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The importance of essay writing in developing critical thinking and communication skills.

Why do we write essays

Essay writing is an essential skill that students develop throughout their academic journey. It serves as a powerful tool for expressing ideas, exploring concepts, and engaging in critical thinking. Essays enable individuals to articulate their thoughts, analyze information, and present arguments in a coherent and structured manner.

Understanding the purpose of essay writing is crucial for students to excel in their academic pursuits. Essays allow individuals to demonstrate their knowledge, communicate their insights, and showcase their ability to construct compelling arguments. Through essays, students can delve into complex topics, engage with different perspectives, and develop their writing skills.

Essentially, the objective of essay writing is to cultivate intellectual growth, foster analytical thinking, and enhance communication skills. Essays provide a platform for individuals to articulate their opinions, support their arguments with evidence, and engage with various academic disciplines. By mastering the art of essay writing, students can not only succeed academically but also sharpen their ability to express themselves effectively.

The Significance of Essay Writing

Essay writing is a crucial skill that fosters critical thinking, creativity, and clarity of expression. Through the process of composing essays, individuals learn to organize their thoughts coherently, present their ideas effectively, and support arguments with evidence and logic.

Essays enable writers to explore complex topics in-depth, analyze data, and develop a deeper understanding of their subject matter. They serve as a platform for sharing perspectives, exploring multiple viewpoints, and engaging in thoughtful discourse.

Moreover, essay writing plays a vital role in education by assessing students’ comprehension, communication skills, and ability to articulate ideas. It encourages students to research, synthesize information, and construct well-reasoned arguments, thereby enhancing their intellectual growth and academic performance.

Key Benefits of Essay Writing:
1. Enhances critical thinking skills
2. Promotes effective communication
3. Encourages analytical reasoning
4. Fosters creativity and originality

Exploring the Importance of Essays

Exploring the Importance of Essays

Essays play a crucial role in academia as they allow students to demonstrate their understanding of a subject or topic. Through essay writing, students can showcase their critical thinking skills, analytical abilities, and writing proficiency. Essays also provide a platform for students to organize their thoughts, research, and arguments in a coherent manner.

Moreover, essays help students develop valuable skills such as research, reading comprehension, and communication. Writing essays also encourages students to engage with complex ideas, formulate their own opinions, and articulate them effectively. Additionally, essays enable students to practice and enhance their writing skills, which are essential for academic and professional success.

Overall, essays are essential for academic growth, intellectual development, and effective communication. By engaging in essay writing, students not only demonstrate their knowledge but also refine their critical thinking and communication skills, preparing them for future educational and professional endeavors.

Advantages of Essay Writing

Advantages of Essay Writing

Essay writing offers numerous benefits to students, professionals, and individuals looking to enhance their communication skills and critical thinking abilities. Some of the key advantages of essay writing include:

Essay writing requires the writer to analyze information, evaluate arguments, and form logical conclusions, which helps in developing critical thinking skills.
Through essay writing, individuals can improve their ability to clearly articulate ideas, present arguments effectively, and communicate complex concepts in a structured manner.
Researching and writing essays on different topics can broaden one’s understanding of various subjects, leading to a deeper knowledge base.
Writing essays allows individuals to explore creative approaches to problem-solving, develop unique perspectives, and express thoughts in an imaginative way.
Regular practice of essay writing can enhance academic performance by honing writing skills, enhancing analytical abilities, and mastering the art of argumentative writing.

Key Elements of a Good Essay

1. Clear Thesis Statement: A good essay always begins with a clear thesis statement that presents the main point or argument of the paper.

2. Well-Structured Organization: An effective essay is well-organized, with each paragraph flowing logically from the previous one and supporting the overall thesis.

3. Strong Supporting Evidence: A good essay should include convincing evidence to support the main argument, such as examples, statistics, or quotations.

4. Critical Thinking: A good essay demonstrates critical thinking skills by analyzing and evaluating the topic or argument from different perspectives.

5. Cohesive Transitions: Transitions help to connect ideas and paragraphs smoothly, ensuring that the essay is easy to follow and understand.

6. Clear and Concise Language: A good essay uses clear and concise language to convey ideas effectively and avoid confusion.

7. Proper Grammar and Punctuation: A well-written essay adheres to the rules of grammar and punctuation, enhancing the clarity and professionalism of the writing.

