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大家好！欢迎来到《实用英语写作》在线课程。今天我们学习说明文写作方法之过程分析法: Development by process analysis。

过程分析法是说明某件事情如何发生、某件物品如何制造或使用的一种写作方法。这类说明文在日常生活和学习中使用非常广泛。写过程分析说明文的目的是把一个复杂的过程分解成具体的步骤并解释清楚，便于读者理解和操作。所以写此类文章的目的比较明确，需要客观提供信息。那么写过程分析短文应该注意什么呢？过程分析法在文中如何展开呢？Let’s begin our class.

There are two types of process essays: directional and informational. A directional process essay tells the reader how to do or make something. The language is usually in form of commands: “Do this” or “push that.” An informational process essay explains or analyzes a process. It is different from the directional essay because it strives to make the reader understand the process or give information on the process -- how, when, where, and why it is performed -- even if the reader never performs it. Although directional and informational process essays have different purposes, they can be developed using the same pattern of organization.

When writing a process essay, we should keep in mind the following points. (1) Ordering steps or ideas in time sequence; (2) Explaining each step clearly; (3) Completing the process thoroughly; (4) Defining new or unfamiliar terms when necessary; (5) Including a thesis statement persuasively; (6) Organizing your essay logically in three sections: Introduction, Developmental paragraphs, and Conclusion.

Now, let’s take an example and see how the essay develops by process analysis. The topic is How to improve your study habit.

Before writing the essay, we should make an outline and have a clear structure of the essay.

Outline

Introduction:

Thesis statement: Here are some steps to improve your study habit and help you become a top student.

Body:

Step 1: Plan your time carefully.

Step 2: Find a good place to study.

Step 3: Make good use of your time in class.

Step 4: Study regularly.

Conclusion:

Remember that improving your study habits will improve your grades.

The first part is introduction. There is the thesis statement: Here are some steps to improve your study habit and help you become a top student. The second part is body. There are four steps. Step 1: Plan your time carefully. Step 2: Find a good place to study. Step 3: Make good use of your time in class. Step 4: Study regularly. The third part is conclusion: Remember that improving your study habits will improve your grades.

Next, follow the outline to write the essay.

Please read paragraph one, the introduction.

Perhaps you are an average student with average intelligence. You probably think you will never be excellent in class. This is not necessarily the case, however. Here are some steps to improve your study habit and help you become a top student. (thesis statement)

In the introduction, the author analyzes the situation first and then put forward the thesis statement in the last sentence. The key words some steps indicate how the essay develops in the body part.

Next, let’s go to the body to see how the essay develops.

First, plan your time carefully. Make a list of your weekly tasks. And make a schedule of your time. Then decide on good, regular times for studying. Be sure to set aside enough time to complete your normal reading and work assignments. Of course, studying shouldn’t occupy all of the free time on your schedule. In addition, it’s important to set aside time for relaxation, hobbies, and entertainment as well. (Step 1)

Second, find a good place to study. Choose one place for your study area. It may be a desk or a chair at home or in the school library, but it should be comfortable and it should not have distractions. When you begin to work, you should be able to concentrate on the subject. (Step 2)

Third, make good use of your time in class. Listening to what the teacher says in class means less work later. Sit where you can see and hear well. Take notes to help you remember what the teacher says. (Step 3)

Last but not least, study regularly. Go over your notes as soon as you can after class. Review important points mentioned in class as well as points you remain confused about. If you know what the teacher will discuss the next day, skim and read that material too. This will help you understand the next class. If you review your notes and textbook regularly, the material will become more meaningful and you will remember it longer. Regular review leads to improved performance on tests. (Step 4)

Here, the author puts forward four steps one by one to illustrate his idea on how to improve study habit. Each step is explained clearly. And some connecting words are also used in body paragraphs such as: first, second, third, last but not least, then, in addition, as soon as. It’s very coherent.

Now let’s go to the conclusion of the essay.

In general, students can always join some kind of out-of-class groups and interact with other people to develop their social skills. Thus they are no longer simply going to college; they are part of college life. (Conclusion)

Here, in the last paragraph, the writer gives us some suggestions and then draws a conclusion in the last sentence. It agrees with the thesis statement in Paragraph One. Yes, I think it’s a successful expository essay. Do you think so?

OK. Today we talk about one of the writing methods of exposition: Development by process analysis. Can you remember the key points and use them in your own writing? Remember: Practice makes perfect.

Well, after class you can write a process essay according to the directions below.

Directions: For this part, you are given thirty minutes to write a composition based on the following two questions:

1.      你在英语学习中有哪些困难？

2.      你是如何克服这些困难的？

Please write your composition clearly in no more than 120 words.

All right, today we’ll stop here. Thank you. See you next time