160 Process Analysis Essay Topics

If you have ever had to read or write instructions, then you are already well aware of the concept of a process analysis essay.

When a teacher assigns this type of essay, they want the student to describe how to complete a particular task step by step. While it may seem relatively simple to describe the process of washing dishes or changing a flat tire, there is more to it than just that.

A process analysis essay actually requires a lot of preplanning and detail to ensure that no step is missed that could lead to a mistake. The purpose of the essay is to simplify a complex task so that the reader can learn how to complete it themselves without error or frustration. And by reading your essay, they should be able to do just that.

If you have been assigned a process analysis essay but are having trouble figuring out what process to write about, worry not! This list of 160 process analysis essay topics, along with a handy guide for how to write them, will ensure that you get the grade you need to pass your class and earn your degree.

Essential Factors of a Process Analysis Essay

When it comes to writing a process analysis essay, there are a few guidelines to consider.

Keep It Simple

While each assignment will vary, process analysis essay topics can be as simple as washing the dishes or as complex as filling out tax forms. As such, you need to keep your writing style and vocabulary level consistent with what is required for that particular task. And regardless of the topic, the instructions should be written clearly and simply enough for any reader to follow.

Don’t Skimp on The Details

A process analysis essay is detail-oriented, which means there’s nothing that should be left out of your essay. If you plan to write about how to make a cup of tea, for example, do not neglect the type of tea used or the amount of time it should be steeped.

In order to provide enough information for readers to complete the task successfully, you must focus on every single step involved in completing that task.

Start at the Beginning – Finish at the End

A process analysis essay is written chronologically from the first step to the last step. Therefore, avoid jumping between steps or bringing up steps not related to the essay’s main topic.

How to Write a Process Analysis Essay

When it comes to the actual writing of the essay, you’ll need to do a bit more than just list out the steps, especially if there is a particular word count or page minimum for the essay.

Assuming that it is a standard process analysis essay assigned for a class, the general rule is that it should contain:

An Introduction
Body Paragraphs (One for each step)
Conclusion

The length of your essay will depend on how complicated your process is and how many steps must be completed to accomplish the task.

The Introduction

The introduction paragraph to your process analysis essay topic should include:

The process being analyzed
The importance of knowing how to do it
A real-world example of the purpose or function of the process

Much like any other type of essay, you will still write a final sentence in your introduction, called a thesis. This thesis statement will provide a roadmap for the reader so that they understand where the writing will be taking them.

For example, a good thesis for an analysis essay on how to change a tire could be:

“If your car breaks down on the side of the road, following these instructions will ensure that you can safely change a tire and get back to wherever you need to go.”

The Body Paragraphs

Your body paragraphs should include one step for each section. The first body paragraph should detail any materials, prerequisites, instruments, and supplies needed to complete the process. Failure to put this at the start of the body paragraphs could result in the reader missing out on major points and causing them to take wrong turns.

After your list of materials, you can also list any risks or warnings that the reader should know. These include but are not limited to:

Using an instrument that they are not familiar with
Working in a space that does not have adequate ventilation or is too small
Opening the system up to airborne contaminants, etc.
Any other factor related to personal safety or prevent them from carrying out the process successfully

Once these vital pieces of info have been covered, you can use the rest of the body to cover the steps with any details that will ensure the reader is able to perform the task.

The Conclusion

The conclusion paragraph of a process analysis essay should include an overview of the process and describe the expected result. Avoid adding additional steps to the process that would not be necessary to complete the process.