process essay function

How to write a process essay

• August 25, 2023

Process essays are one of the most common types of essays . It’s simply explaining a process of how to do something. 

In this article, we’ll show you how to write a process essay in steps with interactive examples. 

Process essay definition

Let’s take a look at the steps outlined below to write a clear and effective process essay. 

Choose a topic

You should start by choosing a topic that not only interests you but also attracts your target audience. 

Whether it’s brewing the perfect cup of coffee or conquering the art of origami, your topic should be engaging and well-defined.  Let’s have a look at topic examples:

• Crafting Exquisite Miniature Bookbindings
• Building a Sustainable Vertical Garden
• Making the Perfect Cup of Coffee

So for this guide, I’ve chosen “Making the Perfect Cup of Coffee”. Now let’s continue with the next steps.

Create a process essay outline

Now that you’ve your topic at hand, it’s time to create an outline to present the steps chronologically. Outline will also help you organize your thoughts and ideas so you won’t get lost during the writing process.

Let’s examine this step with an example of a process essay explaining “Making the Perfect Cup of Coffee”.

Process essay outline example

• Thesis statement
• Provide safety precautions if necessary.
• Address to the reader
• Provide any variations or customization options if applicable.
• End with a memorable concluding thought or call to action.

By presenting the steps in chronological order, your readers can follow the process smoothly. 

During this step, just make sure to:

• Expand on each step you outlined earlier.
• Use clear and concise language.
• Make use of bullet points or numbered lists to make the process visually appealing.

After completing the outline, it’s time to write an interesting introduction.

Write an introduction

• Hook the reader's interest with a hook sentence
• Offer a brief overview of the topic and its significance
• Introduce and explain the process with a thesis statement at the end of introduction

Process essay introduction example

Introduction

Now that we have an intro on our hand, you need to tell what materials you need to finish the process.

Write the materials needed for the process

Listing the necessary materials for the process is a best practice for process essays. Typically found just after the introduction, this paragraph is devoted to outlining the necessary materials.

Here, p rioritizing the list is important; the more influential a component is, the higher its position on the list should be.

Example material list for process essay

Body paragraphs

Materials needed

• High-quality coffee beans that align with your flavor preference.
• A grinder for optimal flavor extraction.
• Equipment for brewing methods, such as a pour-over apparatus, a drip coffee maker, a French press, or an espresso machine.
• Fresh and clean water for brewing.
• Optional additives like milk, cream, sugar, flavored syrups, or other preferred elements.

Start writing the process

Right after listing the materials needed, it’s time to start writing the process itself.

When describing your process, be careful not to make it too complicated. To keep your readers on track, use transitional words like “after,” “eventually,” “first,” “then,” and others help you maintain an understandable tone.  

Or simply use a 1,2,3, bullet point structure as seen in example below to remind readers of their step during the process.

Body paragraphs - Process writing example

Materials needed ...

• Grind the beans just before brewing for optimal freshness. Use a burr grinder and adjust the coarseness to match your brewing method (coarse for French press, fine for espresso).
• Weigh your coffee grounds using a scale. A standard ratio is 1 to 2 tablespoons of coffee per 6 ounces of water, but adjust to your taste.
• Ensure the water is heated to the ideal temperature, typically between 195-205°F (90-96°C). Water that's too hot or too cold can affect the taste.
• Pay attention to the brewing time. Generally, 4-5 minutes is suitable for most methods, but again, adjust based on your preference.
• After finishing, regularly clean your coffee maker or French press to prevent rancid oils and residue from affecting your coffee's taste.

As seen from the example above, using an imperative language structure is generally preferable. It makes total sense as you’re describing a process in steps and usually don’t need a full sentence structure. 

Give tips and supporting details

After explaining the process above, it’s now time to provide tips and supporting details. Here, make use examples, tips, and even warnings if necessary. 

In other words, anticipate the questions your readers might have and address them as you go along. 

Body paragraphs - Supporting details

Supporting details & tips

• Ensure safe handling of hot water and coffee-making equipment.
• Water that's too hot can result in over-extraction, while water that's too cold won't extract enough flavor.

Write a conclusion

At this step, you simply need to write a conclusion paragraph to end your process essay. First summarize the key points, and restate the process in a concise and short sentence. And finally, finish your process essay by a memorable sentence or a call-to-action. 

Process essay conclusion example

Revise and polish your essay.

Now that you’ve written your essay, take a breath, and then come back for some editing. Check for consistency, correct sentence structure, efficient transitions , tense selection , and other linguistic issues that may arise. 

If possible, make use of proofreading tools like QuillBot or Grammarly . 

• Think about potential reader misunderstandings and address them. If needed, explain what should be avoided.
• Offer explanations for steps that might seem unusual or complicated.
• Define any unfamiliar terms or materials that the reader might not understand. This ensures clarity in your essay.

So  you’ve successfully learned how to write a captivating process essay. Remember, practice makes perfect. The more you write, the better you’ll become.

Recently on Tamara Blog

How to write a discussion essay (with steps & examples), writing a great poetry essay (steps & examples), how to write a process essay (steps & examples), writing a common app essay (steps & examples), how to write a synthesis essay (steps & examples), how to write a horror story.

Process Essay

Definition of process essay, transition in a process essay, examples of process essay in literature, example #1: community re-discovered (by heidi ramirez).

“In any community , there are several and varying ways in which residents fulfill a sense of  community: participating in intramural sports, attending farmers’ markets, walking with neighbors, attending political meetings, helping the elderly, visiting the library, and volunteering for youth groups. It’s knowing the people in these interchanges, not just being familiar with faces, that build strong community.  Unfortunately, when this basic engagement is overlooked, communities can begin to disintegrate.”

Example #2: A Homemade Education (by Malcolm X)

“I was so fascinated that I went on—I copied the dictionary’s next page. And the same experience came when I studied that. With every succeeding page, I also learned of people and places and events from history. Actually, the dictionary is like a miniature encyclopedia. Finally the dictionary’s A section had filled a whole tablet—and I went on into the B’s. That was the way I started copying what eventually became the entire dictionary. It went a lot faster after so much practice helped me to pick up handwriting speed. Between what I wrote in my tablet, and writing letters, during the rest of my time in prison I would guess I wrote a million words.”

Example #3: Perspectives on “Borders” (by Luis Valdez)

“Let’s go back to the Popol Vuh. We’re talking about borders now . There is a border that defines the human being as a material and spiritual being. We have all learned that we’re Homo sapiens, wise monkeys. The monkey is a symbol of intelligence in the Popol Vuh, and in the classic Chinese novel Monkey. The wise monkey is a symbol for humanity. Now let me offer you another symbol for our human being—the feathered serpent. You are a feathered serpent that is evolving and crawling out of the seeds of your being. And once in awhile you get caught up in the dead skins of your life. You know biologically we go through a complete cellular change every seven to nine years. We’re totally renewed. So in one sense, biologically, you crawl out of a dead skin. You evolve out of yourself. The feathers are necessary because they represent our spiritual being.”

Function of a Process Essay

Related posts:, post navigation.

• JCTC Learning Commons
• Learning Guides
• Writing and Research Process

Writing Academic Essays

• Process Essay
• Introduction
• Classification Essay

What is a process essay?

Transitions, topic selection.

• Compare and Contrast Essay
• Cause and Effect Essay
• Argumentative Essay
• Reaction Essay
• Grammar This link opens in a new window
• More Resources

Get in Touch

Available Mon - Thurs 8am - 6pm Friday  10am - 2pm

Try Our FAQs

Learning Commons Quick Links

Tutoring - Writing, math and more

Learning Guides - Quick learning

Hours - Find out when we're open

Library Search - Find materials

Databases - Articles and more!

InterLibrary Loan - Request books

Books - Recommended books

eBooks - Thousands of free eBooks

Streaming Video - Learn by watching

Use the Library Search to find books, eBooks, articles, and more! 

You can find Learning Commons information, book recommendations and so much more on JCTC's social media. 

A process essay is a step-by-step guide on how to do or make something. It is important to include every step of the process, even if something appears self-explanatory. Your audience might not be as familiar on the topic as you are.

What may be equally important, and is often overlooked, is what not to do. For example, the process of making caramel is deceptively simple. The sugar mixture needs to be swirled to prevent burning. However, stirring the mixture will cause the molecules to agitate, making the syrup crystalize into a solid unusable lump. So, when writing a process essay on caramel it is equally important to define swirling and to caution against stirring.

Since a process essay is a series of instructions, transition words are an important component. Transitions establish connections between ideas. They can be a single word that imparts a logical order or sequence to your writing, or it could be an entire sentence that connects one paragraph to the next.

Transition Words

If you have not been given a topic, choose one that you feel confident in explaining to your audience. Refer again to the introduction section of this guide to find information on progression and organization. Brainstorming and creating an outline will help you avoid missing any steps or directions. Here are a few topic suggestions for a process essay:

• Car Mechanic
• Cellular Structure
• Applying for a Green Card
• << Previous: Classification Essay
• Next: Compare and Contrast Essay >>
• Last Updated: Jan 23, 2024 2:52 PM
• URL: https://jefferson.kctcs.libguides.com/Essay

Want to create or adapt books like this? Learn more about how Pressbooks supports open publishing practices.

10.5 Process Analysis

Learning objectives.

• Determine the purpose and structure of the process analysis essay.
• Understand how to write a process analysis essay.

The Purpose of Process Analysis in Writing

The purpose of a process analysis essay is to explain how to do something or how something works. In either case, the formula for a process analysis essay remains the same. The process is articulated into clear, definitive steps.

Almost everything we do involves following a step-by-step process. From riding a bike as children to learning various jobs as adults, we initially needed instructions to effectively execute the task. Likewise, we have likely had to instruct others, so we know how important good directions are—and how frustrating it is when they are poorly put together.

Writing at Work

The next time you have to explain a process to someone at work, be mindful of how clearly you articulate each step. Strong communication skills are critical for workplace satisfaction and advancement. Effective process analysis plays a critical role in developing that skill set.

On a separate sheet of paper, make a bulleted list of all the steps that you feel would be required to clearly illustrate three of the following four processes:

• Tying a shoelace
• Parallel parking
• Planning a successful first date
• Being an effective communicator

The Structure of a Process Analysis Essay

The process analysis essay opens with a discussion of the process and a thesis statement that states the goal of the process.

The organization of a process analysis essay typically follows chronological order. The steps of the process are conveyed in the order in which they usually occur. Body paragraphs will be constructed based on these steps. If a particular step is complicated and needs a lot of explaining, then it will likely take up a paragraph on its own. But if a series of simple steps is easier to understand, then the steps can be grouped into a single paragraph.

The time transition phrases covered in the Narration and Illustration sections are also helpful in organizing process analysis essays (see Table 10.1 “Transition Words and Phrases for Expressing Time” and Table 10.2 “Phrases of Illustration” ). Words such as first , second , third , next , and finally are helpful cues to orient reader and organize the content of essay.

Always have someone else read your process analysis to make sure it makes sense. Once we get too close to a subject, it is difficult to determine how clearly an idea is coming across. Having a friend or coworker read it over will serve as a good way to troubleshoot any confusing spots.

Choose two of the lists you created in Note 10.52 “Exercise 1” and start writing out the processes in paragraph form. Try to construct paragraphs based on the complexity of each step. For complicated steps, dedicate an entire paragraph. If less complicated steps fall in succession, group them into a single paragraph.

Writing a Process Analysis Essay

Choose a topic that is interesting, is relatively complex, and can be explained in a series of steps. As with other rhetorical writing modes, choose a process that you know well so that you can more easily describe the finer details about each step in the process. Your thesis statement should come at the end of your introduction, and it should state the final outcome of the process you are describing.

Body paragraphs are composed of the steps in the process. Each step should be expressed using strong details and clear examples. Use time transition phrases to help organize steps in the process and to orient readers. The conclusion should thoroughly describe the result of the process described in the body paragraphs. See Chapter 15 “Readings: Examples of Essays” to read an example of a process analysis essay.

Choose one of the expanded lists from Note 10.54 “Exercise 2” . Construct a full process analysis essay from the work you have already done. That means adding an engaging introduction, a clear thesis, time transition phrases, body paragraphs, and a solid conclusion.

Key Takeaways

• A process analysis essay explains how to do something, how something works, or both.
• The process analysis essay opens with a discussion of the process and a thesis statement that states the outcome of the process.
• The organization of a process analysis essay typically follows a chronological sequence.
• Time transition phrases are particularly helpful in process analysis essays to organize steps and orient reader.

Writing for Success Copyright © 2015 by University of Minnesota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

How to Write a Process Essay?

18 June, 2020

14 minutes read

Author:  Tomas White

What is a “process essay”? What makes it different from dozens of other papers you create on a daily basis? What are its main components and what the main goal of this type of writing you need to bear in mind? If you're looking for answers to these questions, you're in luck! You can get them all from our academic guide on how to write a process essay.

Composing a process essay can be rather complicated especially if you are not familiar with this type of writing and do not know what pitfalls and specifications to pay attention to.

That is why our custom essay writing service has created this guide to help you tackle this task. We will answer all these questions in our article below and even provide you with great process essay examples and topics you can write on to stand out. So, if that sounds like something you need right now, read on: we are here to help and equip you with knowledge!

But first things first. Since it is impossible to create an excellent process essay without crystal clear understanding of the term, we will start with the definition. So, let’s dive in!

What is a process essay?

A process essay is commonly written either to explain how something works or to guide a reader through the process of completing a particular task, states the process essay definition.

Process essays also go under the “How-to articles” title and aim to teach the target audience how to achieve certain goals or complete specific assignments.

So, look at it like this. In case of “How to quit smoking” process essay, your primary goal is to provide several helpful ways of quitting this habit. These might be evidence-based recommendations if you have experience in this area, or simply common sense ideas you found while conducting your research.

Now that you realize what you will be working with, let’s look into different types of process essays and practical ways to compose them. Our essay writing guide will walk you through the process essay writing step by step.

Types of process essays

There are two main types of such papers: the ones that explain how something works , and those that show you how to complete a particular task .

