Process Analysis Paper

Length:Two paragraphs (around one page)

Purpose: To differentiate between what an authorsays and the writing strategies he/she is using

Audience: Your instructor and classmates (an informed, academic audience)

Genre: Academic paragraphs

Directions:

1. Closely read the following essay

a. "On Dumpster Diving" by Lars Eighner (50 Essays, pages 139-151)

2.  Paragraph One: Write a topic sentence that introduces the source and identifies its main idea.

Example: In the essay "Why Bother," Michael Pollanaddresseshumanity's impact on theenvironmental.

3.  In four to five supporting sentences, describe what the author is saying.

a.  Be sure to use attributive phrases and parenthetical citations.

b.  Consider the following question: What are some of the key ideas the author includes to support the main idea?

4. Write a transitional sentence.

Example: Although it is important to consider what Michael Pollan says, it is also crucial for readers to understand the writing strategies he is using.

5. Paragraph Two: Write a topic sentence that indicates the paragraph will be an analysis of the author's writing strategies.

Example: Michael Pollan uses many different strategies to relate to his audience.

6. In four to five supporting sentences, describe the author's writing strategies.  Your analysis should answer at least four of the following questions.

a. What is the writer's tone?What emotions is the writer trying to make us feel?  How does the writer make us feel these emotions?

b. How does the writer's word choice impact the readers?  What words is the writer using that would affect a reader?  How do these words make an impact?

c.  Does the writer use slang?  If so, why?

d.  Does the writer use research/information from outside sources?  If so, why?

e.  Does the writer tell personal stories?  If so, why?

f. How does the writer use punctuation to help make his/her point?  Consider question marks, exclamation points, commas, semicolons, quotation marks, italics, and long dashes.

g. How long are the paragraphs?  Are all the paragraphs the same length?  Why might the writer vary paragraph length?  Why does paragraph length matter?

7. Conclude the paragraph by writing a sentence or two that answers the following question: Why were these strategies effective?  Why did the writer use them?

Example: Michael Pollan's strategies were effective because they helped him reach his intended audience and convince them to take action to protect the environment.  He used these strategies because he genuinely cares about the environment, and he wants other people to understand why he cares.

8. Format the essay and use parenthetical citations for paraphrased or quoted material according to Modern Language Association (MLA) guidelines.