Description of a Process

Summary

This script discusses the technical writing technique of process description, which explains events in a chronological order. It outlines four types of process descriptions: how to do it, how it operates, how it happens, and how it is organized. The script also details the structure of a process description, including an introduction, body, and conclusion, and explains the appropriate use of active and passive voice and imperative and indicative moods for each type.

Takeaways

• 📜 Description of a process involves giving a written account of events occurring in a specific order over time.
• ⏳ A process is always presented chronologically, showing a sequence of actions based on the order of their occurrence.
• 🏗️ Example: In building construction, the process includes designing, building, and evaluating the structure in sequence.
• 🔧 The first type of process is 'how it operates,' which explains how something functions without focusing on the person operating it.
• 📖 The second type is 'how to do it,' emphasizing how someone performs an action, commonly seen in manuals or instructions.
• 🔍 The third type is 'how it happens,' focusing on the process itself rather than the user or machine operation.
• 🏢 The fourth type is 'how it is organized,' highlighting how members of a group or organization are structured or assigned roles.
• 📝 A process description consists of an introduction, body, and conclusion, detailing the process step by step.
• ⚙️ 'How to do it' process uses active voice and imperative mood to give instructions, focusing on the doer of the action.
• 🔄 'How it operates' and 'how it happens' processes use passive voice and indicative mood, focusing on the actions themselves.

Q & A

What is the definition of a 'description of a process'?

A 'description of a process' is a technical writing technique that provides a written account or explanation of events in chronological order based on the time of their occurrence.

Why is order and sequence important in process descriptions?

Order and sequence are important because a process involves a series of related events or actions that must be chronologically presented to ensure clarity and logical flow.

Can you give an example of a process description?

An example of a process description is constructing a building, which involves creating a design first, building the structure based on the design, and then subjecting the building to a thorough evaluation or test.

What are the different types of process descriptions?

The different types of process descriptions are: 1) How it operates or works process, 2) How to do it process, 3) How it happens process, and 4) How it is organized process.

What is the focus of the 'How it operates or works' process?

The focus of the 'How it operates or works' process is on how something functions or operates, rather than on the person who operates it.

How is the 'How to do it' process different from the 'How it operates' process?

The 'How to do it' process emphasizes how someone performs an action, typically seen in instructions or manuals, while the 'How it operates' process focuses on how something works independently of the person performing the operation.

What is the significance of the 'How it happens' process?

The 'How it happens' process gives importance to the process itself and is sometimes referred to as process analysis, where the focus is on the sequence of events rather than the user or operator.

What is the role of the 'How it is organized' process?

The 'How it is organized' process describes how a group or organization assigns roles and ranks to its members, focusing on how constituents are arranged within a structure.

What are the key parts of a process description?

The key parts of a process description are the introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction provides a concise definition and scope of the process, the body describes each major stage, and the conclusion reviews the major steps without being redundant.

What type of verb mood is commonly used in the 'How to do it' process?

The 'How to do it' process uses the imperative mood and active voice, as it focuses on instructing the doer of the action.