1. How to do something.

Though it sounds quite self-explanatory, we’d like to emphasize the importance of clear instructions in case you are writing a process essay.

Your readers must be able to follow your guidance and complete each step successfully. So, split the process into small steps, keep it short and to the point at each stage of crafting a process essay.

For instance, in a “How to quit smoking” process essay , you can split the whole process into seven steps:

• Choose a date for a quit day;
• Imagine life without cigarettes and expect it;
• Have one last cigarette as a “Goodbye!”;
• Be among people to support you;
• Keep your goal in perspective not to give up;
• Don’t fall for substitutes;
• Be accountable.

2. How something works.

By contrast, this is an informative type of writing that aims to achieve one goal – explain the principle of work behind some process. Unlike the mentioned above type, this process essay type does not encourage a reader to take an action and do something step by step.

However, you must make sure that by the end of your essay, the audience will know for sure how something functions.

As an example of this type of a process essay, let’s see how an earthquake happens .

• First, the energy within the earth core builds up due to various moves in the earth crust;
• The energy level grows up and causes tension in the tectonic plates;
• After some time, the pressure radiates outwards by moving the plates from each other;
• The seismic waves shake the earth as they get from the core of the earth to the surface;
• That is when the earthquake takes place.

Before we go any further, let’s look at another example. In case of “How to prepare for a vacation” process essay, your task is to compose a few steps that your readers can take when getting ready for their vacation. In other words, you are describing how to do something.

Meanwhile, “What happens to your brain when you sleep” process essay is merely an explanation of the principle. In it, you are not encouraging readers to take any actions whatsoever. So, here is the fundamental difference.

How to write a process essay?

Getting started with process essay writing

When developing a process essay outline, take some time to answer the following questions:

• Who is your target audience? How deep is their knowledge of the subject? The complexity of your essay depends on their skills level. Thus, for instance, when explaining to your peers how to stretch a dollar to see the world, you can use basic terminology and examples they can relate to. However, your vocabulary should be way more sophisticated if you are writing a process essay on how to improve the overall quality of higher education in your state to the City Council.
• How can you divide the process into small steps? You do not want to bore your audience to death with unnecessary details in a process essay. Yet, you cannot afford to skip valuable steps if they are crucial to the overall understanding of the subject of your process essay. So, try to find the golden cut and figure out the most suitable amount of steps.
• What sources will you use for the task? It goes without saying that you can only use reliable sources to support your argument in a process essay. These sources should be all mentioned in the end of your essay. And remember about proper in-text citation styles. Read the materials carefully and take only the information that will add value to your essay and helps make it shine.

How to write a process essay outline

Finally, let’s look into the process essay structure. Needless to say that you must start with something that will grab readers’ attention, or in other words, “a hook.”

It is true for any essay, and process essay writing is not an exception.

The structure of your essay regardless of the process essay topics should consist of:

• A powerful introduction.
• Main body paragraphs.
• An interesting conclusion.

Related Post: Essay outline | Research Paper outline

Sounds simple, yet there are several things you should not forget about process essay writing.

How to write an introduction to a process essay

Once you compose a hook, mention why you believe that readers should use your approach to solve a problem even though there are dozens of other ones. We know two effective ways to achieve this in your process essay:

• Show how much time this task will take . People don’t have all the time in the world to tackle just this one task. So, you’ll really help them by stating how much time completing something using your approach will take and underline that with your approach described in a process essay it will take less time than if they opt for a different one. “Writing can be tough, especially if you always felt that it is not exactly your suit. However, Michael D. Pollock, a credible expert in this area, has recently presented 10 effective tips that will help you learn writing fast and make you able to craft a 1000-word article in 30 minutes. So, keep reading to find out how you can write this fast too.”
• Introduce your audience to the historical background of the approach (if any) you’re using in a process essay. Let them see the roots of your solution. Here is what a good introduction of a process essay should look like: “Giving a speech with lots of eyes concentrated on you is not an easy task. No wonder so many students dread this task. However, speech can be a powerful tool, and we can teach you how to give them right. Steve Jobs is known as one of the best public speakers of our time. People were sitting on the edge of their seats when he spoke. And we’ll teach you how to grab attention like he did using just five simple tricks he applied.”

At last, compose an engaging thesis of a process essay. Many students consider it a scary part. But it all goes down to this.

Your thesis statement should reason why your way is the best and why readers looking for answers should search no more and give your solution a chance.

It’s easier than you think. Here is a good thesis statement example:

“With more than 580 million tons of household waste produced all over the world, Every tiny effort you make to become eco-friendly counts. And if you don’t want to spend extra money on sustainable products but want to save the environment, use our guide on ten simple eco-friendly steps you can do daily without even noticing it!”

This is what a thesis statement for a process essay on how to be eco-friendly would look like. Yours can be different, but you get the idea!

How to plan main body paragraphs

• Dedicate one body paragraph to one point you want to bring to light.
• Provide enough details on each step including the ultimate goal of this step and reasons why this method was chosen for its achievement.
• Keep it short and to the point.

How to write a conclusion

Now is that time you reminded the readers about the purpose of a process essay, reasons why you chose this particular approach, and briefly mentioned steps needed to accomplish the task.

Besides, you can call your audience to action but only in case you are writing an essay that shows how to do something. Otherwise, it will be inapplicable.

Finally, help them set their expectations right: what results can they count on in the end? How long will it take them to achieve those results after reading your process essay and applying its tips?

How to use transition words in a process essay

Transition words can help you create a seamless reading experience. You can take readers smoothly from one step to another. And what is more you can help them immerse into the process!

Therefore, begin each new paragraph with a transition word, add one in between examples you provide, and summarize your instructions with them, too.

Think of transition words as of bridges that connect paragraphs and sentences. They make smooth communication between the two possible. And with them in your process essay, no reader feels irritated or frustrated with your writing style, as they have to stumble upon every other sentence in your piece.

Good process essay topics

It is not enough to just know the theory to create a good process essay. One should also come up with a topic that will be both interesting and useful to his readers. Here’s a list of our suggestions on process essay ideas:

• How to choose a perfect future career.
• How to survive college and stay sane.
• How to eat healthy on campus.
• How to balance your social and academic life.
• How to pay out a student loan while still at college.
• How to improve your public speaking skills.
• How to see the world with only $100 in your pocket.
• How to learn a foreign language.
• How to renovate your apartment and not go bankrupt.
• How to start your own business.
• How to prepare for your first interview.
• How to get volunteers to help you clean the neighborhood.
• How to write a life list.
• How to set boundaries in the relationship.
• How to study overseas for free.

Related Posts: Argumentative essay topics | Compare&Contrast essay topics

Process essay writing tips

Wrapping up, we would like to introduce you to a couple of vital recommendations on process essay writing:

• Your process essay subject cannot be too broad or too narrow. Look out for the golden cut!
• Introduce your readers to possible complications of the process. After all, forewarned is forearmed.
• Create a short vocabulary your audience can use in case they are not familiar with the terminology essential to the general understanding of the process essay in question.
• Develop a list of resources your readers will need as they deal with certain tasks. This way you will have them prepared to put your recommendations to action right away.
• Always write a process essay using Active Voice!

Need help with your process essay writing? Handmadewriting is here for you to help. Drop us a line to get our professional essay writers to develop an excellent piece for you!

A life lesson in Romeo and Juliet taught by death

Due to human nature, we draw conclusions only when life gives us a lesson since the experience of others is not so effective and powerful. Therefore, when analyzing and sorting out common problems we face, we may trace a parallel with well-known book characters or real historical figures. Moreover, we often compare our situations with […]

Ethical Research Paper Topics

Writing a research paper on ethics is not an easy task, especially if you do not possess excellent writing skills and do not like to contemplate controversial questions. But an ethics course is obligatory in all higher education institutions, and students have to look for a way out and be creative. When you find an […]

Art Research Paper Topics

Students obtaining degrees in fine art and art & design programs most commonly need to write a paper on art topics. However, this subject is becoming more popular in educational institutions for expanding students’ horizons. Thus, both groups of receivers of education: those who are into arts and those who only get acquainted with art […]

• PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Happiness Hub Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
• Browse Articles
• Learn Something New
• Quizzes Hot
• Happiness Hub
• This Or That Game
• Train Your Brain
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow
• Log in / Sign up
• Education and Communications
• College University and Postgraduate
• Academic Writing

How to Write a Process Essay

Last Updated: December 6, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Jake Adams . Jake Adams is an academic tutor and the owner of Simplifi EDU, a Santa Monica, California based online tutoring business offering learning resources and online tutors for academic subjects K-College, SAT & ACT prep, and college admissions applications. With over 14 years of professional tutoring experience, Jake is dedicated to providing his clients the very best online tutoring experience and access to a network of excellent undergraduate and graduate-level tutors from top colleges all over the nation. Jake holds a BS in International Business and Marketing from Pepperdine University. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 169,181 times.

A process essay, otherwise known as a how-to essay, tells a reader how to perform a particular task. The best process essays follow a clear step-by-step organization. Start by providing your reader with a time estimate and general summary of the task. Then, move on to a more detailed explanation of each and every necessary step. When you are finished with your essay, read it over carefully to ensure that you haven’t left anything out.

Getting Ready to Write

• For example, a process essay intended for professional chefs could probably skip a description of how to chop carrots and just say, “Finely chop the carrots,” instead.

• You could also include a comprehensive “Things You’ll Need” section at the beginning of the paper. Or list the materials needed after the introduction.
• If an item on the list is a bit unusual, such as a particular type of hand tool, then make sure to clearly introduce it within the text. For example, “The pin hammer has a finer tip than a standard hammer, making it suitable for more detailed work.” You can also include a picture of the item, particularly if the essay will be published online.

• If you are writing an essay about how to cook lasagna, your initial outline might just state, “Mix in basil.” Before you start writing, you could expand your outline to say, “Briefly mention taste differences between dried and fresh basil.”
• Note that the more specific your article or essay topic, the more specific your details needs to be.

Crafting an Introduction

• For instance, you might write, “The process of preparing lasagna has a rich heritage all of its own.”

• If your process essay focuses on a cooking task, this is where you might advise your readers to consult the ingredients or materials list and put every item on the counter.
• For example, you might write, “This recipe requires 30 minutes of active preparation time, along with 45 minutes of baking time.”

• For example, your thesis might be, “This essay will explore how to create a complicated lasagna dish in a short period of time by preparing the noodles and sauce in advance.”

Writing Your Body Paragraphs

• Be especially careful with items that contain multiple steps. Make the transitions clear and acknowledge prior steps regarding a particular item, if applicable.

• For instance, when making pasta, consider writing a paragraph on how to boil pasta and another paragraph on how to make the sauce. This separates the ideas for easy clarification.

• For instance, you could write, “Next, place the pot on the stove,” to move from one paragraph to the next.

• For example, you could write, “This essay shows…” instead of “I’ll show.”

• For example, you might caution a reader to, “Cook the meat until it is no longer red in the center.” This advice will help them to avoid a foodborne illness.

Wrapping It Up

• In the case of the recipe, you could write something like, “You now have a bowl of boiled pasta and finished Bolognese sauce. Serve up plates of pasta and sauce to your family, topping them with parmesan, if desired. You can serve garlic bread or a side salad with this dish, too.”

• A simple example for our newly-made dinner might be, "And there you have it! A delicious yet quick meal fit for the entire family that you can make over and over again without complaint. Next time, experiment with different herbs and spices to find your own spin on this classic dish."

• Look to see if there are places where you can eliminate steps or condense your instructions. A reader is more likely to finish directions that they can easily skim through.
• Ask someone to read through the essay to see if they can understand the process. If possible, pick someone from your intended audience demographic.

• Don’t rely on spell-check alone, as it cannot account for context and doesn’t catch every error.

Expert Q&A

• If there are alternative ways to do a particular step in the process, make sure to mention these as you go along. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

• Give your readers pacing instructions as well. If they need to go slowly while performing a certain task, tell them early on. The same rule applies if a task requires speed for success. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ Jake Adams. Academic Tutor & Test Prep Specialist. Expert Interview. 20 May 2020.
• ↑ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/essay-outline/
• ↑ https://www.georgebrown.ca/sites/default/files/uploadedfiles/tlc/_documents/hooks_and_attention_grabbers.pdf
• ↑ https://courses.lumenlearning.com/atd-clinton-englishcomp/chapter/2-the-process-essay/
• ↑ http://www.butte.edu/departments/cas/tipsheets/style_purpose_strategy/procress_paper.html
• ↑ https://www.grammarly.com/blog/readability-scores/

About This Article

To write a process essay, begin by writing an introduction that grabs the reader’s attention so they’ll want to keep reading. Then, end the first paragraph with a thesis statement presenting a problem for which you are offering a solution. Next, explain the process, making each step its own paragraph, and using transitions like "next" or "then" to move from one task to another. As the final step, let the reader know what to expect from the finished product and what to do with it. Finally, close your essay by reiterating why the process is helpful to the reader. For tips from our Education reviewer on how to proofread for common errors in a process essay, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

• Send fan mail to authors

Reader Success Stories

ChinaTeacherAlan

Dec 2, 2018

Did this article help you?

Juliana Kim

Jan 8, 2017

Nov 19, 2016

Hasan Hasan

Dec 16, 2016

Dec 11, 2018

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Watch Articles

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Develop the tech skills you need for work and life

How To Write A Process Essay: Essay Outline, Tips, Topics and Essay Help

Throughout the course of education, you’ll need to write all sorts of papers. Some of them are well-known e.g. argumentative essays, or expository essays, while others are relatively unknown. Process essay belongs to the latter group. While the essay itself is something you’ve come across on multiple occasions, students don’t get to work on this assignment frequently. That’s why getting this assignment can be a huge source of stress. This guide helps avoid those stressful times with easy tips and tricks that you need for a good grade.

A process essay is a typical “how-to” paper that describes some process or workflow, hence the name. The primary idea behind this type of essay is to give a step-by-step explanation of a process that leads to a planned or expected outcome. The paper may revolve around a concrete or precise and an abstract process.

