2- Process Analysis

Process Analysis

Process Analysis papers, more commonly known as a How-to paper, are extremely important to communication and understanding complex issues. Similar to YouTube videos (or LEGO booklets) that show how an object is made, a Process Analysis is a detailed set of directions/instructions to help people achieve the same result/understand how something complicated actually works. Process Analysis for an English assignment is just as much about explaining personal reasons and why the steps must be done in a certain order as it is about the end result. For this assignment you must give clear concise directions to someone who wants to learn how to do something or understand how something came about in the world. Do not assume they have tried anything previous or have much previous knowledge on the topic. Do not limit your creativity. This paper should be fun, but still needs to be well thought out.
To show you what I am sort of expecting you to watch at least two of the videos in this playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYZCTsaW7u-U3NDtBWJyATsaPijhnnE4x
The biggest things are to remember that this has to be a repeatable process that can be done by anyone. It should not be about how something worked one time, but rather a process that will achieve similar results for all involved. I expect this to be a little playful and a little funny, thus the Red Green videos. However, remember to keep it grounded in reality as well. There should be no deus ex machina, i.e. a sudden appearance of the perfect item specific for the process. Make sure to tell the audience what equipment, tools, or other items that will need to be had for the process before you go into the process itself.

Directions:
To write a good process analysis, the writer must perceive and explain the reasoning process involved in making selections or reaching conclusions from among several options. Do not write a “recipe” type essay for problem-solving analyses. Select from the following topics:
• A business major might write about the process banks use to determine their prime lending rate
• A dance major might write about the selection of body movement sequence to interpret a particular mood
• An education major might write about the stages or strategies for mainstreaming a learning disabled student
• A psychology major might write the process used to change a habitual behavior
• A technology major might write about a process in her or his field of interest
• A History major might write about the historical causes of the Taiping Rebellion
• An English major might write on Epic poetry and what has to be involved for it to be considered “EPIC”
• A Physical Therapy major might write on the steps to recovery from having a broken ankle
Other Suggested Topics
• how to fall in love
• how to fall out of love
• how to buy a used car, truck
• how clouds form
• how to get rid of an unwelcome guest
• how to make an enemy
• how to get the most in tips as a waitress/waiter
• how to make a friend
• how to get people to leave you alone at times without hurting their feelings
• how to baby-sit a bratty child (and come out alive & sane)
• how to rescue a damsel in distress
• how to pass a test you didn’t study for
• how to lose a job
• how to keep a job and do as little work as possible
• how to shop for the best deal on Black Friday
• how to find the best presents for family members
• how to protect yourself from monsters
• how to trap the Tooth Fairy, Easter Bunny, Sock Monster in the dryer, etc.
• how to make your house looked lived in while you’re away
• how to slay a dragon
• how to ride a T-Rex
• how to travel the world on a budget
• how to impress your significant other’s family
• how to keep people entertained over a long weekend/road trip
• how to prepare for a zombie apocalypse
• how to watch a movie like a critic
• how to properly enjoy a football game
• how to get respect (Rodney Dangerfield style)
• how to steal your mom’s car keys, go to a party, and get the car back in the garage without her noticing
• how to fly to the moon using only parts that can be acquired by regular citizens
• how to make a proper tin foil hat that stops the government from stealing your brain waves
• how to dress to make yourself look much cooler than you are
• how to get out of a speeding ticket
• how to clean your room without actually cleaning your room
• how to make King Kong and Godzilla become best friends
• how to make properly finished wood cabinets
• how to put together IKEA furniture
• how to trick your roommate into doing their part
• how to properly set the table at a fancy schmancy dinner
• how to convince people you’re smart without actually learning stuff
• how to learn a new language
• how to get the most out of a vacation to a specific place
• how to create a Death Ray
• how to eat reasonably for a week on $10
• how to do parkour properly
• how to eat spaghetti
• how to convince people to follow you to a place
• how to tend a garden
• how to get rid of animals in your attic
• how to train a dog to bring you things from the fridge
• how to get the most Feng-shui in a room
• how to destroy a car with your hands
• how to keep animals out of your backyard
• how to eliminate clutter in a house
• how to climb a mountain in a snowstorm
• how to fish for giant squids
• how to write a novel about giant squirrels fighting vampires
• how to sleep while living next to the airport
• how to rob a train without hurting anyone
• how to keep a juicy secret from someone you see everyday
• how to buy a couch
• how to find food after being shipwrecked on an uninhabited island
• how to entertain yourself without technology
• how to find the best deals using coupons
• how to make homemade shoes that look just like tennis shoes from the store
• how to make the best Halloween costume for under $20
• how to swim with sharks and not be eaten
• how to cool your mouth down after eating 10 ghost peppers on a dare
• how to pull a tooth without going to the dentist
• how to live underground and steal electricity and cable without anyone knowing
• how to use a box as a toy
• how to identify and locate animals through their tracks
• how to dress like a goat and convince other goats you are one of them
• how to reach the North Pole before your friend does who started in the same place you did
• how to get teenagers to value their education

Remember any topic not on the list (except the ones on the not approved list) can be done as long as you ask. But the list is automatically approved. The paper will need to have step by step instructions/procedures which are clearly stated in the paper. Remember, DO NOT USE “YOU” I realize that this assignment in some form has probably been assigned before in High School or Middle School and this was allowed. However, the point is to get better and find creative ways to not use the Second person point of view. This is simply good practice. This paper is not directed a singular person, it should accessible to all who read it, not just one person/group. Also, you may not write on a topic/subject you have written on before in this class.

Not Allowed Topics:
• how to make a sandwich
• how to lose weight/get in shape (just too many infomercials already)
• how to study
• how to cook anything (recipes are too simple for this assignment)
• how to effectively manage your time

Format
Your paper should be 2-3 pages and must be turned in by end of class on May 6, unless you have been given special permission. No paper will be received for credit after that class period. The entire class period is devoted to writing the paper. Use your time wisely. Make sure to take time to edit it.