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.
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. ”
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.
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.