We can divide process essay into two major types:

• Directional – provides step-by-step instructions on how to get something done
• Informational – analyzes or explains a process

Benefits of Writing a Process Essay

Even though it’s not something we usually think about, every essay has its role that goes beyond the arguments or processes you discuss. We are talking about a greater purpose, the impact this essay will have on your skills. Believe it or not, every assignment in school or college has a goal to improve or develop some valuable skills and process essay is not an exception. Here are some skills you can develop with process essay:

• Analytical skills – every course of action is logical, has its own flow, and your goal is to represent that. In order to write this essay, you need to think analytically. That’s the best way to describe the dynamic of some process and keep the reader’s interest. Of course, you can transfer this skill to many other aspects of your life and future employment
• Prioritizing – essays require precise expressions, and vague language impairs the quality. While researching you’ll come across different info and resources, but not all of them can nor should be included in your paper. In order to make things work, you need to prioritize one piece of information over the other. That way, you’ll include valuable info only, without tainting your essay with unnecessary things
• Following instructions – every process has its beginning, middle, and end. Each step is equally important. The ability to describe every part of the process in a suitable manner improves your capacity of following instructions; which can come in handy in every aspect of your life
• Attention to detail – seemingly unimportant details play a huge role in every process or course of action. While writing the process essay, you need to pay attention to these details, in order to provide clear instructions or step-by-step guides, explanations, etc. At the same time, you’re sharpening this skill which can be practical at work (or any other part of your life) later on

The process of writing a process essay is often daunting for many students. But the good news is – you can order an essay online from professionals who can write it for you in a matter of hours. With the help of this essay, you will be able to explain the process of doing something in a clear and understandable way.

Finished papers

Customer reviews

Areas of Interest

Everything that happens in this universe (or beyond) is a process. The world is comprised of processes and each of them can be described in an essay. Therefore, your process essay can be about:

• Interpersonal communication
• Social media

Process Essay Outline

Wondering how to write a process essay if you’ve never worked on this assignment before? Or maybe you want to learn how to improve the structure of your paper for a better grade. This outline can help you:

• Hook – the first sentence that grabs the reader’s attention
• Identification – brief intro to the subject that will be discussed
• Thesis statement – announcement of the process (or its aspect) you will explain
• Support (topic) – every paragraph should focus on a specific part of the process and start with a clear indication of a factor you’ll discuss
• Explain – self-explanatory, you need to explain how it works, what to do with it, and other important info
• Evidence – like other types of essay, this type of paper requires using evidence to back up the info you used
• Discuss – more information about some particular part of the process, its importance, how it fits into the overall subject, etc.
• Conclusion – your conclusion should contain a brief summary of the thesis and the main parts of the process

Writing Tips

While writing the process essay you can imagine like you’re working on a manual (regardless of the topic). The goal of that manual is to explain how some process works for a person who isn’t informed about it. Here are some tips that will help you:

• Before you start writing, research the topic thoroughly and take notes
• Make sure your essay is precise and coherent, but still features details that enhance its quality
• Assume your reader doesn’t know anything about it, otherwise, you’d skip important details because you think others know it already
• Write the essay in a logical and chronological manner, as one step leads to another
• Explain the purpose of every step of the process, the reader wants to know WHY it happens
• Use transitions such as: so that, then, now, next, furthermore, before
• Define all terms that aren’t common knowledge
• Avoid using imperative sentences because your essay would resemble an instruction manual rather than a proper essay
• An easy way to make a great first impression every time
• Becoming a registered nurse
• Breaking from bad habits
• Car manufacture process
• Changing major at college
• How and why to change Facebook privacy settings
• How to become a real estate agent
• How to conduct a census
• How to finish all school assignments and still have time to for fun
• How to get an A without losing your mind
• How to look like a fashionista every day
• How to lose weight in a healthy manner
• How to overcome insomnia
• How to prepare for emergency disasters
• How to quit smoking
• How to take an amazing selfie
• How to train your husky
• Introduction to Bitcoin and how to get started
• Risk management process
• Simple strategy to get over your ex
• Simple tips to play Minecraft
• The budgeting process
• Tips to master League of Legends
• Writing a book review

The process of writing a process essay involves extensive research that is designed to provide the reader with a comprehensive understanding of the topic. Therefore, it is important to find a reliable and experienced writer who can write an assignment in a relevant way and add new information to the text.

Most students are used to writing argumentative, persuasive, and other types of papers and process essays may make you nervous, especially if you’ve never had this assignment before. First of all, it’s natural to be nervous. It shows you care! There’s a lot you can do to feel better and complete this assignment successfully. You just need the right tools such as:

Essay Topic Generator

You have the freedom to choose your own process essay topic? That’s fantastic! You can write about anything you’d like, but to come up with your topic quickly, you can use Edusson Magic Essay Topic Generator. The platform comes with thousands of essay topics that are going to inspire you, for sure. Just visit the website, enter a keyword or search for topics based on category or alphabet.

Essay Examples

The secret to a high-quality essay and good grade is consistency and practice. The practice doesn’t just involve writing process essays to sharpen your skills, but reading someone else’s paper at the same time. Why? This helps you identify the strengths and weaknesses of some essays in order to create your paper effectively. You get to avoid common mistakes and focus only on those parts that matter. Edusson Essay Examples is an amazing source of essay examples. It’s impossible not to learn or feel inspired when you have hundreds of essays to read. Essay Topic Generator Look for topic View more

Essay Checker

After you finished writing the essay, you need to edit and proofread it. Some students prefer doing everything on their own, but the problem is that many mistakes are overlooked. Now it doesn’t have to be like that. Essay checker called Robot Don enables you to analyze and submit 100% error-free paper. Robot Don evaluates plagiarism, sentence structure, readability, word choice, the frequency of words used, and other aspects of your process essay.

Essay Writing Service

Edusson essay writing service is ideal for students who want to have a custom-made essay sample and for those who don’t have enough time to write it on their own. An amazing team of skilled, experienced, and talented native English speakers is here to help you out. All you need to do is to make your order and choose the writer. Edusson is fully transparent and all essays are written from scratch.

Essay Editing Service

Essay editing service at Edusson is ideal for students who wrote the process essay (or some other paper) and just need help with the editing and proofreading process. Edusson gathered a team of talented editors and proofreaders who make sure your essay has no typos and grammar mistakes while improving style, formatting, and organization, among other things.

Related posts:

• How to Write an Abstract for a Research Paper
• How to Write a Cause and Effect Essay
• How to Format Essay. Example MLA, APA Essay Format
• Best 25 Travel Blogs for Students 2023

Improve your writing with our guides

Writing a Great Research Summary and where to Get Help on it

How to Write a Synthesis Essay

How to Write Essay or Motivation Letter for Internship

Get 15% off your first order with edusson.

Connect with a professional writer within minutes by placing your first order. No matter the subject, difficulty, academic level or document type, our writers have the skills to complete it.

100% privacy. No spam ever.

How To Write A Process Essay: Detailed Manual

Writing an essay is a huge part of your college education. Every university makes its students write an essay on different subjects and topics to test their learning, critical thinking abilities and knowledge about the particular topic. Throughout your academic life, you’ll need to write down all sorts of papers such as expository, argumentative, etc. A process essay is one such essay every student has to write during school or college years. Therefore, it is crucial to know different steps to describe the different processes correctly. So, in this article, we provide an exhaustive guide on how to write a good process essay.

What Is A Process Essay?

Before you jump on writing, it is important to know – what is a process analysis essay. A process essay is also known as a HOW-TO essay. As the name suggests, this essay describes a procedure of doing something. It gives step-by-step instructions that show how to perform a task or a project.

This type of essay serves to inform readers on how to do something and teach them the steps to reach a specific goal. A strong essay leads its readers through the task and guarantees their success. It is mostly used to inform new and inexperienced people about a certain task. Some of the examples include – a recipe, user’s guide, security instructions, instruction manual, etc.

Some of the  process essay topics  are:

• How to operate a machine?
• How to make pancakes?
• How is maple syrup produced?
• How to put gas in a car?
• How do you make frosting for cookies?

Prepare Process Essay Outline

An outline or a template includes a few short sentences on what you are planning to write in the content. The process analysis essay outline is helpful in any situation associated with writing and also helps to improve the structure of your piece. Every process is different, however, the structure remains the same. Most good essays follow this common outline:

• Introduction – tell about what you are going to discuss;
• Body – describe the process step-by-step;
• Conclusion – sum up and describe the results.

After preparing the outline, go through it again to make sure that you haven’t missed out any point. You can also add more details that you don’t want to leave out.

Types Of Process Essay Writing

There are mainly two types of writing for a process essay – how to do something and how something works.

• How to do something

The purpose of this type is to inform someone how to do a particular task or a project. The reader should be able to follow the steps clearly and successfully achieve their goals. Examples include:

• How to repair your phone
• How to cut an onion
• How to create a DIY notebook
• How to book flight tickets
• How to tidy up your room effectively
• How Something Works

This type of process writing is designed to inform readers about how a particular thing works. The reader will not necessarily do everything described in the essay but will only read it, and, hopefully, understand the process successfully. Here are some examples of what your potential readers may be interested in:

• How a motor generator works
• How presidential elections happen
• How evaporation occurs
• How the car engine works
• How a plant grows

How To Start A Process Essay?

Before you put pen to paper, you should know how to structure an essay properly. The process of writing this write-up is quite simple, but only if you follow an effective step-by-step approach that allows for producing an outstanding essay. Below are some guidelines every student must follow while writing an essay:

• Introduction

It is the most important part of any essay. A good introduction generates interest in the reader about your process and also sets the tone of the essay. The introductory part serves the purpose to inform the readers what they can expect from the essay and why they need this knowledge. This part is generally shorter than the body paragraph as it includes:

• Hook – The first sentence that interests the readers.
• Identification – Brief introduction to the process.
• Thesis statement – Last line of the introduction that tells the readers how to solve the problem.
• Body Paragraphs

It is the part where you’ll explain all the steps of doing a task in greater detail. The number of paragraphs your essay will depend on the stages of the process you are describing. However, make sure that each paragraph is not too lengthy and complex to read. For example, if you’re writing about how to make a pizza, divide the process into different paragraphs such as – how to make the pizza dough, how to make the pizza sauce, etc.

Keep your outline beside you while writing the body, so you don’t skip any important steps and ensure that they are in the correct order.

Moreover, each paragraph should consist of the necessary details for the process to be completed successfully. These include the tools and equipment required to perform the task, as well as the difficulties that the reader may face.

After explaining the whole process, write a confident conclusion. This part should be short and to the point and must give an idea to the reader of what the end result will look like. The conclusion mainly consists of a summary of the main idea of the text and the thesis statement. You can also restate some highlights and the overall purpose of the task. Make sure the readers feel they have learned something by going through your text.

• Write A Thesis Statement

The thesis statement is the last line of the introduction and also the most important line of the whole essay. It serves to inform the readers about the purpose of your paper, the problem, and the steps to solve it.

• Use Transitions Writing A Process Analysis Essay

To create a well-structured essay, introduce each step using transition or signal words such as next, now, so that, then, immediately, later, eventually, etc. For example, tap on the text icon on the right-hand corner of your screen. Then, type your text using different fonts. Using transition words make the steps flow one after the other and motivate your readers to read the whole paper.

Proofread Your Process Analysis Essay

Once you are done writing, the next important step is to proofread your essay carefully. Proofreading means to examine your text to find and fix different grammatical errors, typos, spelling and style mistakes. Proofreading a paper before you submit it can mean the difference between a disastrous essay and a brilliant one. Many students skip this step while writing. Remember, proofreading is as important as writing your essay.

Here are some tips that you can follow while proofreading your essays:

• Read your essay very carefully to detect and correct any mistakes.
• Use simple language that is easily readable by your audience.
• Avoid the use of complex and difficult vocabulary
• Eliminate repetitions as it makes the essay boring. You can use a thesaurus to search for synonyms of common words.
• Run a spell checker to fix some mistakes.
• Make sure the grammar is flawless before submitting your write-up.

Some students find it difficult to complete and proofread these essays on time because they have to make time for other important things as well such as social life, sports, hobbies, family, etc. In such a situation, you can get the help of writing services available online that can not only help you to write  different types of essays but also submit these before the deadlines.

Tips For Writing A Process Essay

In addition to the above steps, implement the following tips to write an effective process essay:

• Research thoroughly before writing
• Determine who your target audience is and what they expect from your paper. Assume that your readers don’t know a single detail about the subject, so you don’t miss out any point.
• Clearly mention the purpose of each step of the process.
• Write all the steps in chronological order.
• Your essay should be precise and to the point.
• Provide definitions of all uncommon words.
• Create a list of all the tools and equipment used in the process.
• List all the dangers and precautions to be taken while doing the process.
• Avoid using imperative sentences. Otherwise, it will appear like an instruction manual and not an essay.
• Also, provide your readers with a time estimate of the task.

Now you know that writing a process essay is quite simple. Once you prepare an outline of the points you want to include in your content, you can easily write a good, detailed and well-structured paper without missing an important point. Therefore, as long as you follow the above tips, you will be able to craft a perfect essay.

Don't waste time

Get a professional assistance from certified experts right now

Home ➔ How to Write an Essay ➔ Process Essay

Comprehensive Process Essay Guide

Writing is a skill, and among all the types of essays, one stands out as the most practical and informative – the process essay. Also known as a “how-to” essay, this type of writing walks the reader step by step through a task or procedure and gives detailed instructions and tips.

Whether it’s baking cookies or assembling a piece of furniture, a good process essay will give the reader the knowledge and confidence to do it themselves.

This guide will explain how to write a process essay – from understanding its purpose and characteristics to learning effective strategies for planning, structuring, and writing.

What is a Process Essay?

A process essay, also known as a “how-to” essay, is a type of expository writing that provides clear and detailed instructions on how to accomplish a particular task or how something functions. The task or function could be anything from a simple daily routine like making coffee to a more complex procedure like replacing a car battery.

A process essay informs or instructs the reader. This type of essay guides the reader through a process or procedure step by step so they can do it themselves or understand how something works. It’s not just about the steps but also about the reader understanding the process and the reasoning behind each step.

