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Writing a paragraph about a process

Writing a paragraph for a process can be used if you are organized and know key words. When writing for a process you are explaining to the reader the exact order of how something should happen to obtain the results desired.

Let's review what makes a paragraph. A paragraph has 5-7 sentences. There is a topic sentence, supporting sentences, and a conclusion sentence.

Now, we can apply this idea and explain a process/order of something.

Key words that should be used:
  • Ordinal numbers - first, second, third, fourth, fifth, etc.....
  • Chronological language - next, then, last, finally, etc...
    • These key words are examples. These examples can do a basic job in completing a process paragraph.
    • However, they do not represent the entire list of words used in a process paragraph.
Let's pick something simple to explain a process [Kool-aid slushies would be an excellent idea].

* Note the recipe for the Kool-aid slushy comes from food.com at --  http://www.food.com/recipe/kool-aid-slushies-slushy-drink-241306

PARAGRAPH STRUCTURE

Let's start with the topic sentence:
  • "On a hot summer day it is important to cool down with a drink, A Kool-Aid slushy is the perfect drink for this situation."
    • The reader already gets the idea of what it is you're going to talk about. 
    • In this case, the second sentence is an extension of the topic sentence and it would be generally acceptable as long as it is still connected to the topic sentence and it's short.
Let's continue with the supporting sentences:
  • "First, in order to make a slushy, three things are needed. (1)  1 cup water, (2) 1/2 cup sweetened Kool-Aid drink mix [your choice of flavor], and (3) 3 cups of ice."
  • "Second, combine the ingredients. Combine 1 cup of water, 1/2 cup of  Kool-Aid, and 1 cup of ice cubes in a blender. Make sure the container is covered. Otherwise, there will be a mess to clean up."
  • "Next, blend the ingredients at the highest speed possible. The mixture should be smooth when finished. Add 2 more cups of ice cubes. Again, make sure the container is covered. Continue to blend for 1-2 minutes."
  • "Finally, serve right away and enjoy!"
Let's finish with a conclusion sentence:
  • "A Kool-aid slushy is the perfect drink for a hot day, and it is an even better drink when shared with friends."

COMPLETE PARAGRAPH     

  •      "On a hot summer day it is important to cool down with a drink. A Kool-Aid slushy is the perfect drink for this situation. First, in order to make a slushy, three things are needed. (1)  1 cup water, (2) 1/2 cup sweetened Kool-Aid drink mix [your choice of flavor], and (3) 3 cups of ice. Second, combine the ingredients. Combine 1 cup of water, 1/2 cup of  Kool-Aid, and 1 cup of ice cubes in a blender. Make sure the container is covered. Otherwise, there will be a mess to clean up. Next, blend the ingredients at the highest speed possible. The mixture should be smooth when finished. Add 2 more cups of ice cubes. Again, make sure the container is covered. Continue to blend for 1-2 minutes. Finally, serve right away and enjoy! A Kool-aid slushy is the perfect drink for a hot day, and it is an even better drink when shared with friends."
    • Note the use of first, second, next, and finally.
Writing a process paragraph becomes easier with practice. The key is being organized and using ordinal numbers (first, second, etc...) and chronological language (next, then, last, finally).

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