A Guided Writing Assignment: Process Analysis

A Guided Writing Assignment*

Process Analysis

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Chapter 5 can help you narrow your topic. Many essays benefit from following one dominant pattern of organization. Select the major pattern of organization that best fits your purpose.
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Chapter 6 can help with devising a thesis and generating details. You may also want to consult the chapter in that corresponds to your main mode of development. (See Chapters 12-21.)
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The idea-generating strategies from Chapter 5, especially using the modes of development, can help you flesh out your ideas with specific evidence. Be cautious about using too many patterns of organization, though, which can make your essay difficult to follow.
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Make sure your graphic organizer or outline

  • clearly indicates the essay’s organization and each paragraph’s relationship to the thesis statement, and
  • includes only details that support your thesis.

The chapter in that corresponds to your main mode of development can provide a model graphic organizer. (See Chapters 12-21.)
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Do not worry about grammar or spelling at this point. Instead, focus on the following:

  • using supporting details that help you achieve your purpose with your readers,
  • making sure your introduction and conclusion signal your primary pattern of organization, so readers know what to expect or experience a satisfying sense of closure,
  • using transitions to signal that you are moving from one pattern to another, so readers can follow your train of thought.
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As you reread your essay, ask yourself questions like these.

  • Have I fully developed my primary pattern?
  • Have I effectively used secondary patterns to support my thesis?

Then ask a classmate or friend to read your essay and answer your questions. Refer to Chapter 9 for help with revising, and use the flowchart for revising essays from Chapters 12 to 21 that corresponds to your main pattern of development.
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As you edit your essay, ask yourself questions like these.

  • Are my sentences concise, varied (in type, length, and sentence pattern), and parallel?
  • Do they use strong active verbs?
  • Are my words at an appropriate level of diction for my readers?
  • Do I use concrete language, with appropriate connotations and fresh figures of speech?

As you proofread, look for errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Look for the kinds of errors you regularly make, and do not rely too heavily on spell- or grammar-checkers, which can lead you astray.

For additional help, refer to Chapter 10, “Editing Sentences and Words,” and to the guided writing assignment in the chapter that corresponds to your main pattern of development.