Also, a process essay can serve the secondary purpose of entertaining the reader. While the main purpose is to instruct the reader, the essay can be written in an engaging and fun way.

Characteristics

Several key characteristics define a process essay:

• Clear and Logical Structure: The essay is typically structured in chronological order, outlining the steps of the process from start to finish. Each step should follow logically from the previous one, leading the reader smoothly through the process.
• Detailed Instructions: The essay should provide comprehensive, step-by-step instructions. These instructions should be precise and easy to follow, ensuring that the reader can complete the process successfully.
• Explanation of Terms: Any specialized or technical terms should be clearly defined to ensure that the reader understands them. The language should be accessible and straightforward, avoiding unnecessary jargon.
• Transitions: Effective use of transitional words and phrases is crucial to guide the reader from one step to the next and to indicate the sequence of the process. Words like “first”, “next”, “then”, “after that”, and “finally” are commonly used to express the sequence of actions.
• Visual Aids: Depending on the complexity of the process, visual aids such as diagrams, charts, or images can be included to help the reader better understand each step. These can be particularly useful for more complex or technical processes.
• Safety Warnings or Tips: If the process involves any potential hazards or difficulties, these should be clearly outlined, and safety advice should be given. Similarly, tips for success or advice on common mistakes to avoid can be included to ensure the reader achieves the best results.
• Purpose and Outcome: A process essay should clearly state the purpose of the process at the beginning and describe the expected outcome at the end. This gives the reader a clear understanding of what they are aiming to achieve and what the end product should look like.
• Engaging Tone: While the primary purpose is to instruct, a process essay should also aim to engage and hold the reader’s interest. The use of an engaging, conversational tone, humor, or personal anecdotes can make the essay more enjoyable to read.
• Third-Person Perspective: Most process essays are written in the third person, although the use of second person (“you”) can sometimes be appropriate to directly address the reader and make the instructions more personal and immediate.

Key Aspects to Consider

Organization of ideas.

Organization is key in a process essay. It’s about arranging your thoughts and instructions in a logical order so the process is easy to follow. Start with a brief intro that gives your reader an overview of the process and why it’s important. Then, the steps of the process are presented, each in a separate paragraph or section.

Firstly, figure out how many steps there are and in what order they need to be done. This will be the framework of your essay. Remember, each step should flow into the next.

Concise Instructions

In a process essay, the instructions should be as clear as possible—no long sentences and no jargon that will confuse your reader. Use simple language and short sentences. Remember, you’re guiding the reader through a process, not showing off your vocabulary.

Each step should have an action for the reader to do, described clearly and precisely. If a step is complicated and has multiple actions, break it down into smaller sub-steps. This makes it easier to follow and understand. And make sure your instructions are specific. Instead of saying, “Cook until done,” say, “Simmer over low heat for 15 minutes or until the sauce thickens.”

Transitions

Transitional words and phrases are vital in a process essay, as they help guide the reader from one step to the next and indicate the sequence of the process. They establish a sense of chronological order and improve the flow and readability of the essay.

Common transitional words used in process essays include “first”, “next”, “then”, “after that”, “before”, “simultaneously”, “finally”, and so on. These words signal the order of the steps and help the reader keep track of where they are in the process.

However, be careful not to overuse transitional words, as this can make your essay seem repetitive and monotonous. Aim for balance and variety in your use of transitions. For example, instead of always using “next”, you might occasionally use phrases like “moving on to the next step” or “once that is completed”.

How to Write a Process Essay

Writing a process essay may seem daunting, but fear not. When broken down into manageable parts, the process becomes much simpler. This guide will provide you with a step-by-step walkthrough on how to write a process essay effectively.

1. Choose a Topic

Choosing the right topic for a process essay is a critical first step that will guide the rest of your writing process. The topic you choose will set the tone for your essay and determine the depth and scope of the instructions you will provide.

A well-chosen topic engages your reader and allows you to write with authority and confidence. It ensures that your essay will be informative and valuable, providing clear and helpful instructions that your readers can follow.

Tips for Choosing

When selecting a topic for your process essay, there are several factors to consider:

Audience Knowledge : Consider the knowledge level of your audience. Are they beginners who need a basic understanding of the process, or are they more advanced readers looking for tips and tricks to refine their skills? Choose a topic that suits your audience’s needs and write your essay accordingly.

Process You Understand Well : Choose a process that you are familiar with and understand well. This will allow you to provide clear, detailed instructions and answer any questions your reader might have. Writing about a process you have experienced also lends credibility to your essay, making your readers more likely to trust and follow your instructions.

Make it Interesting : Finally, pick a topic that you find interesting. Your enthusiasm for the subject will shine through in your writing and make your essay more engaging for your readers. Remember, if you’re bored while writing the essay, your readers are likely to be bored while reading it.

Examples of Good Process Essay Topics

• How to Start a Successful Blog
• The Steps to Prepare a Perfect Thanksgiving Dinner
• How to Change a Flat Tire
• The Process of Creating a Mobile Application
• How to Write a Screenplay for a Short Film
• How to Make Homemade Bread
• Steps to Build Your Own Computer from Scratch
• How to Organize a Charity Event
• The Process of Self-Publishing a Book on Amazon
• How to Train for a Marathon

2. Plan Your Essay

Proper planning sets the stage for a well-written process essay. It helps you organize your thoughts, conduct thorough research, and map out a clear, logical structure for your essay .

Steps to Planning

Here’s a simple guide to planning your process essay:

• Brainstorm : Start by brainstorming the process you want to explain. Break it down into individual steps and write down any ideas, details, or considerations that come to mind for each step. This will give you a rough guide to the content of your essay.
• Research : Some research can be beneficial even if you’re very familiar with the process. It can help you find additional details or tips you might not have considered. Research can also help you understand the process from the perspective of someone who isn’t familiar with it, which can be very helpful when you’re writing a process essay.
• Create an Outline : Once you understand the process well and have done your research, it’s time to create an outline. An outline will help you structure your essay, making sure you cover each step in the right order and with the right level of detail.

Your outline should start with an introduction that explains the purpose of the essay and provides some background information about the process. Then, write a separate section or paragraph for each step in the process. Each section should explain the step in detail, providing any necessary instructions, explanations, or warnings. Finally, summarize your essay with a conclusion summarizing the process and offer any final thoughts or advice.

Process Essay Outline Example

Here is an example of an outline for a process essay on “How to Bake a Chocolate Cake”:

• Introduction : Brief introduction to the joy of baking and the purpose of the essay.
• Ingredients : List and explanation of all the ingredients needed.
• Preparation : Steps to prepare before starting the baking process, such as preheating the oven and greasing the cake pan.
• Mixing the Dry Ingredients : Detailed instructions on how to mix the dry ingredients and the importance of this step.
• Mixing the Wet Ingredients : Instructions on mixing the wet ingredients, including the correct order and techniques.
• Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients : How and when to combine the wet and dry ingredients for the best result.
• Baking the Cake : Instructions on how to bake the cake, including temperature, timing, and how to check if the cake is done.
• Cooling and Frosting : How to properly cool the cake and apply the frosting.
• Conclusion : A summary of the process, tips for success, and encouragement for the reader to try baking the cake.

This outline ensures a clear and organized essay that guides the reader through each step of the process with detail and clarity.

3. Write the Introduction

The purpose of the introductory paragraph is threefold:

• Engage the Reader : The introduction should grab the reader’s interest and make them want to continue reading your essay. You can achieve this by starting with an interesting fact, a compelling question, or a brief anecdote related to your topic.
• Set the Context : The introduction should provide any necessary background information about the process you’re explaining. This might include why the process is important or useful, who typically performs the process, or any other relevant context.
• Introduce the Thesis : The introduction should end with your thesis statement, which clearly states your essay’s purpose or main idea.

How to Start Writing

Starting your introduction can be the most challenging part. One effective strategy is to begin with a hook – a sentence designed to grab the reader’s attention. This could be an interesting fact or statistic, a quote, a question, or even a short anecdote. For example, if your essay is about baking a cake, you might start with a question like, “Did you know that the first cakes were made over 2,000 years ago in Ancient Egypt?”

Background Information

After the hook, provide some background information to help your reader understand the context of your essay. For a process essay, this might involve explaining the importance of the process, its uses, or its history. For example, you could discuss how the process of baking has evolved over time or why understanding the process is useful for anyone who enjoys cooking.

Thesis Statement

The thesis statement is a critical part of your introduction. It clearly states your essay’s purpose or main idea and sets the tone for the rest of your paper. For a process essay, your thesis should clearly state the process you will be explaining and why understanding this process is valuable.

Thesis Statement Examples

Here are a few examples of thesis statements for a process essay:

• “This essay will guide you through the process of changing a tire, a vital skill for any car owner to master.”
• “Further, we will explore the complex process of making homemade wine, demonstrating that with patience and attention to detail, anyone can produce their own delicious vintage.”
• “This essay will detail the steps involved in baking a chocolate cake from scratch, proving that creating a homemade cake is not only achievable but also rewarding.”

Remember, your thesis should be clear and concise, conveying exactly what the reader can expect from your essay.

4. Write the Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs are the heart of your process essay. It’s where you’ll break down the process into steps, explain each one in detail, and guide your reader through the procedure.

The main purpose of the body of a process essay is to provide a detailed and clear description of the process. Each paragraph within the body should focus on a specific step or group of related steps in the process. The goal is to allow the reader to understand and potentially replicate the process by following your instructions.

Explain Each Step

Start body paragraphs by stating the step clearly and succinctly, then provide a detailed explanation.

• State the Step : Begin each paragraph with a clear statement of the step. For instance, if your process essay is about baking a cake, a paragraph might start with “Step three: Mix the dry ingredients.”
• Detail the Step : After stating the step, provide a detailed description. Explain exactly what the reader needs to do and give any necessary context or tips. For example, you might say, “In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir until the ingredients are evenly distributed. This helps ensure the cake rises evenly and has a uniform texture.”

Remember, explaining every step in the order it should be done is essential. Don’t assume that the reader has any prior knowledge of the process.

Transitions are crucial in process writing to ensure a smooth flow of ideas and to guide your reader from one step to the next. They can be simple words or phrases like “first,” “next,” “then,” “after that,” “before,” “simultaneously,” “finally,” etc.

For example, in our cake baking essay, a transition might look like this: “Once you’ve combined the dry ingredients, the next step is to beat the eggs.” This transition smoothly guides the reader from one step (mixing dry ingredients) to the next (beating eggs).

Using transitions effectively will help your essay read more smoothly and make your instructions easier to follow. It will also make your writing more engaging, as it creates a narrative flow that keeps the reader interested in what’s coming next.

5. Write the conclusion

The conclusion serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it provides closure to your essay, summarizing the main points and reinforcing your thesis. Secondly, it’s an opportunity to reflect on the process you’ve described and its implications, providing a broader perspective or discussing the significance of the process.

Restate Your Thesis

In your conclusion, you should revisit your thesis statement, reminding your reader of your essay’s purpose or main idea. However, try to rephrase it instead of repeating it word for word . Restating your thesis in a new way can reinforce your argument and provide a sense of continuity and completion.

For example, if your original thesis was, “Making a homemade pizza is a simple process that allows for creativity and guarantees a delicious result,” you could restate it as, “As we’ve seen, creating a pizza at home is an easy and creative task that ensures a tasty outcome.”

In addition to restating your thesis, you should briefly summarize the main steps of the process. This will help your reader remember the journey you’ve taken them on and the key points along the way.

For example, “From preparing the dough and sauce, choosing and placing the toppings, to baking in the oven, each step of the pizza-making process is part of the end product.”

Last thoughts

For example, “Being a pizza-making master not only is fun and creative but also allows you to choose your ingredients and be in control of the quality and freshness of them, and improve your cooking skills and eat healthier.”

The revision stage is a crucial part of writing a process essay. It’s where you fine-tune your work, ensuring it is clear, coherent, and error-free.

Even the most experienced writers rarely get everything right in their first draft. Revision allows you to step back, analyze your work critically, and make improvements. It’s your chance to refine your arguments, clarify your thoughts, and eliminate any mistakes that might distract your reader or undermine your credibility.

Check for Clarity and Coherence

When revising your essay, one of the main things to look for is whether the information is presented clearly and logically. You want to make sure that your reader can easily follow the process you’re describing.

For example, have you explained each step in enough detail? Is there a logical progression from one step to the next? Does each paragraph focus on a single step or idea? Are there any ambiguous phrases or technical terms that need to be explained?

An example of a common mistake might be assuming that your reader knows more about the process than they actually do. For instance, if you’re explaining how to bake a cake and you write, “Bake until done,” this could confuse your reader. How will they know when the cake is done? A clearer instruction might be, “Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.”

Proofread for Errors

After checking for clarity and coherence, it’s time to proofread your essay for spelling, punctuation, and grammar mistakes. These types of mistakes can distract your reader and undermine your credibility. Proofreading allows you to catch and correct these errors before your reader or professor sees them.

Get Feedback from Others

Finally, having someone else read your finished writing is always a good idea. They can provide valuable feedback and may catch errors or inconsistencies that you overlooked. Ask them whether they can follow the process easily, if any parts confused them, and if they noticed any grammatical or spelling errors. Their perspective can help you see your essay in a new light and make necessary improvements. This step may not always be comfortable, but it’s an invaluable part of creating the best possible process essay.

Final Writing Tips

As you embark on your journey to craft an exceptional process essay, here are some additional writing tips to help you ensure that your essay is as clear, engaging, and effective as possible.

1) Use Diagrams and Images if Allowed

Don’t hesitate to include diagrams, charts, or images in your essay if your instructions allow it. Visual aids can greatly enhance understanding, especially when explaining complex processes. They can break down information into easily digestible bits, illustrating steps that might be difficult to explain in words alone. However, always make sure to label and reference any visuals used properly.

2) Avoid Too Much Jargon and Technical Language

While it’s important to be accurate when explaining a process, excessive use of jargon or overly technical language can confuse your reader. Aim for clarity above all. If you must use technical terms, make sure to define them in simple language. Remember, your goal is to guide your reader through the process, not to showcase your vocabulary.