Types of Essays and Their Purpose

Essay writing encompasses various types of essays, each serving a specific purpose. Understanding the different types of essays can help writers effectively convey their message and engage readers. Here are some common types of essays and their purposes:

Essay Type Purpose
Descriptive Essay To paint a vivid picture of a person, place, object, or event for the reader.
Narrative Essay To tell a story and engage the reader through a sequence of events.
Expository Essay To explain a topic in a logical and straightforward manner.
Persuasive Essay To convince the reader to adopt a particular viewpoint or take a specific action.
Argumentative Essay To present arguments and evidence to support a claim or position.
Compare and Contrast Essay To highlight similarities and differences between two or more subjects.
Cause and Effect Essay To examine the reasons for an event or phenomenon and its consequences.

By understanding the purpose of each type of essay, writers can effectively structure their writing to achieve their intended goals and connect with their audience.

Developing Critical Thinking Through Essays

Essay writing is a powerful tool for developing critical thinking skills. When students engage in the process of crafting an essay, they are required to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information to form coherent arguments and make persuasive points. This process not only hones their writing abilities but also strengthens their ability to think critically.

By researching and organizing their thoughts in a logical manner, students are forced to consider different perspectives, question assumptions, and draw reasoned conclusions. The act of writing an essay challenges students to think deeply about the topic at hand, apply analytical skills, and present their ideas in a cohesive and persuasive manner.

Furthermore, essays encourage students to approach complex issues from multiple angles, consider evidence, weigh arguments, and develop well-structured arguments. Through the essay writing process, students learn to think critically, evaluate information critically, and communicate their ideas effectively.

By engaging in essay writing, students not only demonstrate their understanding of the subject matter but also develop the essential skill of critical thinking, which is invaluable in academic, professional, and personal contexts.

Essay Writing as a Tool for Communication

Essay writing serves as a powerful tool for communication, allowing individuals to express their thoughts, opinions, and arguments in a structured and coherent manner. Through the process of composing an essay, writers can effectively convey their ideas to a targeted audience, whether it be academic peers, colleagues, or the general public.

Essays enable writers to present complex concepts, analysis, and interpretations in a clear and organized fashion, helping to facilitate understanding and dialogue on a particular topic or issue. By carefully crafting their arguments and providing evidence to support their claims, writers can engage readers and persuade them to consider different perspectives.

Furthermore, essay writing encourages critical thinking and reflective analysis, as writers must evaluate their own ideas and the ideas of others in order to develop a well-rounded and persuasive argument. This process of engagement and exploration fosters intellectual growth and enhances communication skills.

In essence, essay writing serves as a tool for communication that not only allows individuals to articulate their thoughts effectively but also cultivates a deeper understanding of complex ideas and promotes meaningful dialogue among diverse audiences.

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purpose of directional essay

How to Write a Process Essay

purpose of directional essay

The process essay, also known as the "how-to" essay, is commonly written for people or companies that need tutorials or a set of instructional steps. Whether it's building a robot or cooking a chocolate cake, process essays use a similar format for any variations. They follow a step-by-step style, with the initial step influencing the second, which influences the third, and so on. Each step carries its own importance, and a poor explanation of one step can ruin the entire process. It's important to stay concise and efficient. However, before you begin writing your essay, you should do some small preparations. Let's discover them with our research writing service .

What Is a Process Paper?

A process essay is a type of essay that explains a process step by step and gives guidance for a certain process, working mechanism, procedure, etc. Process essays range from very simple ones, such as instructions for how to ride a bicycle, to more complex ones, such as a chemistry lab report of an oxidative reaction experiment. The goal of a process paper is to give its readers guidance and directions. 

Feeling Overwhelmed Writing a Process Essay on Your Own?

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A process paper is characterized, first of all, by explaining a process using a description. Some words that are frequently used in process essays are “further”, “then”, “next”, “first”, “last”, “finally”, and “initially”. It is really important to remember that every process essay includes features, such as:

  • clear and straightforward narration - the last thing you want to do is to confuse your reader with complex language and an unorganized thought thread;
  • chronological order - avoid skipping steps and shifting them around, as it will result in misunderstanding and frustration for the readers;
  • transition words - make sure to separate the next step from the previous ones by using transition words;
  • descriptions of the steps - make sure your steps are clear and easy to follow.

