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7Explaining a Process: Cultures &Traditions

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Learning Outcomes

• Identify real world applications for explaining a process in writing.

• Understand the steps for explaining a process.

• Interpret images, readings and processes related to cultures and traditions.

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Learning Outcomes (contd.)

• Analyze the rhetorical situation for explaining a process.

• Apply the steps for explaining a process to writing.

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Real World Applications (LO 7.1)

School• You may need to write about a

scientific process.• You may need to write step-by-step

instructions for a procedure related to your major.

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Real World Applications (contd.)

Daily Life• You may need to provide

instructions to a babysitter or pet sitter.• You may want to write out the

steps of a recipe.

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Real World Applications (contd.)

Career• You may need to leave directions

for someone who fills in for you whileyou are away from the office.• You may need to help create a

manual for new employees.

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Steps for Explaining a Process (LO 7.2)

• Begin with a clear title and introduction.

• Include a list of materials.

• Explain each step in chronological order.

• Define special terms.

• Give helpful tips or warnings, as needed.

• Include visual aids as needed.

• End with a decisive conclusion.

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Culture and Traditions (LO 7.3)

Writing about an image• Consider the images in the chapter.• Determine what cultural traditions

are represented.• Decide what process is being

performed.• Determine how the images relate to

your own culture and traditions.

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Culture and Traditions (contd.)

Media connection for explaining processes• Watch, read, or listen to the media

suggested by the text for examples ofprocess analysis.• Exploring media may help you better

understand methods for explaining a process.• Give credit to sources.

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The Rhetorical Star (LO 7.4)

Subject• Select a topic appropriate

for a college-level audience.• Make sure you are very

familiar with the process you select.

• Ensure the process is not too easy or too difficult.

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The Rhetorical Star (contd.)

Audience• Determine who your readers

are.• Decide if you want the readers

to perform the process or simply understanding it.

• Too much detail is better than too little.

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The Rhetorical Star (contd.)

Purpose• Determine if you are instructing or

informing.• Instructional processes tell the reader

how to make or do something.• Informative processes tell the reader how

something works, how a process is done, or how something is made.

• Keep your purpose in mind throughout the essay.

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The Rhetorical Star (contd.)

Strategy• Explain the process.• Determine if additional

strategies are necessary to enhance the explanation.

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The Rhetorical Star (contd.)

Design• Decide if you need to use a

paragraph format or a list of numbered steps.• Determine if additional headings

or pictures would help the reader better understand the process.

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Applying the Writing Process (LO 7.5)

Discovering• Use the readings, images, and other

media suggestions to help select a process.• Try making a list of possible processes.• Select a process you are already familiar

with.• Consider making a rough sketch of the

process or procedure to help with the writing process.

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Applying the Writing Process (contd.)

Planning• Make a list of the supporting points you

would like to use.• Number your points from most to least

persuasive.• Organize your ideas with a graphic organizer

or outline.• Create a list or outline to help organize your

ideas.• Follow a chronological sequence

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Applying the Writing Process (contd.)

Composing• Write a first draft of your process.• Don’t worry about grammar and

punctuation during this phase.• Remember to keep your overall point in

mind as you write.

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Applying the Writing Process (contd.)

Getting Feedback• Have someone read your rough draft. • Use the peer review questions to gather

feedback from your reviewer.• Get a second opinion, if possible.• Ask your reviewer to identify any steps

that may be unclear.

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Applying the Writing Process (contd.)

Revising• Using the feedback, revise your process

analysis.• Make sure the steps are clear and

organized chronologically.• Go through the process in your head

to make sure that you have not left out any important steps or warnings.

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Applying the Writing Process (contd.)

Editing• Read your process again.• Look for errors in grammar, punctuation,

and mechanics.• Focus on the chronological order and

action verbs to ensure they are clear to the reader.

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Applying the Writing Process (contd.)

Proofreading• Read your process at least one more

time.• Check for typographical errors that may

interfere with the reader’s understanding of your process.