3) Be Patient and Give the Process the Detail It Requires

Writing a process essay is not a race. It’s crucial to take your time and provide each step of the process with the detail it deserves. Ensure that you’ve covered every aspect thoroughly, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant. The small details often make a big difference in the successful completion of a process.

4) Create a Paragraph for Materials, If Needed

In some cases, it might be helpful to create a separate paragraph (or even a bulleted list) at the beginning of your essay to outline the materials or tools needed for the process. This allows your reader to prepare everything they need in advance, which can make following along with your instructions much easier.

5) Consider Avoiding Imperative Sentences

While it might be tempting to use imperative sentences (commands) in a process essay, remember that your role is that of a guide, not a commander. Instead of telling your reader what to do, explain what needs to be done.

For instance, instead of “Cut the onions,” you might write, “The onions need to be cut.” This subtle shift in language can make your essay more reader-friendly and less authoritative.

In conclusion, writing a process essay requires careful attention to detail, clear and accessible language, and a patient, systematic approach. Keep these tips in mind as you write, and you’ll be well on your way to crafting a high-quality process essay.

Was this article helpful?

• Customer Reviews
• Extended Essays
• IB Internal Assessment
• Theory of Knowledge
• Literature Review
• Dissertations
• Essay Writing
• Research Writing
• Assignment Help
• Capstone Projects
• College Application
• Online Class

How to Write a Process Essay: A Complete, Step-by-Step Guide

by  Antony W

February 16, 2023

A process essay, also known as “how-to-essay”, is a common type of paper that informs the reader how something is done. Being able to write a process essay is about talking the reader through a set of instructions or step-by-step guide on how to do something such as performing an experiment, preparing a meal, or carrying out a specific process. 

Writing a process essay should involve enough details to lead the reader successfully to the desired goal.

You need to follow the step-by-step process until the reader has achieved what you’re leading them to do.

Any missteps or poor explanations at any point can cause bad mistakes or even ruin the entire project, so process essays need to be highly detailed and instructional.

This guide will show you how to write a brilliant and effective process essay and be sure of that A-grade.

Pre-Writing: Planning Your Process Essay 

The first requirement if want to write a good process essay is preparation.

Preparing the small stuff goes a long way in ensuring you deliver the best of the report. 

Some of the things to look into for an essay that meets expectations include;

Understand the Target Audience 

Before you start writing, you have to understand your target audience and their expectations from the essay.

The target audience determines the language to use and the general complexity of the essay. 

Ask yourself about the education level of the audience on the topic. Understand if you have to explain basics for them to understand.

I t’s also essential that you the language and terminologies best suited to the audience. 

Create a List of Materials Needed

Anything that involves creating something new will require materials.

The same applies to writing a process essay which details how a thing is done. Before you start writing, create a list of all the materials and tools the reader will need for the whole process. 

Place each item either in the order of use or importance. The more impactful or useful a tool is, the earlier it comes on the list. 

Create an Outline 

Once you have understood your audience and listed the needed tools, it’s time to note what you want to include in the content.

It is easy to forget important things that you need to include in your essay, but an outline creates a structure that you can flesh out with details. 

Note down every step, detail the important all the important steps, and try to  make your ideas flow clearly .

You don’t have to go into a detailed explanation at this point. Just have the steps down with the important tools. 

Structure of a Process Essay

Introduction.

The introduction is where you get to draw in the reader and get them interested in the essay.

You can talk to them about why the particular process they are about to undertake is important without jumping ahead of yourself. 

You can also mention briefly what the essay will cover, thus creating anticipation for what is to come.

Another tactic is to d raw the reader’s interest by giving some historical background of whatever you are working on. It also helps to refer to the timeframe so that they prepare well in advance. 

Body Paragraphs 

The body paragraphs are where you introduce the step-by-step guide to your the readers.

Let the readers understand why they each step in the process is important and why they need to take it instead of alternative methods. 

The length of the paragraphs depends on the complexity of the whole process. Every section should have enough details such that the reader would complete the process properly.

Be sure to mention what equipment and tools will be necessary for the procedure. Also, let the reader know of possible troubles and other difficulties to expect during the process. 

Ensure the smooth flow of everything by using transitions. The transitions make the Essay easy to read and follow. Use terms like then, so that, next, now, and others. 

Your process essay's conclusion is where you can go through the expected results of the process.

It summarizes everything about the guide and provides the reader with a reinforcement of the procedure’s significance.

Explain to the readers the result.

State what it looks like and what follows, whether there are other processes or its final. Ensure your read is accomplished by the end of the essay. 

Process Essay Writing Tips

There is more to writing a process essay than identifying the audience and using the right format.  

1. Focus on Simplicity 

As a guide on doing something, most probably for the first time, a process essay should be easy to follow and understand.

Use simple language with clear directions on how to perform all the processes. 

The choice of words and the construction of sentences must meet the reader’s understanding. 

2. Choose the Right Topic. 

Your choice of topic is crucial when it comes to process writing.

Choosing a technical topic might not resonate with the audience, as you can also have little to write about.

Common issues are also hard to write about as you never seem to be helpful. Look for the readers’ probable needs and solve them. 

3. Proofread the Essay

Once you are done writing, revisit the whole of your work to ensure everything is in place. Revise the work with the reader in mind.

Ensure the language resonates with the target audience. Pass the work through checkers for  plagiarism-free work .

Ensure your work is well detailed with all the necessary guidelines. Include all the steps while you eliminate anything unnecessary.

Only hand in your work once you have achieved a desirable result.

4. Seek Help For Your Process Essay Assignment

No matter how much you have mastered the art of writing a process essay, you can never be all-knowing.

Do not shy from seeking help from a friend or professional to help you through the writing and proofreading.

Working with a professional team like Help for Assessment helps in creating high-quality work for assured high grades.  Our essay writing experts are experienced in delivering top-notch papers on various topics. 

Related Reading

• This Guide Will Help You to Write an Opinion Essay

About the author 

Antony W is a professional writer and coach at Help for Assessment. He spends countless hours every day researching and writing great content filled with expert advice on how to write engaging essays, research papers, and assignments.

How to Write a Great Process Essay

Otherwise Known as a How-To Essay

CSA-Archive / iStock Vectors / Getty Images 

• Writing Essays
• Writing Research Papers
• English Grammar
• M.Ed., Education Administration, University of Georgia
• B.A., History, Armstrong State University

How-to essays , also known as process essays, are much like recipes: They provide instruction for carrying out a procedure or task. You can write a how-to essay about any procedure that you find interesting as long as your topic fits the teacher's assignment.

Start by Brainstorming

The first step in writing your how-to essay is brainstorming. Here are tips to help you:

• Draw a line down the middle of a sheet of paper to make two columns. Label one column "materials" and the other column "steps."
• Write down every item and every step you can think of that will be needed to carry out your task. Don't worry about trying to keep things in order yet. Just empty your head.
• Number your steps on your brainstorming page. Just jot a number beside each item/step. You may need to erase and scribble a few times to get the order right. It's not a neat process.

Create an Outline

First, determine the format required for your essay; ask your teacher if you are unsure. Your essay could contain a numbered list (like the one in the previous section), or it could be written as a standard narrative essay. If you are instructed to write a step-by-step without using numbers, your essay should contain all the elements of any other essay assignment, including an:

• Introductory paragraph : the section that identifies the  topic , arouses interest, and prepares the audience or readers for the development of the thesis
• Body : the part of an essay that develops the main idea
• Conclusion : the sentences  or paragraphs that bring the essay to a logical end

Regardless of the essay format—whether your teacher allows for numbered paragraphs or sections or simply wants you to craft a narrative report—your outline should center on these three areas.

Creating the Essay

Your introduction will explain why your topic is important or relevant. For example, your paper about "How to Wash a Dog" would explain that dog hygiene is important for your pet's good health.

• Your first body paragraph should contain a list of necessary materials. For example: "The equipment you will need depends somewhat on the size of your dog. At the very minimum, you will need dog shampoo, a large towel, and a container large enough to hold your dog. And, of course, you will need a dog."
• The next paragraphs should contain instructions for following steps in your process, as enumerated in your outline.
• Your summary, or conclusion, explains how your task or process should turn out if it is done correctly. It may also be appropriate to restate the importance of your topic.

Topics to Write About

You may believe that you are not expert enough to write a process essay. This is not so. There are many processes that you go through every day that you can write about, including:

• How to make a perfect paper airplane
• How to dye your hair
• How to wear makeup
• How to survive a weekend with your family
• How to play basketball
• How to play (a popular video game)

The goal in this type of assignment is to show that you can write a well-organized essay and clearly explain to the reader how to do what you are instructing.

• List of Topics for How-to Essays
• 501 Topic Suggestions for Writing Essays and Speeches
• How to Write a Narrative Essay or Speech (With Topic Ideas)
• Venn Diagrams to Plan Essays and More
• 50 Argumentative Essay Topics
• What Is Expository Writing?
• Examples of Great Introductory Paragraphs
• What an Essay Is and How to Write One
• Tips for Writing a "What I Did on Vacation" Essay
• How to Write a Personal Narrative
• The Ultimate Guide to the 5-Paragraph Essay
• Structure of a Descriptive Essay
• 100 Persuasive Essay Topics
• Write an Attention-Grabbing Opening Sentence for an Essay
• How to Outline and Organize an Essay
• How to Write a Response Paper

5 Process Essay Examples

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

Learn about our Editorial Process

A process essay is a type of essay that explains a process in detail. Good process essays don’t just explain the process but provides details about common mistakes to avoid as well as tips and methods to achieve success. Below are some example essays:

Process Essay Examples

#1 how to bake a chocolate cake.

1337 Words | 4 Pages

Thesis Statement: “The purpose of this essay is to guide readers through the enjoyable and straightforward process of baking a chocolate cake, highlighting the essential steps and tips to ensure a delicious and successful outcome.”

#2 How to Write a Resume

Thesis Statement: “This essay aims to provide a comprehensive guide on crafting an effective resume, detailing each step from gathering relevant information to finalizing the document, while offering practical tips and common pitfalls to avoid, ensuring a polished and professional presentation of one’s career achievements and qualifications.”

#3 How to Train for a Marathon

1508 Words | 5 Pages

Thesis Statement: “This essay provides a comprehensive guide to marathon training, detailing a strategic approach to building endurance, strength, and speed, coupled with essential advice on nutrition, hydration, and mental preparation, to equip runners of all levels with the knowledge and tools necessary for successfully completing a marathon.”

#4 How to Prepare for a Job Interview

1309 Words | 5 Pages

Thesis Statement: “This essay outlines a comprehensive strategy for job interview preparation, encompassing in-depth company research, personalized response formulation, professional presentation, and logistical planning, to equip candidates with the tools necessary for making a compelling and confident impression in their pursuit of career opportunities.”

#5 How to Write an Essay

1473 Words | 5 Pages

Thesis Statement: “This essay outlines a comprehensive, step-by-step approach to essay writing, from understanding the prompt to the final stages of revision and editing, providing essential tips and strategies to enhance writing skills and ensure the creation of a well-structured, persuasive, and effectively communicated piece.”

How to Write a Process Essay

The following template provides an overview of a process essay structure:

Grab this process essay template here.

Instructions: To write a process essay, start by introducing the process and its significance, ensuring the reader understands the purpose and value of the instructions. Next, present the preparation and materials required, before outlining each step of the process in a logical order, offering detailed explanations, tips, and potential pitfalls to avoid, ensuring clarity and ease of understanding. Conclude by summarizing the main steps and reinforcing the benefits or results of completing the process, leaving the reader with a clear understanding and the confidence to undertake the task.

How to Write a Thesis Statement for a Process

To write a thesis statement for a process essay, identify the process you’re explaining and clearly state the purpose or goal of the essay. Concisely outline the primary steps or stages involved in the process, ensuring clarity and direction for the reader. The thesis should be informative, indicating what the reader can expect to learn and achieve by following the essay.

💡 AI Prompt For Writing a Process Essay Thesis Statement “Create a thesis statement for a process essay on [TOPIC] that clearly identifies the specific process being explained. The thesis should state the purpose of the essay and briefly outline the main steps or stages involved in the process. Ensure that the statement is concise, informative, and guides the reader on what they will learn and achieve by reading the essay.”

Read Also: 101 Thesis Statement Examples

Suggested Process Essay Topics

For Grades 4 to 8:

• How to Organize a School Backpack.
• Steps to Create a Simple Science Fair Project.
• The Process of Planting and Caring for a Vegetable Garden.
• How to Write a Book Report.
• Making a Handcrafted Greeting Card.

For Grades 9 to 12:

• How to Prepare for the SATs.
• Steps for Conducting a Basic Scientific Experiment.
• Crafting an Effective Persuasive Essay.
• Planning and Executing a Community Service Project.
• The Process of Creating a Personal Budget.

For University/College:

• How to Conduct a Literature Review for a Research Paper.
• Writing a Successful College Application Essay.
• The Process of Developing a Mobile App.
• How to Create a Comprehensive Marketing Plan.
• Steps for Conducting a Qualitative Research Study.
• Preparing and Delivering an Effective Oral Presentation.
• The Process of Writing a Business Plan.
• How to Analyze a Case Study in Business School.
• Crafting a Dissertation or Thesis Proposal.
• Developing and Implementing a Personal Fitness Plan.

Ready to Write your Essay?

Take action! Choose one of the following options to start writing your essay now:

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 101 Hidden Talents Examples
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 15 Green Flags in a Relationship
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 15 Signs you're Burnt Out, Not Lazy
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 15 Toxic Things Parents Say to their Children

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Process Analysis: How to Write a Process Analysis Essay

Writing a process analysis essay sounds like a problematic task to do, but in reality, it’s just another writing assignment. In this article, our college essay writing service will explain how to write a process analysis essay, list some process analysis essay topics and give you useful writing tips and examples. But first things first — let’s start with a process analysis definition.