There are several types of process essays. The first one is directional - it explains the “how to” for something. It can take on a wide range of subjects, such as how to apply for a credit card, how to get your driver’s license, how to plan a wedding, etc. The outcome of the directional essay should be a result. In the cases of the examples above: a credit card, a driver’s license, or a carefully planned wedding. The other type of process paper is informational - it explains how something works. Here are some examples: how a weather forecast is determined, how a space rocket works, how intermittent fasting changes your body, etc. An informational essay explains something to a reader and does not necessarily end up with a result, like directional does. 

Another type of essay that is similar to a process essay is a process analysis essay. The biggest difference is that a process analysis essay not only explains the steps, but also analyses them in depth. It has all of the characteristics of a process essay, although goes into more detail about the causes and consequences of every step.

If you need any additional information for process analysis essays, check out our article: HOW TO WRITE A PROCESS ANALYSIS ESSAY

Writing a process essay is not extremely difficult. By following simple rules and a set of steps, a successful, well-structured essay can be guaranteed.

Prepare The Small Stuff

Here we gathered some small general tips and advice that you should follow throughout your writing process to make sure that all of the expectations of a process paper are met.

  • Determine the Audience's Skill Level. It's important to base the level of complexity of the essay on who the readers will be. For example, if you need to teach a friend how to do a simple fix or create a certain tool, then it would be most reasonable to stick to more basic terminology. However, if you are writing an essay for your astrophysics professor about the creation of a black hole in the universe, use more sophisticated and informative terminology.
  • Make a List of Materials. Obviously, the creation of anything comes with some prerequisites. Whether it's items or ideas, the importance of knowing the necessities beforehand and having them ready to go is essential. Make sure to place each item in accordance with its importance. The more impactful a part is, the higher up on the list it should be. 
  • Write out Each Task. In a step-by-step tutorial, each individual task carries some sort of weight. Since an entire process can not be complete if a step is skipped, it's crucial to write out every single step. However, don't go overboard in your explanations. It's not necessary to bring the tutorial to a microscopic level, but each step should be understandable and competent.

If you still have difficulty writing, you can get essay help online from our service.

Process Essay Topics

Choosing a topic for a process paper can be quite challenging. A good place to start is with your passions. If you pick something you are excited about, you can make it interesting for your readers and fun for yourself to write about. If your professor limits you to write a process essay on something you have very little knowledge of, choose a topic that is intriguing and triggers your interest. Then, conduct enough thorough research to make sure you understand everything perfectly before you go ahead and try to explain it to someone else. 

How to Pick a Process Analysis Essay Topic

Another very important thing to consider while writing a process essay is your audience. It is highly unlikely that college students are interested in instructions for “How to Get Into Your Dream School” or “How to Pass Your SATs”. Make sure your topic relates to the subject you are studying and you are following your professor’s prompt guidelines.

Here are some ideas that might be of interest for you:

  • How to lose weight on a keto diet
  • How your immune system fights COVID-19
  • How to start selling on Amazon
  • How to improve your credit score
  • How to decrease your social media usage
  • How to apply for unemployment insurance
  • How to improve your college performance 
  • How to open your first bank account

It's important to note that these essay topics are just some common examples used by several college students for their course papers. Feel free to use any one of them if you want, or think of one on your own. Just make sure it's a PROCESS!

Process Essay Outline

Most essay outlines follow the standard scheme: Intro > Body Paragraphs > Conclusion . follow the standard scheme: Intro > Body Paragraphs > Conclusion. A good process essay outline should look like this:

WRITING A PROCESS ANALYSIS ESSAY

  • Introduction — brief your reader on your topic, explain why you have chosen it and how you are planning to approach the explanation of the process. 
  • Body — the biggest part of your essay that should be divided into paragraphs for easier understanding and structure. Make sure each paragraph is flowing smoothly into the next one with connective words.

Paragraph 1. First step of the process. Explain what the step is, what the best way to perform it is, and how to avoid common mistakes when doing it.

Paragraph 2. The next step of the process (the same as in Paragraph 1). Thoroughly explain what this step is about.

  • Conclusion . Here you need to explain why your instructions are valuable. It is your opportunity to persuade your reader(s) that the steps you presented and the process they learned will be useful for them in the future. 

Every process is different: some can take a couple of minutes, while others can take months or years to complete. The length of the essay is generally based on the difficulty and number of steps it takes. However, the structure doesn't maneuver.

