay will tell the reader how to do a certain task. The best procedural tests follow a clear step-by-step organization. You will first need to give the reader an approximate time and a general summary of the assignment. Then write a more detailed explanation of each necessary step. When you finish your essay, you should read it carefully to make sure you haven't missed anything.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Prepare to Write
Step 1. Assess the skill level of the audience
Before you start writing, take a few moments to determine who is going to read the essay. This will delimit the type of language that you will use and the information that you will put. If you are writing for an expert audience, you can eliminate some of the basic information that you would include for beginners.
For example, one designed for professional chefs might omit a description of the way carrots are chopped and just say "Finely chop the carrots."
Step 2. Make a list of supplies needed
Go over the process from start to finish and write down any items that would be required to complete the task. It includes everything from the common to the unusual. Keep the list handy as you write, and cross out each item when you mention it.
- You could also include a comprehensive "Things You'll Need" section at the beginning of the essay. You could also list the materials needed after the introduction.
- If an item on the list is something unusual (such as a certain type of hand tool), you should explain it clearly in the text. For example, "The dowel hammer has a thinner tip than the conventional hammer, which makes it suitable for more detailed work." You could also include a photo of the object, especially if the essay will be posted online.
Step 3. Make an outline of the task
You will need to list each step of the task from start to finish in short sentences or bullet points. You can divide the outline into 3 parts that mimic the structure of an essay: introduction, body and conclusion. Once you complete it, you will have to review it to verify that you have not skipped any steps. You could also reread it and add any details that you don't want to miss.
- If you are writing an essay on how to cook lasagna, your initial outline might say "Add basil." Before you start writing, you could expand it and say something like "Briefly mention the difference between the taste of dried and fresh basil."
- Keep in mind that the more specific the topic of the article or essay, the more specific the details should be.
Part 2 of 4: Create an Introduction
Step 1. Get the reader's attention in the first or second sentence
Start with a quick, colorful description of the task at hand. You could also start with a short anecdote that explains why homework is so important. Use lively and dynamic language, and remember that this will be the point where the reader will decide whether or not to continue reading.
You could write something like "The process of making lasagna has a valuable legacy."
Step 2. Give a general approximate time
Most readers will not have all the time in the world to complete this task, so they will immediately want to know how long it will take. Be honest and give them an actual estimate of the process, from start to finish. If it requires multiple materials, you could also indicate to the reader that they can cut down on time by gathering everything together beforehand.
- If your procedural essay focuses on a kitchen task, you might recommend that readers review the ingredient or materials list and place each item on the counter.
- For example, you could write something like "This recipe will require an active preparation time of 30 minutes, and 45 minutes to bake."
Step 3. Present the thesis as a problem
The thesis should be the last sentence of the introductory paragraph. This will be the most important sentence in the essay and will not only tell the reader what the problem will be to review, but it will also give them an idea of how you will solve it. This will give the essay a progressive sense.
For example, the thesis could be "This essay will explore how to cook a complex lasagna dish in a short time, preparing the noodles and sauce beforehand."
Part 3 of 4: Elaborate Body Paragraphs
Step 1. Review the outline
Have the outline handy when you write, and cross out each sentence or bullet as you cover that point. The body of the essay will follow the outline and heading in order, from the first step to the last. You should express the steps clearly and in the correct order.
Be very careful with items that contain multiple steps. Use clear transitions and acknowledge previous steps for the item in question, if applicable
Step 2. Structure the body of the essay in paragraphs
A standard procedure essay could have 3 or more body paragraphs. Don't overload each paragraph with too much detail, as you could confuse or lose the reader.
For example, if you are preparing pasta, you can write a paragraph about how to boil it and another about preparing the sauce. This will allow you to separate the ideas and explain them easily
Step 3. Add transitions between steps
You should use transition words to encourage the reader to continue from one step to the next. As you continue, you can include transitions from one point to the next with words like "Up", "Now", or "Later." This will make your essay sound more coherent and not look so much like a checkout list.
You could write something like "Now, put the pot in the kitchen," so you will move from one paragraph to the next
Step 4. Don't use the first person
Your essay will look less declarative and credited if you use words like "I," "my," "we," or "our." In a procedural essay, this may make the reader less relying on instructions. Instead, you will have to adopt the perspective of the second or third person using words like "it" or "that."
For example, write “This essay will show that…” instead of “I will show you…”
Step 5. List any necessary warning notes
If there is something specific that the reader should not do, you will need to describe it in the body paragraphs or in the conclusion. This will be vital if the task can be dangerous or cause injury.
You could warn the reader to "cook the meat until it is no longer red in the center." This will help them avoid foodborne illness
Part 4 of 4: wrap it up
Step 1. Mention the final product and what they will have to do with it
The last paragraphs of the essay should conclude the production process. These should also give the reader an idea of the final product. You could describe its appearance or the use that can be given to it. Don't assume that the reader will immediately know what to do when the creation process is complete.
If it's a recipe, you could write something like, “You should now have a bowl of boiled pasta and finished bolognese sauce. Serve the pasta and sauce dishes to your family members, and add Parmesan if desired. You can also serve garlic bread or a side salad for this dish. "
Step 2. Re-state the importance of the task
This will be a great and positive way to end your essay. Remind the reader again why they followed your instructions and finished the task so hard. Don't repeat the introduction word for word; Instead, focus on giving the reader some praise for completing it.
This could be a simple example for the prepared dish: “Done! Now you have a fast but delicious meal suitable for the whole family, which you can prepare over and over again without anyone complaining. Next time, you can experiment with different herbs and spices to add a special touch to this classic dish. "
Step 3. Review the essay to make sure you can read it easily
When you finish writing your essay, you should sit down and give it a close read. Imagine each step in your mind and check that the description provided matches each visual element. Check that the paragraphs are in the correct order.
- Determine if there are points where you can eliminate steps or reduce instructions. The reader will be more likely to finish reading them if you can give them a quick read with ease.
- Have someone read your essay to see if they can understand the process. If possible, choose someone who belongs to your target audience.
Step 4. Review it to identify any errors
You will have to read it to identify grammatical, typographical and other errors. These types of writing problems can distract or even confuse the reader. Sometimes it will be helpful to step away from the rehearsal for a few hours before completing this final step.