What Is a Process Analysis Essay

Before jumping to the How To section, let’s answer the question of what is process analysis. Process analysis is an essay which explains how something is done, how something occurs, or how something works. In this type of essay, the writer is required to present the steps of the process in sequential order, from first to last. All concepts or terms that might appear uncommon are defined.

For Example: When writing a process analysis essay about becoming a better person, you count and describe some actions — from small to bigger ones — like lifting peoples’ self esteem around you when you were young, to becoming a motivational speaker when you’re older.

Sometimes, your professor will assign you a process analysis topic. And sometimes, you will have to pick a topic by yourself.

You should also read the article on discursive essay format . It will help expand your understanding in writing any type of paper.

Stuck on the Steps of Process Analysis?

Journey through your essay with ease. Our expert guides are ready to help you analyze every step of the way!

Process Analysis Essay Structure

Process essays may be divided into two categories: informative and directive. A directive process analysis gives instructions on how to accomplish a certain goal (for example, how to prepare the best waffles). An informational process analysis essay describes a topic to the reader (for example, how an aircraft engine functions). A process essay may be written in three easy steps:

• Split the task

The workflow should be broken down into simple, well-defined phases that generally maintain a temporal sequence and have a clear objective. You can better arrange the document with a process paper outline.

• Make smooth transitions

A process analysis essay remains more engaging when you use transitional terms—the audience benefits from phrases like - therefore, subsequently, afterward, etc.

• Study the essay thoroughly

Inspect any potential gaps, such as missing ingredients from a recipe, by going through the process essay point by point.

Process Analysis Essay Examples

Referring to an example can save you time. Our free samples can provide insight into what a process analysis essay should look like.

How to Pick a Process Analysis Essay Topic

Imagine you need to describe something in steps: what would they be? Don’t rush with making a final decision and try to rationalize your choice by following our recommendations:

• Pick a topic you have a good understanding of.
• Choose a theme that will involve the readers.
• Focus your topic on a specific thing.
• Make sure you can explain your topic without pictures. Focus on words.
• Ensure that the topic is helpful and has practical worth.
• Your topic must be relevant. If you decided to write about using a pager, we suggest you rethink your idea.

It’s okay if you don’t have a lot of process analysis essay topics in mind; just focus on the writing process and pick one of the ones we’ve prepared for you below.

Check out our ARTICLE TO FIND MORE ESSAY TOPIC IDEAS

Writing a Process Analysis Essay Step-By-Step

Process analysis essay structure is as follows:

Let's overview that structure in more details:

• The introductory part should explain the actual process and why it’s relevant or necessary. Avoid any unnecessary information such as the background, history or origin. If for instance, a recipe needs tomato sauce, the reader should be informed so. In other words, go directly to the issue and provide only the necessary information.
• The next paragraph should present a list of all the equipment, tools or resources necessary for the particular process. For instance, if some ingredients cannot be found in the locality, explain where you can find it, or them. Potential risks or side effects that are likely to occur in the process should be stated so that the reader remains informed. Furthermore, it is essential to inform the reader about what might go wrong and what can be done to avoid potential mistakes.
• Then, outline the process in sequential order. If the process requires some steps to be undertaken at particular stages, these should be stated and explained clearly, at relevant points in the sequence. The writer should be very keen to avoid confusion. For processes that appear complicated, the steps should be subdivided accordingly. Additionally, the writer needs to vary their use of transitional words such as “after”, “then”, “next” to make sure the essay does not become repetitive.
• The final part should present a general review of the whole process so the writer can reinforce the main points succinctly, without details.

You can also read the essay example from our essay writer . If you still need help, contact us and we will do everything in the best way.

Process Analysis Essay Outline

The structure for this type of analysis essay outline is as follows:

Introduction:

• Introduce your topic and briefly outline what the process will achieve.
• Demonstrate where this process is relevant or when it is useful.
• It’s a good idea to offer a real-world example of the outcome of the procedure.
• The processes should be presented in paragraphs.
• Perform each step in its section.
• Appropriate transitions should be employed for each step.
• Be descriptive in your presentation.

Conclusion:

• In your conclusion, summarize the procedure. You don’t have to repeat all the individual steps, but you need to reinforce the main points and milestones.
• Describe the expected result.

Writing Tips

• Appropriate Use of Language and Vocabulary Making good use of vocabulary and technical terms can often make or break an assignment. This impacts the degree of depth and clarity the reader can get out of it. Thus, if your audience is meant to be doing the procedures while reading, the steps should be simple and to the point.
• Give the Reader a Sense of Direction When including comments in your essay that are tailored to give a sense of direction, like “once that’s done” or “wait until”, it’s best to do so where relevant. Try to avoid over-complicating the steps, while keeping everything clear and concise.
• Use Chronological Progression For example, if it’s a cooking recipe, it should always include the steps in sequential order, while also indicating how much of each ingredient to add. Additional information like cooking techniques can be added at the end—to be as detailed as necessary.

Need a hand? Leave us a notice ' write my dissertation ' and we'll help asap.

Process Analysis Got You Puzzled?

Break down complex processes into simple, understandable essays. Let our professionals illuminate the path!

Annie Lambert

specializes in creating authoritative content on marketing, business, and finance, with a versatile ability to handle any essay type and dissertations. With a Master’s degree in Business Administration and a passion for social issues, her writing not only educates but also inspires action. On EssayPro blog, Annie delivers detailed guides and thought-provoking discussions on pressing economic and social topics. When not writing, she’s a guest speaker at various business seminars.

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

Step-By-Step Guide on How To Write A Process Essay (W/ Essay Example)

Feb 8, 2024 | 0 comments

Feb 8, 2024 | Blog | 0 comments

Are you struggling with writing an effective process essay? Whether you’re a student needing help with an academic essay or just want to learn how to write a good process essay, understanding the writing process is essential. To effectively describe the process of completing a certain task, it’s important to know how to structure your essay in a way that flows logically and is easy for your audience to follow. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you how to write a process essay, complete with an essay example to help you understand the concept better. First, we’ll discuss the different types of process essays, such as the expository essay and the process analysis essay. Then, we’ll delve into the writing process, including how to create an outline, use transition words, and ensure your essay is in chronological order. By the end of this article, you’ll have the tools you need to start writing your process essay, no matter the subject. 

Table of Contents

People Also Read

• How to write a Spooky Essay on Halloween (With Example)
• How to Write a Diagnostic Essay: A Step-by-Step Guide (With Example)
• How to Structure an Informative Essay: A Step-by-Step Guide

What Is a Process Paper?

A process paper is a written guide that explains how to complete a certain task or achieve a specific goal. It provides detailed instructions and clear steps to follow to complete the process. Process papers are commonly used in a variety of fields including education, business, and technical industries. They are a valuable tool for providing clarity and guidance for individuals who may be unfamiliar with a particular process. By following the instructions laid out in a process paper, individuals can effectively accomplish their desired tasks or goals.

The difference between a Process Essay and a Process Analysis Essay

 The main difference between a Process Essay and a Process Analysis Essay lies in the approach and focus. A Process Essay describes the process of how something is done or how something works, providing a step-by-step guide to the reader. It is often more general and can cover a wide range of topics. On the other hand, a Process Analysis Essay goes into much more detail and analysis, focusing on the specific steps and techniques involved in a particular process. It delves deeper into the intricacies of the process and aims to provide a thorough understanding of the topic at hand. Both essays aim to inform and educate, but they differ in the level of detail and analysis they provide.

Benefits of Writing a Process Essay

• Improves Explanation Skills: Writing a process essay requires breaking down a task or process step by step. By doing so, you become better at explaining complex concepts clearly and understandably. This skill can be impactful in various aspects of your life, from explaining instructions to others to clarifying procedures at work.
• Enhances Proofreading Abilities: Since process essays aim for clarity and conciseness, you’ll need to proofread your work meticulously. This practice helps you catch typos and grammar mistakes, ensuring your essay is error-free. Additionally, it teaches you to be careful with items that contain imperative sentences, ensuring they are precise and easy to follow.
• Strengthens Writing Skills: Writing a process essay follows the structure of an essay, including an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Through this process, you refine your ability to organize your thoughts logically and cohesively. Each part of your essay must flow smoothly from one step to another, reinforcing the importance of structure in writing.

Process Essay Outline: Structuring Your Paper

How to Plan a Successful Party: A Step-by-Step Guide I. Introduction A. Explanation of what a party planning process essay is B. Importance of planning a successful party C. Overview of the steps to be covered in the essay II. Understanding the Party Planning Process A. Defining the purpose and type of party B. Setting a budget and determining the guest list C. Choosing a date, time, and location for the party III. Selecting a Theme and Décor A. Brainstorming theme ideas based on the occasion and preferences B. Selecting appropriate decorations, colors, and ambiance C. Planning for any specific decorations or props needed IV. Organizing Food and Drinks A. Planning the menu based on the theme and preferences of guests B. Creating a shopping list for ingredients and supplies C. Considering dietary restrictions and preferences of attendees V. Arranging Entertainment and Activities A. Deciding on music, games, or entertainment options B. Renting or purchasing any necessary equipment or supplies C. Planning for any special performances or activities VI. Sending Invitations and Confirmations A. Designing and sending out invitations with necessary details B. Following up with RSVPs and guest confirmations C. Providing directions or instructions for attending the party VII. Preparing the Venue and Setting Up A. Cleaning and decorating the party space B. Setting up tables, chairs, and other furniture as needed C. Arranging food and drink stations, entertainment areas, and seating arrangements VIII. Hosting the Party A. Welcoming guests and ensuring they feel comfortable B. Managing food and drink service throughout the event C. Facilitating entertainment and activities to keep guests engaged IX. Wrapping Up and Cleaning Up A. Thanking guests for attending and expressing gratitude B. Collecting feedback and suggestions for future parties C. Cleaning up the venue and disposing of any waste or leftover items X. Conclusion A. Recap of the key steps in planning a successful party B. Emphasis on the importance of thorough planning and attention to detail C. Encouragement to apply the process outlined for future party planning endeavors.

How to Write a Process Essay

Learning how to write a process essay is essential for effectively guiding readers through a series of steps to complete a task or understand a process. This comprehensive guide provides step-by-step instructions and practical tips to help you craft a clear, concise, and informative process essay.

Step 1: Understanding the Topic

Understanding the topic is the first crucial step in writing a process essay. Before diving into the writing process, you must have a clear grasp of the task or process you’re explaining. Here’s how to understand the topic effectively:

• Analyze the Assignment Prompt: Start by carefully reading the assignment prompt or guidelines. Pay attention to any specific instructions provided by your instructor regarding the topic, scope, and objectives of the process essay.
• Research and Gather Information: Conduct thorough research to gather information about the process you intend to explain. Utilize credible sources such as books, articles, websites, or personal experiences to gain a comprehensive understanding of the topic.
• Identify Key Steps and Components: Break down the process into its essential steps and components. Consider the chronological order of these steps and any additional details or variations that may be relevant to your audience.
• Consider the Audience Perspective: Put yourself in the shoes of your audience and consider what they already know about the topic. Tailor your explanations to their level of understanding and anticipate any questions or areas of confusion they may have.
• Clarify Ambiguous or Complex Concepts: If there are any ambiguous or complex aspects of the topic, take the time to clarify them. Use simple language and clear examples to ensure that your readers can follow along easily.
• Define Key Terms: Define any technical terms or jargon associated with the process to ensure clarity for your readers. Avoid assuming prior knowledge and provide explanations for terms that may be unfamiliar.

Process Essay Topics

• How to Bake a Perfect Chocolate Cake
• Planning a Budget-Friendly Vacation
• Organizing a Successful Garage Sale
• Crafting the Ideal Study Schedule
• Mastering Basic Cooking Techniques
• Building a DIY Birdhouse for Your Garden
• Creating a Personalized Workout Routine
• Growing Your Vegetable Garden
• Designing an Effective Resume for Job Applications
• Setting Up and Managing a Home Recycling System
• Establishing Healthy Sleep Habits for Better Rest
• Writing an Engaging Blog Post from Start to Finish
• Planning and Hosting a Memorable Movie Night
• Developing a Morning Routine for Productivity and Success
• Creating a Travel Itinerary for Your Dream Destination

Step 2: Crafting the Thesis Statement

Crafting a strong thesis statement is a crucial step in the process of writing a process essay. Your thesis statement serves as the roadmap for your essay, guiding readers on what to expect and helping you maintain focus throughout the writing process. Here’s how to tackle this step effectively:

• Importance of a Strong Thesis Statement: In a process essay, a robust thesis statement sets the tone and direction for the entire essay, providing clarity on the purpose and goal of the process being explained. It informs readers about the specific process they will learn about and why it is significant. Without a clear thesis statement, your essay may lack direction, leaving readers confused about the purpose of the essay and the steps involved in the process. A strong thesis statement ensures that your essay remains focused and cohesive, guiding readers through each step of the process with clarity and purpose.
• How to Formulate a Clear and Specific Thesis Statement: Start by identifying the main goal or objective of the process you are explaining. What is the result or outcome that readers should expect to achieve by following the process? Next, clearly state the specific process or task that your essay will explain. Be concise and specific, avoiding vague language or broad statements. Your thesis statement should clearly outline the steps involved in the process without providing unnecessary details. Lastly, consider the audience’s perspective and tailor your thesis statement to their level of understanding. Use language that is accessible and easy to follow, ensuring that readers know exactly what to expect from your essay.

Step 3: Drafting the Introduction

Drafting an engaging introduction is essential in capturing the reader’s attention and setting the stage for your process essay. Here’s how to approach this step effectively:

• Hooking the Reader’s Attention: Begin your introduction with an attention-grabbing hook that piques the reader’s curiosity and encourages them to continue reading. This could be a compelling question, an intriguing fact, a relevant anecdote, or a thought-provoking quote. The goal is to draw readers in and make them eager to learn more about the process you’ll be explaining in the essay. By sparking their interest from the outset, you set a positive tone for the rest of the essay.
• Introducing the Process to be Explained: After hooking the reader’s attention, provide a brief overview of the process that will be the focus of your essay. Clearly state what the process entails and why it is important or relevant. Keep this introduction concise and to the point, giving readers a clear understanding of what they can expect to learn from the essay. Avoid delving into too much detail at this stage, as that will be covered in the body paragraphs.
• Providing Some Background Information on the Process: Depending on the complexity of the process and the knowledge level of your audience, it may be helpful to provide some background information or context to help readers better understand the significance of the process. This background information should be brief and relevant, offering insights into why the process is important or how it fits into a larger context. However, be mindful not to overwhelm readers with unnecessary details at this stage. By hooking the reader’s attention, introducing the process, and providing some background information, your introduction sets the stage for the rest of the essay, laying the groundwork for a clear and engaging exploration of the process at hand.