Introduction

The first thing that you want to do as a writer for your process paper is to help your readers be interested in your individual process. Be descriptive about it, paint a picture for your readers. A joke or a personal reference can be a great attention grabber and can pull your reader right in. For somebody to be keen on approaching your process, they have to express interest in it. Though, it generally goes without saying that many writers ignore this fact. Let's break it down into subsections:

  • Give a little bit of historical background. People often want to know the origins of whatever it is that they're working on. Introducing this part of the process helps to intrigue your readers, as well as give them a sense of purpose for the task.
  • Create an approximate timeframe. Unfortunately, your readers don't have all day to spend on this one event. In addition to learning about its purpose, people want to know how long the task will take. This way, they can decide how to break up the work. If it's a quick fix, then they can knock it out in one session. However, if it's a large-scale operation, then your readers will obviously have to create their own time schedule.
For example, let’s say that the topic of your essay is “How to Save Money”. You can start the introduction of your process essay by explaining that as a college student, you often find yourself in need of extra money and you are stuck with bad money habits. This will create a good connection with your readers, because almost everyone has been in a situation of needing to be savvy with their finances. Another thing you can mention is the importance of saving money and the multiple opportunities it presents, such as being able to invest it, being able to pay off a credit card debt, or being able to save up to avoid taking out a student loan.

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Body Paragraphs

This is the point in the process essay where you start introducing the step-by-step process your readers will need to take. A lot of the time, it helps to break down each process into subsections. For example, if a step has many parts to it, it would be clever to create a paragraph on its own just for that step. Remember, it's important to keep things smooth and efficient. Break down the body paragraphs in unity with the steps. Let's go into more detail about each step:

Each step should be carefully explained.  Every step will vary in length. Think about it: every instruction manual has several steps. Some are more difficult to comprehend or perform than others. For this reason, create your steps and explanations accordingly. You should be able to get a sense of their length and difficulty based on the explanation.

Don't forget to explain the purpose.  People don't want orders barked at them aimlessly. Besides just accomplishing a task, people want to learn as they perform.

  • Why did they do this?
  • What was the purpose of this method?
  • Why did we do it this way and not this other way?

To make everything flow smoothly use transitions.  Make the steps flow one after another to create a well-structured essay. As you introduce the next step, consider using transition words like “next”, “now”, “then”, “so that”, etc.

Before writing the steps out in full sentences, it is a great idea to create an outline for your body paragraphs. Here is an outline for the body paragraphs of a process essay on “How to Save Money”:

Paragraph 1:

  • keep track of your expenses
  • organize your collected data
  • decide what you can skimp on in your spendings

Paragraph 2:

  • create a realistic budget
  • check weekly to ensure you are sticking to it
  • save 15% of every monthly income
  • set a tangible goal for saving, such as a car

These process essay examples use only two body paragraphs, but feel free to include more to ensure a better understanding and cohesive flow for your paper. Although, do not include excessive unnecessary details that clutter your essay and make understanding it even more difficult. While writing your essay, include small brief explanations for each statement. For example, “Even though eating out and grabbing a coffee on your way to class sounds tempting, setting a budget and saving 15% of each of your monthly earnings aside can help you have enough to put down a downpayment on a new car.” Here the reader will understand that there is a direct relationship between each step and the result it is going to give. 

Showing the readers that they are learning and not just repeating is one of the most effective ways to lock down their attention and keep them coming back!

After going through every step meticulously and explaining the whole process, a process essay needs a confident conclusion. This paragraph should be short, sweet, and to the point. It's main goal is to accomplish the following tasks:

  • Discuss the main result. After the readers have completed the process, they should be left with a final result. It's important that you explain to your readers what the end result will look like, and what can be done with it.
  • Restate the process’s general purpose. After completing the task, you obviously would like to know its overall purpose. When your readers feel that they have accomplished a challenge, learned something from it, and have a path to take the result towards, they will be satisfied!
  • State your Overall Conclusion. To put a pretty tie around your process essay means that you need to neatly wrap things up! Restate some of the highlightable points as well as the process’s key overall purpose. Make sure that your readers feel accomplished after going through your process, and  ensure that you strengthen the necessity of its purpose with a nice concluding sentence!

The conclusion of an essay on “How to Save Money” would explain that the completion of all of the steps will result in saving money that can be used for a specific goal or for rainy day fund purposes. You can mention the importance of every step and briefly repeat some of the key points. 

Post-Writing Tips

Here are some final tips to wrap up your writing process. Use them as a checklist for a successful and coherent essay. 

