How to Write a Thesis for a Process Analysis Essay

Thesis statements for science process analysis essays should emphasize safety.
... Creatas Images/Creatas/Getty Images

Process analysis essays either tell the reader how to do something or explain how something is done. A recipe is one of the most common forms of direct process analysis or "how-to" writing. A thesis statement is a sentence that appears in the first paragraph of your essay that informs the reader of the purpose of the paper. Learn to write a good thesis statement for the two types of process analysis essay, informing readers of the benefits of following your instructions or showing them how a task is accomplished.

1 Direct Process Analysis Thesis Statements

For direct process analysis essays, the statement should inform the reader of the results they will obtain if they follow your directions carefully. Include at least two and preferably three benefits the reader will gain. If you are describing how to bake an organic apple pie, for example, benefits might include "a delicious, golden brown organic dessert." Include safety precautions if you are describing how to perform a chemistry experiment or how to repair a machine, for example, "Follow these directions to safely use lab equipment to perform the experiment."

2 Explanatory Process Analysis Thesis Statements

Explanatory Process Analysis essays present how a process works, such as how a product is manufactured. They are not intended to guide the reader to directly follow instructions. Include at least three primary steps in the process that you are explaining in your thesis. If you are describing how toasters are made, for example, include the steps of case molding or forming, heating wire manufacture, and assembly in your thesis statement.

Amy Sterling Casil is an award-winning writer with a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from Chapman University in Orange, Calif. She is a professional author and college writing teacher, and has published 20 nonfiction books for schools and libraries.

×