Step 4: Writing the Body Paragraphs

Writing the body paragraphs is the core of your process essay, where you’ll provide detailed instructions for each step of the process. Here’s how to approach this step effectively:

• Organizing the Steps of the Process in a Logical Order: Begin by organizing the steps of the process in a logical and sequential order. Consider the natural progression of the process and arrange the steps accordingly. Each step should build upon the previous one, leading readers through the process clearly and systematically. Avoid jumping around or presenting steps out of order, as this can confuse readers.
• Using Transitional Words and Phrases to Guide the Reader Through the Process: Use transitional words and phrases to smoothly transition from one step to the next. Words like “first,” “next,” “then,” and “finally” can help signal the progression of the process. These transitions act as signposts for readers, guiding them through each step and helping them understand how the steps are connected.
• Including Clear and Detailed Explanations for Each Step: Provide clear and detailed explanations for each step of the process, ensuring that readers understand exactly what needs to be done at each stage. Use simple language, avoiding unnecessary jargon or technical terms that may confuse readers. Break down each step into manageable chunks and explain each part thoroughly.
• Integrating Visuals or Illustrations to Enhance Understanding (if applicable): If appropriate, consider including visuals or illustrations to complement your written instructions and enhance understanding. Visual aids such as diagrams, charts, or photographs can provide additional clarity and help readers visualize the steps of the process more effectively. Be sure to integrate visuals seamlessly into your essay and provide clear captions or explanations to accompany them.

Step 5: Creating the Conclusion

Creating a strong conclusion is essential for wrapping up your process essay effectively and leaving a lasting impression on your readers. Here’s how to approach this step:

• Reinforcing the Significance of the Process: Begin by reinforcing the significance of the process you’ve explained in your essay. Remind readers why the process is important or relevant, emphasizing its impact or benefits. This helps to underscore the value of the information they’ve gained from reading your essay and reinforces the importance of understanding and mastering the process.
• Summarizing the Key Points of the Essay: Next, summarize the key points of your essay, briefly revisiting each step of the process and highlighting its significance. Keep this summary concise and focused, providing a quick overview of the main ideas without delving into unnecessary detail. By summarizing the key points, you help reinforce the main takeaways of your essay and ensure that readers have a clear understanding of the process you’ve explained.
• Offering Final Thoughts or Potential Outcomes of the Process: Finally, offer some final thoughts or reflections on the process. Consider discussing potential outcomes or results that readers can expect if they follow the process successfully. B. You might also offer suggestions for further exploration or experimentation with the process, encouraging readers to apply what they’ve learned in their own lives or endeavors. By offering final thoughts or outcomes, you provide closure to your essay and leave readers with a sense of satisfaction and direction moving forward.

Step 6: Revising and Editing

Revising and editing your process essay is a critical step in ensuring its clarity, coherence, and overall effectiveness. Here’s how to approach this step:

• Reviewing the Essay for Clarity and Coherence:   Start by reviewing your essay from start to finish, focusing on its overall clarity and coherence. Check that each step of the process is explained in a logical and easy-to-follow manner. Pay attention to the flow of your essay, ensuring that each section transitions smoothly into the next. Make any necessary revisions to improve the organization and coherence of your essay.
• Checking for Grammatical, Spelling, and Punctuation Errors: Next, carefully check your essay for grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors. Look for common mistakes such as incorrect verb tense, subject-verb agreement errors, misspelled words, and misplaced punctuation. Proofread your essay multiple times, reading it aloud if necessary to catch any errors that may have been overlooked. Use grammar and spell-check tools as additional aids in identifying and correcting mistakes.
• Seeking Feedback from Peers or Instructors: Consider seeking feedback from peers or instructors who can provide valuable insights and suggestions for improving your essay. Share your essay with them and ask for their honest feedback on its clarity, organization, and effectiveness.  Be open to constructive criticism and use it as an opportunity to make further revisions and improvements to your essay. Consider incorporating any helpful suggestions or recommendations that are offered.

Essay Example: “How to Bake a Perfect Chocolate Cake”

Get help with your process essay paper.

Are you struggling with your process essay? Don’t worry! Essay Freelance Writers is here to help. We’re the best in the industry when it comes to essay writing services. Place your order today by clicking the ORDER NOW button above to get our expert assistance with your process essay writing. Whether it’s crafting a clear thesis statement or organizing the steps of your process, we’ve got you covered. Trust us to deliver high-quality, custom-written essays that meet your every need.

Frequently Asked Questions about Process Essay

What is a process essay.

A process essay is a type of writing that explains a step-by-step process of doing something. It aims to guide the reader through the actions required to complete the task .

How is a process essay different from other types of essays?

A process essay , also known as a how-to essay , focuses on the process of doing something and the parts of the process . Unlike other types of essays, it emphasizes the step-by-step process rather than simply presenting information or arguments.

What is the main body of a process essay?

The main body of a process essay should detail each step-by-step process necessary to complete the task. Each paragraph should focus on a certain process and serve as a guide for the reader.

Why is it important to pick something you know well when writing a process essay?

It is important to pick something you are familiar with when writing a process essay because it allows you to provide detailed and accurate instructions. Your knowledge of the subject will help in explaining the step-by-step process effectively.

What is the goal of a process essay?

The goal of a process essay is to explain the step-by-step process clearly and concisely. It should provide the reader with a complete understanding of how to complete the task .

What are some common mistakes to avoid when writing a process essay?

Some common mistakes to avoid when writing a process essay include using ambiguous language like “next ” or “then ” instead of providing specific instructions, and not considering the reader’s level of knowledge on the topic. It is also important to ensure that the words like “next and “now used are appropriate for the type of paper .

With a passion for helping students navigate their educational journey, I strive to create informative and relatable blog content. Whether it’s tackling exam stress, offering career guidance, or sharing effective study techniques

Most Popular Articles

Racism thesis statement example, how to rephrase a thesis statement, capstone project topic suggestions, how to write an abortion essay, should students wear school uniforms essay, list causal essay topics write, respect essay, signal words, great synonyms, informative speech examples, essay writing guide, introduction paragraph for an essay, argumentative essay writing, essay outline templates, write an autobiographical essay, personal narrative essay ideas, descriptive essay writing, how to write a reflective-essay, how to write a lab report abstract, how to write a grant proposal, point of view in an essay, debate topics for youth at church, theatre research paper topics, privacy overview.

• Translators
• Graphic Designers

Please enter the email address you used for your account. Your sign in information will be sent to your email address after it has been verified.

How to Write the Perfect Process Analysis Essay (With a Sample Essay)

A process analysis essay is a kind of expository essay that explains the process or actions someone needs to take to complete a task. You can think of it like a recipe, stating all of the necessary ingredients and steps, allowing the reader to follow along in logical order.

A process analysis essay can be written about a wide scope of topics, from highly technical processes to cleaning and organizing your closet. Writing a process analysis essay forces you to slow down and consider every tool and step involved in completing a task, and then explain what's needed in logical order for your reader to do the same.

Format of a process analysis essay

For this type of essay assignment, you will not be following the traditional five-paragraph essay outline. There is still an introduction and body to your essay, but your conclusion is more like the "analysis" part and the essay will end when you've completed explaining the steps involved in a process. Below, we'll break down exactly what should be included in each of these parts. Also keep in mind that you can still create an outline before beginning writing your process analysis essay, although it might look more like a list of bullet points rather than a traditional five-paragraph essay outline.

Introduction

The introduction to your process analysis essay will include information about the process you are analyzing and why it is important. This will likely be the shortest part of your essay. If there is a unique history to the process you'll be analyzing, the introduction is where you might mention that. You basically want to use this paragraph as a brief introduction to your reader of 1) what process you'll be analyzing and 2) how or why that process might be useful information to know.

The body of your process analysis essay will mention any prerequisites, materials, or instruments needed to complete the process. It should also mention any risks or warnings involved that are relevant to the process. It's important to include everything that the reader will need to complete the process, and even extra tools that might help the process go smoother but are not necessary. For example, in the sample process analysis essay provided below on how to make apple butter, I included a spoon to stir the butter as part of the list of tools that will be needed. Additionally, I mentioned that a food processor will make the apple butter cook better and have a more butter-like consistency, but it's not necessary to have as a tool to cook apple butter.

Following these sections, you'll write the actual process in sequential order required to complete the task. Make sure you include transitional words within and between paragraphs, as these are required to show the sequence of the process in logical order. Your analysis will likely be across several paragraphs, so make sure each paragraph describes a separate part of the process to avoid confusion for your reader.

Sample process analysis essay

To show you how a process analysis essay might look, we've provided a sample essay that includes the separate sections discussed above. Notice that the introduction paragraph is short, providing basic information about the process that will be discussed, while the remaining paragraphs are longer and more detailed.

Sample essay

Apple butter is similar to apple sauce but is different in that it is highly concentrated and used more often as a butter-like topping on bread or crackers. It's cooked long and slow, allowing the sugar in the apples to caramelize and turn it a deep brown color.

To make apple butter, you will need a slow cooker, food processor, cutting board, peeling knife, large spoon, apples, sugar, and spices for the desired flavoring (usually cinnamon and nutmeg). You might also want to use an apple slicer, which cuts down on the preparation time. Note that when you begin cooking your apple butter, the more minced the peeled apples are, the smoother the final product will be. If you want your apple butter to have a true butter-like consistency, mince the apples well in the food processor before cooking.

Now, let's look at the process of cooking apple butter. To begin, prepare a large, clean space for cutting and processing the apples. Five to six cups of fresh apples will likely only result in a few cups (at most) of apple butter, so depending on how much butter you want to make, you could be peeling and preparing apples for several hours. Each apple will need to be sliced, peeled, and minced in a food processor for maximum butter-like consistency.

Next, add the minced apples to a slow cooker and place the slow cooker on "high". You will notice that the top of the mixture is watery, once the larger pieces settle. Add sugar and spices until you reach the taste you want for the apple butter. Keep in mind that apples vary in sweetness, depending on what type of apple you are using, and sugar can be added slowly throughout the cooking process. Be careful not to add too much sugar at first, as the butter will get sweeter as the apples cook down. In fact, you might even choose to not at sugar at all at this stage of the cooking process, especially if you want a final product that is not too sweet. The spices can also be added as the apple butter cooks or not at all (if that's your preference). Be sure to stir every 10-15 minutes during the first hour as the apple butter is cooking on high and let it cook uncovered.

After one hour of cooking on high, turn the slow cooker to low and cover it. Depending on the type of apple you have used, it should cook for 8-10 hours, until there is no water left at the top and around the sides of the slow cooker. During this slow cooking time, stir occasionally (once per hour should be fine). This is also when the apple butter makes your kitchen smell amazing!

Finally, when the apple butter has reached the consistency and taste you want, remove it from the slow cooker. If you choose to can the apple butter, you can do that immediately or keep the apple butter in the refrigerator until you are able to can it.

Have a language expert improve your writing

Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.

• Knowledge Base
• Academic writing
• A step-by-step guide to the writing process

The Writing Process | 5 Steps with Examples & Tips

Published on April 24, 2020 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on December 8, 2023.

Good academic writing requires effective planning, drafting, and revision.

The writing process looks different for everyone, but there are five basic steps that will help you structure your time when writing any kind of text.

Receive feedback on language, structure, and formatting

Professional editors proofread and edit your paper by focusing on:

• Academic style
• Vague sentences
• Style consistency

See an example

Table of contents

Step 1: prewriting, step 2: planning and outlining, step 3: writing a first draft, step 4: redrafting and revising, step 5: editing and proofreading, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about the writing process.

Before you start writing, you need to decide exactly what you’ll write about and do the necessary research.

Coming up with a topic

If you have to come up with your own topic for an assignment, think of what you’ve covered in class— is there a particular area that intrigued, interested, or even confused you? Topics that left you with additional questions are perfect, as these are questions you can explore in your writing.

The scope depends on what type of text you’re writing—for example, an essay or a research paper will be less in-depth than a dissertation topic . Don’t pick anything too ambitious to cover within the word count, or too limited for you to find much to say.

Narrow down your idea to a specific argument or question. For example, an appropriate topic for an essay might be narrowed down like this:

Doing the research

Once you know your topic, it’s time to search for relevant sources and gather the information you need. This process varies according to your field of study and the scope of the assignment. It might involve:

• Searching for primary and secondary sources .
• Reading the relevant texts closely (e.g. for literary analysis ).
• Collecting data using relevant research methods (e.g. experiments , interviews or surveys )

From a writing perspective, the important thing is to take plenty of notes while you do the research. Keep track of the titles, authors, publication dates, and relevant quotations from your sources; the data you gathered; and your initial analysis or interpretation of the questions you’re addressing.

Especially in academic writing , it’s important to use a logical structure to convey information effectively. It’s far better to plan this out in advance than to try to work out your structure once you’ve already begun writing.

Creating an essay outline is a useful way to plan out your structure before you start writing. This should help you work out the main ideas you want to focus on and how you’ll organize them. The outline doesn’t have to be final—it’s okay if your structure changes throughout the writing process.

Use bullet points or numbering to make your structure clear at a glance. Even for a short text that won’t use headings, it’s useful to summarize what you’ll discuss in each paragraph.