  • Make sure the work is simple enough to follow. Worst-case-scenario: its author creates a feeling of absolute confusion in the reader’s mind. To avoid this problem, always remember that your readers can be beginners. Do not try to impress them with complicated words or sentences, use simple language to provide clear directions on how to do something. Give as many details as possible, but do it plainly. "Why is he making me do this?" "What was the purpose of this?" "I don't understand this step at all!" If the reader is asking themself these questions, then it's time to do some editing!
  • Experiment and try it for yourself or ask a friend. There's no better way to experience success than to actively attempt your process through your own instructions. If everything truly makes sense, then you should have no problem solving the task using your own words. Even better, ask a peer to try it through your words to get an outside point of view.
  • Choose the right topic for you and research it well
  • Maintain a logical order of steps, make it easy to follow
  • Avoid using imperative sentences - you do not want to sound like an Apple TV manual
  • Explain terms that are most likely outside of most people’s range of common knowledge 

If you have a ready-made essay but need to make significant changes to it, you can use our rewrite my essay service .

Process Essay Examples

Now that you know all about process essays and how to write them, we have prepared some great essay topic ideas in case you are stuck and cannot choose one:

Building a business from scratch is an intricate process that entails a number of steps. Each of these steps should have specific objectives and measurable outcomes.The following analysis gives the basic steps followed when building any business from scratch.
Saving can be defined as a differed consumption or keeping aside a portion of your income for unexpected future uncertainties or plans. Read for reason and actual steps for saving more money

Read also a thesis statement example from our author. In this article, you can learn something useful for yourself.

Still Need Help?

If you still feel like you could use some help with your process essay, do not hesitate to seek help from our writing service. Our writers specialize in a wide range of essays of different types including creative writing essay , process essays, and would be more than happy to assist you with writing, editing, or direction if you are feeling uneasy. Click the button below and college admission essay writer will process your requests fast.

Daniel Parker

Daniel Parker

is a seasoned educational writer focusing on scholarship guidance, research papers, and various forms of academic essays including reflective and narrative essays. His expertise also extends to detailed case studies. A scholar with a background in English Literature and Education, Daniel’s work on EssayPro blog aims to support students in achieving academic excellence and securing scholarships. His hobbies include reading classic literature and participating in academic forums.

purpose of directional essay

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

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6.3: Process Essay

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The Purpose of the Process Essay

The purpose of a process essay is to explain how to do something (directional) or how something works (informative). In either case, the formula for a process essay remains the same. The process is articulated into clear, definitive steps.

Almost everything we do involves following a step-by-step process. From learning to ride a bike as a child to starting a new job as an adult, we initially needed instructions to effectively execute the task. Likewise, we have likely had to instruct others, so we know how important good directions are—and how frustrating it is when they are poorly put together.

Exercise 10

On a separate sheet of paper, make a bulleted list of all the steps that you feel are required to clearly illustrate three of the following four processes (note that the first three are directional and the fourth is informative).

  • Tying a shoelace
  • Parallel parking
  • Planning a successful first date
  • How a historical event occurred (pick one you know well!)

The Structure of a Process Essay

The process essay opens with a discussion of the process and a thesis statement that states the goal of the process. The organization of a process essay typically follows chronological order. The steps of the process are conveyed in the order in which they usually occur, and so your body paragraphs will be constructed based on these steps. If a particular step is complicated and needs a lot of explaining, then it will likely take up a paragraph on its own. But if a series of simple steps is easy to understand, then the steps can be grouped into a single paragraph.

The time transition phrases covered in the Narration section are also helpful for organizing process analysis essays (see Table of Transition Words and Phrases for Expressing Time). Words such as first, second, third, next, and finally are cues to orient readers and organize the content of the essay.

Finally, it’s a good idea to always have someone else read your process analysis to make sure it makes sense. Once we get too close to a subject, it is difficult to determine how clearly an idea is coming across. Having a peer read over your analysis will serve as a good way to troubleshoot any confusing spots.

Exercise 11

Choose two of the lists you created in Exercise 10 and start writing out the processes in paragraph form. Try to construct paragraphs based on the complexity of each step. For complicated steps, dedicate an entire paragraph. If less complicated steps fall in succession, group them into a single paragraph.

Writing a Process Essay

Choose a topic that is interesting, is relatively complex, and can be explained in a series of steps. As with other rhetorical writing modes, it is best to choose a process that you know well so that you can more easily describe the finer details about each step in the process. Your thesis statement should come at the end of your introduction, and it should state the final outcome of the process you are describing.

