The authors of your textbook point out that there are two types of essays that use process analysis: Instructions and explanations (Troiano and Scott 336-337). When writing instructions, you are telling someone how to do something. For example, you might tell someone how to assemble a bicycle, or how to glaze a pot, or how to make a terrarium. When writing explanations, you are telling the way something happens. For example, you might explain the way the Grand Canyon was formed, or way diseases are transmitted, or the way bills are passed in congress.

Guidelines for writing instructions are given in your textbook and are listed below. Read the author's complete explanations on pages 336-337.

1. Use the second person (you).
   
2. Divide the process into separate actions.
   
3. Make the sequence clear by using transitions.
   
4. Give complete instructions.
   
5. Be specific.
   
6. Avoid the telegraphic style.
   

Guidelines for writing explanations are given also given in your textbook and are listed below. Read the author's complete explanations on page 337.

1. Use the third person (he, she, it, they).
   
2. Divide the process into steps and make the sequence clear.
   
3. Be sure the explanation is complete.
   
4. Make your explanation lively and interesting.
   

Judith S. Van Alstyne identifies three different kinds of process analysis (312).
1. The historical analysis explains how and why an idea or event occurred or an institution originated. Historical analysis explores subjects such as how the microcomputer was developed or how American teachers unionized.

2. The scientific, mechanical,or natural analysis explains how such processes occur or should occur. Subjects appropriate to scientific, mechanical, or natural analysis include how chemotherapy cures cancer, how a computer printer functions, or how smog occurs.

3. The organizational analysis explains the steps, pitfalls, or methods of efficiently performing a human process. Organizational analysis examines subjects as how a plant is propagated or how a manager motivates a staff of workers.

Note that Van Alstyne's list represents different kinds of explanations rather than specific instructions on how to do something.

Here are my added directions for this assignment:

Make sure your essay has the three basic parts: introduction, body, conclusion. The introduction should contain the following information as appropriate for your topic and audience:

1. Intended audience. For whom are you writing: an amateur who knows nothing or someone who has experience with and knowledge of your subject?

2. Define key terms and state your purpose.

3. Give necessary background information and theory.

4. Tell the who, when, and where of the activity.

5. Note special considerations when performing the steps.

6. List tools, materials, supplies, apparatus (it may be necessary to include graphics).

7. list the chronological steps (supply a flow chart).

The body of your paper should present the steps in an organized way. Each new step should be presented in a paragraph with a topic sentence (see pages 164-167). Within the paragraph, it may again be necessary to define key terms, note special considerations, and include substeps. Substeps should be introduced by subtopic sentences.

Finally, your essay should have a concluding discussion/assessment. Here you can evaluate the results of the process, make comments on the time and costs (if applicable), note the advantages and disadvantages as well as the effectiveness of what was done. Comment on the importance of the process, and note the relationship of what was done to any larger processes.

The completed essay must be at least 500 words. There is no limit on length, but all essays should be concise, informative, and correct. Longer essays that multiply errors simply provide more justification for a poor grade. Microsoft Word will tell you how many words there are in a document. Microsoft Word also allows for the inclusion of graphics in Word documents. Include these as necessary.

VanAlstyle, Judith S. Professional and Technical Writing strategies. 6^th ed. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson/Prentice Hall, 2005.

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