View source for Process Analysis

{{Term|PROCESS ANALYSIS|One of the [[Seven Types of Paragraph Development|seven types of paragraph development]]  that is used to show readers how something is done or happens (informs / explains) or explains how to do something (instructs / directs). A process analysis paragraph is written in chronological order to demonstrate the different steps containing simple and clear words, definition of complex terms  and may also contain visual graphics  (e.g.: charts, maps, diagrams) and a section of frequently asked questions. Process analysis can be used to identify improvement opportunities by evaluating the flow of inputs and outputs within the process.
<ref> [http://academicwriting.suite101.com/article.cfm/seven_types_of_paragraphs www.academicwriting.suite101.com]  (31 July 2009),  [http://www.essortment.com/career/howwriteproces_scme.htm www.essortment.com]  (31 July 2009),   [http://oeas.ucf.edu/process_analysis/what_is_pa.htm www.oeas.ucf.edu]  (31 July 2009),   [http://www.tcc.edu/students/resources/writcent/handouts/writing/process.htm]  (31 July 2009), [http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/acadwrite/process.html leo.stcloudstate.edu] (31 July 2009), [http://www3.delta.edu/pahutchi/process.html www3.delta.edu]  (31 July 2009) </ref>}}

{{Tool|Writing a Process Analysis Paragraph|

*Choose a topic that is short and clear; state if its aim is to inform or instruct.
*Make a list of all the steps involved in the process	
**Display the steps in chronological order using words such as First, Next, Then, Finally
**Make sure steps are not omitted
*Write first draft
**Include an introduction that explicitly states the process
***Explain how readers can learn or benefit from this process
***If it is a directional process, assure readers that they will be able to follow the instructions
**Mention about any tools or information the readers will need to be able duplicate the process
**Give specific examples and/or add visual graphics if they help illustrate the process
**Highlight the possibility of dangers and pitfalls
**Be consistent and use the same mood throughout
**For imperative mood, give instructions using present tense such as “enter the username and password and then click on the Login button”
**For indicative mood, give instructions by making statements such as “you should enter the username and password and then click on the Login button”
**Write a conclusion, summarizing the benefits and the final outcome of the process
*Edit your draft and make sure the process is clear, logical, well explained, consistent and coherent
**Provide transitions to show steps, sub steps and examples
**Avoid passive voice, i.e.:  Instead of writing “The page is opened after you click on the Login button”, write “After you click on the Login button, the page opens.”
*Proofread the revised draft for grammar, punctuation and spelling
*Prepare and proofread the last copy
*Have someone else read the process analysis paragraph and comment on it. This person should be able to answer the following questions:

**What kind of process is being explained? Is it meant to inform or instruct? 
**Why is this process important? 
**Does this process follow a logical pattern throughout the paragraph?
**Who or what is affected by the process? 
**Can the process be done in different ways? If yes, in which ones? 
**Who will read this process? Do the readers need a certain understanding to be able to follow the process? 
**Is there a need for special skills or equipment(s) for this process? If yes, which ones? 
**What is the timeframe for this process? Does the process always show the same outcome?
**How many steps does the process have? 
**Should certain steps be omitted / added? 
**Why is every step essential? 
**If any, what are the obstacles encountered? Can they be overcome? If yes, how? 
**Does the reader need to be cautious about something? Is this clearly stated?
**Are all the definitions clear? If not, how should they be rephrased? 
**Do similar processes already exist? If yes, can they be used as an example to illustrate the steps?}}




==References==
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