Body paragraphs are composed of the steps in the process. Each step should be expressed using strong details and clear examples. If you are writing a directional essay, you should provide every detail necessary for your reader to complete the process. If you are writing an instructional essay, your body paragraphs should explain the process and how it works, although you should not expect your reader to be actually performing the process. Use time transition phrases to help organize steps in the process and to orient readers. The conclusion should thoroughly describe the result of the process described in the body paragraphs. See the student paper below, “Keep Them in Stitches,” or one of the sample professional essays to read an example of a process analysis essay.

Exercise 12

Choose one of the expanded lists from Exercise 11. Construct a full process essay from the work you have already done. That means adding an engaging introduction, a clear thesis, time transition phrases, body paragraphs, and a solid conclusion.

Sample Process Essay

“Keep Them in Stitches,” by Jacob Gallman-Dreiling, describes the process of finding the perfect yarn for a knitting project. As you read, pay attention to the words and phrases the author uses to help orient the reader, as well as the strong details that bring the subject to life.

Jacob Gallman-Dreiling

English 1101

24 February 2013

Thesis statement: Choosing the perfect yarn for a knitting project relies on the preferences of the person for whom the project is being made, the availability of the yarn, and the type of yarn called for by the pattern.

  • Wool yarn will aggravate allergies to lanolin.
  • Acrylic yearns can be scratchy or leave splinters.
  • Warmer items should be made with animal fibers.
  • Lighter items should be made with cotton.
  • Wool yarn should be hand washed with cold water.
  • Cotton and acrylic yarns are machine washable.
  • Solid colors are great for sweaters and accessories like professional iPad cases.
  • Variegated yarn makes for show-stopping pieces and can help maintain the knitter’s interest through the end of the project.
  • An advantage to shopping in person is the ability to touch the yarn.
  • An advantage to shopping at the local yarn store is the knowledgeable staff, many of whom have been knitting for years.
  • An advantage to shopping at the yarn store is that the staff can provide ready assistance and often have first-hand knowledge of the yarn the knitter intends to use.
  • Online retailers typically have greater stock availability.
  • Online retailers also provide tutorial videos.
  • Fingering, sport, and DK weight yarns are good for smaller projects like socks or baby clothes.
  • Worsted, bulky, and super bulky are great for sweaters, scarves, blankets, and washcloths.
  • Some people prefer sweaters with a small gauge.
  • Some people prefer socks with a large gauge

Keep Them in Stitches

The popularity of knitting is cyclical, rising and falling according to the prevailing opinion of women’s places in society. Though internationally a unisex hobby, knitting is pervasively thought of as a woman’s hobby in the United States. Knitting is currently enjoying a boost in popularity as traditionally minded women pick up the craft while women who enjoy subverting traditional gender roles have also picked up the needles to reclaim “the lost domestic arts” and give traditionally feminine crafts the proper respect. American men are also picking up the needles in greater numbers, with men’s knitting guilds and retreats nationwide. This rise in popularity has made the receiving of hand-knit items special, and many people enjoy receiving these long-lasting, painstakingly crafted items. For any knitters, the perfect gift starts by choosing the perfect yarn. Choosing the perfect yarn for a knitting project relies on the preferences of the person for whom the project is being made, the availability of the yarn, and the type of yarn recommended by the pattern.

In order to select the right yarn for a knitting project, the knitter must take into account the preferences of the recipient of the knitted item. The most basic choice is the composition of the yarn to be used. Natural fibers are luxurious and tend to age better. Nevertheless, the knitter must determine if the recipient has any allergies or sensitivities. Wool yarn, for example, will aggravate allergies in those sensitive to lanolin, but mohair, alpaca, cotton, or angora will not cause discomfort. Acrylic is a synthetic yarn, but it can be scratchy or leave splinters. A second consideration is the type of project the knitter plans to complete: each project requires a specific type of yarn. For warmer items such as sweaters, blankets, or mittens, animal fibers are best. Socks, warmer-weather items, and household accessories are best served using cotton. One must also give thought to the care of the finished project. Items made from wool yarn survive best when hand washed in cold water whereas cotton and acrylic items are machine washable.

Once the type of yarn has been chosen, the knitter should consider what color yarn the recipient prefers. A solid color garment looks more professional and functions as a base piece in a wardrobe or interior design. Sweaters, iPad and tablet cases, as well as belts are well-suited to solid colors. Pieces made with variegated colors, in which the yarn has either multiple colors or shades of the same basic color, make for show pieces and accessories. Socks, gloves, scarves, and cowls are great projects for variegated yarn. Variegated yarn colors tend to keep the knitter’s interest, but multicolored yarn can be difficult to use when working on larger projects which require multiple skeins of yarn. Due to the way yarn is dyed, the color at the end of one skein may not match the color at the beginning of the next skein.

The next step in determining the right yarn for a project is availability, particularly where to purchase the yarn. Some people prefer to shop at a local store for yarn because it offers many advantages. Shopping in person allows the knitter to feel the yarn he or she intends to purchase. This can help sway the knitter’s opinion in regards to yarn choice. The staff at a local shop is often knowledgeable; many of them have been knitting for years, and they are usually ready to offer assistance with projects or yarn selection. If a knitter does not live near a yarn store, there are many online retailers who can fulfill their orders. Online retailers typically have a larger selection of yarns and patterns available for download. Since they cannot give personal assistance, many compensate for this deficiency by providing free tutorial videos.

Finally, choosing the right yarn for a project relies on the type of yarn called for in the knitting pattern. Patterns are highly adaptable. Most things in a pattern can be substituted: yarn type, yarn weight, color, and number of stitches can all be substituted to fit the knitter’s desire, but the pattern will provide a good place to start. The yarn weight, which determines the gauge of the project, is one of the most basic substitutions. Fingering or lace weight, sport, and DK weight are lighter weight yarns typically good for smaller projects like socks or baby clothes. Those types of yarn tend to be knit on smaller needles and produce a smaller stitch. Worsted, bulky, and super-bulky yarns are chunkier, knit on larger needles, and provide beautiful, large stitches. They are well suited for sweaters, scarves, blankets, and washcloths. The preferences of the recipient must also be taken into account. Some people prefer sweaters with a small stitch, while others prefer thick, warm socks to wear around the house.

The right yarn for a knitting project is one that meets the preferences of the recipient of the project, is readily available, and matches the needs of the pattern. After the project is completed and given to the intended recipient, both the knitter and receiver can bask in the adulation the finished garment brings. These hand-knit items can be passed down for several generations, truly becoming a gift that keeps on giving.

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Writing a Process Essay

A process essay aims at describing a particular process through a series of stages or steps. Writing a process essay is not difficult. In fact, we come across these types of essays very often; for example, when writing or reading about how to do something or steps to perform something, and so on. To know more about writing process essays, read this Penlighten article.

Writing a Process Essay

We refer to recipe books when learning to cook or to know about a particular dish. We read through user manuals before using new gadgets or home appliances.The form of writing that is used in such help manuals or the way in which how-to articles are written refers to process essay writing. Rather, anything written in the form of steps to do something, can be referred to as a process essay.

What is a Process Essay? Let’s define a process before we understand what a process essay is. A process is defined as a fixed or ordered series of actions that lead to a result. Consequently, a process essay aims at describing how something is done in a sequence of steps. In short, a process essay describes a procedure and gives a step-by-step explanation of a process (abstract or concrete) that has a planned outcome. There are two types of process essays; namely,  directional and informational .

  • A directional process essay gives the steps in a procedure, which the user can recreate and achieve the expected results. A directional process essay directs the reader about something. For example, an essay that guides the readers to find a particular university, can be called a directional essay.
  • An informational process essay analyzes a process and gives information about how something happens or happened. An informational process essay informs the reader of something. For example, an article on how waterfalls are formed can be called an informational essay.

The process essay definition can be given as the explanation of a process that involves explaining the steps in it. It is an essay in which how to do something is explained in a step-by-step manner. The answer to every ‘how-to’ is a process essay. Some examples of this essay type include:

  • How to save money
  • How to write a bibliography
  • How to study
  • Before you begin writing a process essay, you should thoroughly understand the process which you are going to write about. You also need to understand the exact steps that need to be taken, for the process to achieve the desired result.
  • It is not enough to know just one method of completing the process. As a process essay writer, you should know the different possible methods for it, and make a mention of them.
  • However, it is advisable to focus on only one method of completing the process. Choose the one which you have understood best so that you can explain it well in your essay. Also consider which method is most likely to be understood by the readers.
  • While writing a process essay, analyze the process so as to understand and explain its significance.
  • Write from the perspective of the readers, considering the knowledge they need to have, in order to understand the process that you are trying to explain.
  • To write an effective process essay, you should know exactly, how many steps are there in the process, why each step is important, what is the time required for each step, and what is its outcome.
  • Provide your readers with the details of what precautions need to be taken while performing the process. Warn them of the difficulties they may face while executing each step and also give them tips on making the process easier.
  • The process that you are trying to explain in your essay might be complex. You might need to use some technical or scientific terms in the essay. You might be required to give some complex definitions. Make sure you elaborate on the terms and concepts that may be difficult to comprehend.
  • If you are handling a complex process in your essay, think of other processes that are similar to the one you are writing about. Analogies can help the readers understand a difficult process in a better way.

Let us look at the standard format of a process essay and some tips for writing one.

  • Ideally, the title of a process essay should inform the readers about the process you are going to explain.
  • The introduction should give the readers, a background of the process and explain its importance to them.
  • The body of the essay should consist of an explanation of the steps required to carry out the process.
  • Each step should have a suitable description and a logical link with its preceding and following steps. The body text can also include a brief description of the significance of each step and its specific purpose.
  • It is advisable to devote one paragraph per process stage. Use transitional words and phrases like ‘after a few hours’, ‘in the mean time’, ‘during’, ‘finally’, or ‘in the end’, to lead the readers from one paragraph to another.
  • But avoid the excessive use of connectors like ‘then’. Also, avoid an overuse of imperative statements, or your essay will turn out to be dry.
  • The concluding paragraph of a process essay presents the process results and attempts to reinforce the significance of the procedure. It is best to summarize the main steps of the process in the concluding lines of the essay.
  • The conclusion of a process essay can also include some sources of related information that the readers can refer to.

Proofreading is an important step in essay writing and process essays are no exception. Do not forget to proofread your essay so as to eliminate punctuation and formatting errors. Put yourself in the readers’ shoes and assess what you have written. If you like your essay, it’s definitely your best and that means you can get ready for writing another.

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COMMENTS

  1. 3.4: Process Essay - Humanities LibreTexts

    The purpose of a process essay is to explain how to do something (directional) or how something works (informative). In either case, the formula for a process essay remains the same. The process is articulated into clear, definitive steps.

  2. Purpose of Essay Writing">Understanding the Purpose of Essay Writing

    Essentially, the objective of essay writing is to cultivate intellectual growth, foster analytical thinking, and enhance communication skills. Essays provide a platform for individuals to articulate their opinions, support their arguments with evidence, and engage with various academic disciplines.

  3. Definition, Topics, Process Essay Examples| EssayPro Blog

    There are several types of process essays. The first one is directional - it explains the “how to” for something. It can take on a wide range of subjects, such as how to apply for a credit card, how to get your driver’s license, how to plan a wedding, etc. The outcome of the directional essay should be a result.

  4. 6.3: Process Essay - Humanities LibreTexts

    The purpose of a process essay is to explain how to do something (directional) or how something works (informative). In either case, the formula for a process essay remains the same. The process is articulated into clear, definitive steps.

  5. How to write a Process Essay (both directional and ... - YouTube

    There are two types of Process essays: directional and informational. This video explains how to write both and gives an example for each type. #essaywriting #essay #academicwriting # ...

  6. Process Analysis Essay Examples & Structure Tips">Process Analysis Essay Examples & Structure Tips

    Directional process analysis essays tell the reader how to perform a process, such as cooking biscuits or solving cryptograms. Informational process analysis essays tell about how something is done without giving directions to actually do it.

  7. Essay Flashcards | Quizlet">Process Essay Flashcards | Quizlet

    Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like What is the purpose of a process essay, What are the two types of Process Essay, Characteristics of the Instructional/Directional Process and more.

  8. Writing Handout E-4: Process Analysis Essay Guidelines

    There are two basic types of process essays: directional (how to do something) and informational (how something works). A directional essay provides directions to achieve a particular result (how to cook perfect grits). An informational essay explains something for a reader (how a rocket engine works).

  9. Writing a Winning Process Analysis Essay: Step-by-Step Guide ...

    Directional process analysis essays focus on providing step-by-step instructions on how to perform a particular task or process. Who primary goal is to guide the reader through the process, ensuring they can replicate it successfully.

  10. Writing a Process Essay - Penlighten

    A directional process essay gives the steps in a procedure, which the user can recreate and achieve the expected results. A directional process essay directs the reader about something. For example, an essay that guides the readers to find a particular university, can be called a directional essay.