An outline for a literary analysis essay might look something like this:

• Describe the theatricality of Austen’s works
• Outline the role theater plays in Mansfield Park
• Introduce the research question: How does Austen use theater to express the characters’ morality in Mansfield Park ?
• Discuss Austen’s depiction of the performance at the end of the first volume
• Discuss how Sir Bertram reacts to the acting scheme
• Introduce Austen’s use of stage direction–like details during dialogue
• Explore how these are deployed to show the characters’ self-absorption
• Discuss Austen’s description of Maria and Julia’s relationship as polite but affectionless
• Compare Mrs. Norris’s self-conceit as charitable despite her idleness
• Summarize the three themes: The acting scheme, stage directions, and the performance of morals
• Answer the research question
• Indicate areas for further study

Once you have a clear idea of your structure, it’s time to produce a full first draft.

This process can be quite non-linear. For example, it’s reasonable to begin writing with the main body of the text, saving the introduction for later once you have a clearer idea of the text you’re introducing.

To give structure to your writing, use your outline as a framework. Make sure that each paragraph has a clear central focus that relates to your overall argument.

Hover over the parts of the example, from a literary analysis essay on Mansfield Park , to see how a paragraph is constructed.

The character of Mrs. Norris provides another example of the performance of morals in Mansfield Park . Early in the novel, she is described in scathing terms as one who knows “how to dictate liberality to others: but her love of money was equal to her love of directing” (p. 7). This hypocrisy does not interfere with her self-conceit as “the most liberal-minded sister and aunt in the world” (p. 7). Mrs. Norris is strongly concerned with appearing charitable, but unwilling to make any personal sacrifices to accomplish this. Instead, she stage-manages the charitable actions of others, never acknowledging that her schemes do not put her own time or money on the line. In this way, Austen again shows us a character whose morally upright behavior is fundamentally a performance—for whom the goal of doing good is less important than the goal of seeming good.

When you move onto a different topic, start a new paragraph. Use appropriate transition words and phrases to show the connections between your ideas.

The goal at this stage is to get a draft completed, not to make everything perfect as you go along. Once you have a full draft in front of you, you’ll have a clearer idea of where improvement is needed.

Give yourself a first draft deadline that leaves you a reasonable length of time to revise, edit, and proofread before the final deadline. For a longer text like a dissertation, you and your supervisor might agree on deadlines for individual chapters.

Now it’s time to look critically at your first draft and find potential areas for improvement. Redrafting means substantially adding or removing content, while revising involves making changes to structure and reformulating arguments.

Evaluating the first draft

It can be difficult to look objectively at your own writing. Your perspective might be positively or negatively biased—especially if you try to assess your work shortly after finishing it.

It’s best to leave your work alone for at least a day or two after completing the first draft. Come back after a break to evaluate it with fresh eyes; you’ll spot things you wouldn’t have otherwise.

When evaluating your writing at this stage, you’re mainly looking for larger issues such as changes to your arguments or structure. Starting with bigger concerns saves you time—there’s no point perfecting the grammar of something you end up cutting out anyway.

Right now, you’re looking for:

• Arguments that are unclear or illogical.
• Areas where information would be better presented in a different order.
• Passages where additional information or explanation is needed.
• Passages that are irrelevant to your overall argument.

For example, in our paper on Mansfield Park , we might realize the argument would be stronger with more direct consideration of the protagonist Fanny Price, and decide to try to find space for this in paragraph IV.

For some assignments, you’ll receive feedback on your first draft from a supervisor or peer. Be sure to pay close attention to what they tell you, as their advice will usually give you a clearer sense of which aspects of your text need improvement.

Redrafting and revising

Once you’ve decided where changes are needed, make the big changes first, as these are likely to have knock-on effects on the rest. Depending on what your text needs, this step might involve:

• Making changes to your overall argument.
• Reordering the text.
• Cutting parts of the text.
• Adding new text.

You can go back and forth between writing, redrafting and revising several times until you have a final draft that you’re happy with.

Think about what changes you can realistically accomplish in the time you have. If you are running low on time, you don’t want to leave your text in a messy state halfway through redrafting, so make sure to prioritize the most important changes.

Editing focuses on local concerns like clarity and sentence structure. Proofreading involves reading the text closely to remove typos and ensure stylistic consistency. You can check all your drafts and texts in minutes with an AI proofreader .

Editing for grammar and clarity

When editing, you want to ensure your text is clear, concise, and grammatically correct. You’re looking out for:

• Grammatical errors.
• Ambiguous phrasings.
• Redundancy and repetition .

In your initial draft, it’s common to end up with a lot of sentences that are poorly formulated. Look critically at where your meaning could be conveyed in a more effective way or in fewer words, and watch out for common sentence structure mistakes like run-on sentences and sentence fragments:

• Austen’s style is frequently humorous, her characters are often described as “witty.” Although this is less true of Mansfield Park .
• Austen’s style is frequently humorous. Her characters are often described as “witty,” although this is less true of Mansfield Park .

To make your sentences run smoothly, you can always use a paraphrasing tool to rewrite them in a clearer way.

Proofreading for small mistakes and typos

When proofreading, first look out for typos in your text:

• Spelling errors.
• Missing words.
• Confused word choices .
• Punctuation errors .
• Missing or excess spaces.

Use a grammar checker , but be sure to do another manual check after. Read through your text line by line, watching out for problem areas highlighted by the software but also for any other issues it might have missed.

For example, in the following phrase we notice several errors:

• Mary Crawfords character is a complicate one and her relationships with Fanny and Edmund undergoes several transformations through out the novel.
• Mary Crawford’s character is a complicated one, and her relationships with both Fanny and Edmund undergo several transformations throughout the novel.

Proofreading for stylistic consistency

There are several issues in academic writing where you can choose between multiple different standards. For example:

• Whether you use the serial comma .
• Whether you use American or British spellings and punctuation (you can use a punctuation checker for this).
• Where you use numerals vs. words for numbers.
• How you capitalize your titles and headings.

Unless you’re given specific guidance on these issues, it’s your choice which standards you follow. The important thing is to consistently follow one standard for each issue. For example, don’t use a mixture of American and British spellings in your paper.

Additionally, you will probably be provided with specific guidelines for issues related to format (how your text is presented on the page) and citations (how you acknowledge your sources). Always follow these instructions carefully.

If you want to know more about AI for academic writing, AI tools, or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

• Ad hominem fallacy
• Post hoc fallacy
• Appeal to authority fallacy
• False cause fallacy
• Sunk cost fallacy
• Deep learning
• Generative AI
• Machine learning
• Reinforcement learning
• Supervised vs. unsupervised learning

 (AI) Tools

• Grammar Checker
• Paraphrasing Tool
• Text Summarizer
• AI Detector
• Plagiarism Checker
• Citation Generator

Revising, proofreading, and editing are different stages of the writing process .

• Revising is making structural and logical changes to your text—reformulating arguments and reordering information.
• Editing refers to making more local changes to things like sentence structure and phrasing to make sure your meaning is conveyed clearly and concisely.
• Proofreading involves looking at the text closely, line by line, to spot any typos and issues with consistency and correct them.

Whether you’re publishing a blog, submitting a research paper , or even just writing an important email, there are a few techniques you can use to make sure it’s error-free:

• Take a break : Set your work aside for at least a few hours so that you can look at it with fresh eyes.
• Proofread a printout : Staring at a screen for too long can cause fatigue – sit down with a pen and paper to check the final version.
• Use digital shortcuts : Take note of any recurring mistakes (for example, misspelling a particular word, switching between US and UK English , or inconsistently capitalizing a term), and use Find and Replace to fix it throughout the document.

If you want to be confident that an important text is error-free, it might be worth choosing a professional proofreading service instead.

If you’ve gone over the word limit set for your assignment, shorten your sentences and cut repetition and redundancy during the editing process. If you use a lot of long quotes , consider shortening them to just the essentials.

If you need to remove a lot of words, you may have to cut certain passages. Remember that everything in the text should be there to support your argument; look for any information that’s not essential to your point and remove it.

To make this process easier and faster, you can use a paraphrasing tool . With this tool, you can rewrite your text to make it simpler and shorter. If that’s not enough, you can copy-paste your paraphrased text into the summarizer . This tool will distill your text to its core message.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

Caulfield, J. (2023, December 08). The Writing Process | 5 Steps with Examples & Tips. Scribbr. Retrieved August 21, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/academic-writing/writing-process/

Is this article helpful?

Jack Caulfield

Other students also liked, how to create a structured research paper outline | example, quick guide to proofreading | what, why and how to proofread, academic paragraph structure | step-by-step guide & examples, what is your plagiarism score.

Thank you for visiting nature.com. You are using a browser version with limited support for CSS. To obtain the best experience, we recommend you use a more up to date browser (or turn off compatibility mode in Internet Explorer). In the meantime, to ensure continued support, we are displaying the site without styles and JavaScript.

• View all journals
• Explore content
• About the journal
• Publish with us
• Sign up for alerts
• Open access
• Published: 23 August 2024

Structural mechanism of proton conduction in otopetrin proton channel

• Ninghai Gan   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0001-7238-4056 1 , 2 ,
• Weizhong Zeng 1 , 2 ,
• Yan Han   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-1207-7756 2 ,
• Qingfeng Chen 3 &
• Youxing Jiang   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-1874-0504 1 , 2  

Nature Communications volume  15 , Article number:  7250 ( 2024 ) Cite this article

4 Altmetric

Metrics details

• Cryoelectron microscopy
• Ion channels

The otopetrin (OTOP) proteins were recently characterized as extracellular proton-activated proton channels. Several recent OTOP channel structures demonstrated that the channels form a dimer with each subunit adopting a double-barrel architecture. However, the structural mechanisms underlying some basic functional properties of the OTOP channels remain unresolved, including extracellular pH activation, proton conducting pathway, and rapid desensitization. In this study, we performed structural and functional characterization of the Caenorhabditis elegans OTOP8 (CeOTOP8) and mouse OTOP2 (mOTOP2) and illuminated a set of conformational changes related to the proton-conducting process in OTOP. The structures of CeOTOP8 reveal the conformational change at the N-terminal part of TM12 that renders the channel in a transiently proton-transferring state, elucidating an inter-barrel, Glu/His-bridged proton passage within each subunit. The structures of mOTOP2 reveal the conformational change at the N-terminal part of TM6 that exposes the central glutamate to the extracellular solution for protonation. In addition, the structural comparison between CeOTOP8 and mOTOP2, along with the structure-based mutagenesis, demonstrates that an inter-subunit movement at the OTOP channel dimer interface plays a central role in regulating channel activity. Combining the structural information from both channels, we propose a working model describing the multi-step conformational changes during the proton conducting process.

Similar content being viewed by others

The roles of two extracellular loops in proton sensing and permeation in human Otop1 proton channel

Function and phylogeny support the independent evolution of an ASIC-like Deg/ENaC channel in the Placozoa

Vertebrate OTOP1 is also an alkali-activated channel

Introduction.

Humans sense five basic tastes: sour, sweet, bitter, salty, and umami 1 . Among all the taste receptors, the receptor for sour taste remained elusive until a recent study demonstrated that OTOP1, a plasma membrane protein enriched in murine taste receptor cells, functions as an extracellular proton-activated proton channel and could potentially serve as the sour taste receptor 2 . Subsequent investigations in several animals further confirmed that OTOP1 is the bona fide sour taste receptor in mice and fruit flies 3 , 4 , 5 . Interestingly, before the discovery of its role in sour sensing, OTOP1 was initially identified as a key component in the formation of vestibular otoliths in mammals and zebrafish. Mutations in OTOP1 can severely impact the body’s balance and movement 6 , 7 , 8 .

OTOP1 belongs to a protein family conserved from nematodes to humans 9 . Vertebrates contain three OTOP homologs (OTOP1-3) with distinct expression patterns 2 . In addition to the taste and vestibular cells, OTOP1 is also detected in brown adipose tissue, the mammary gland, and the heart 2 , 10 . In contrast, OTOP2 is expressed in the stomach, testis, and olfactory bulb, whereas OTOP3 is present in the epidermis, small intestine, stomach, and retina 11 . The physiological functions of OTOP2 and 3 have not yet been extensively explored and remain largely unknown. Nevertheless, several studies have provided some suggestive insights into their potential functions. An immunostaining study involving human autopsy samples revealed the localization of OTOP2 in the saccular supporting cells of macula utricle 12 , pointing to its involvement in otoconia formation and movement sensing in the vestibular system. Moreover, a notable reduction in OTOP2 expression has been observed in colorectal cancers 13 , implying a possible contribution to cancer development. In sea urchins, the OTOP2 homolog exclusively presents in calcifying primary mesenchymal cells which generate the calcitic larval skeleton 14 . Interestingly, in egg-laying hens, the OTOP2 expression level in the uteri is elevated during the eggshell formation 15 . Remarkably, the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans contains eight Otopetrin-like proteins (CeOTOPs) 16 among which, CeOTOPs 1, 2, 4, and 7 are expressed in sensory neurons in the head of the worms, including the ASH and ASI neurons that are known for their sensitivity to acid stimulation and the rest four (CeOTOPs 3, 5, 6, and 8) are found in different parts of the pharynx. None of these CeOTOP channels has been functionally characterized and their physiological roles remain unclear; knockout of any single CeOTOP gene does not affect the proton currents of ASH neurons in response to acid stimuli 17 .

Structures of several OTOP family members including chicken OTOP3, zebrafish OTOP1, and Xenopus tropicalis OTOP3 (XtOTOP3) have been determined, all of which show a dimerization of the channels with a similar double-barrel architecture within each subunit 18 , 19 . However, all these structures likely represent an inactive state and stop short of providing a clear picture of how proton conduction occurs in OTOP channels. Distinct from most multimeric channels that contain a central ion conduction pore, the large central hole enclosed by two OTOP subunits is occupied by lipid molecules and unlikely to be an ion-permeable pathway. In our earlier study, the double-barrel structural feature of OTOP led us to hypothesize that the two α-barrels within each subunit could both function as the proton-conducting pathway as each enclosed a cavity that is exposed to the extracellular side. However, the cavities in both barrels are sealed from the cytosolic side 18 . In addition to the cavity within each barrel, the interface between the two barrels also contains a cavity that is open to cytosol but sealed from the extracellular side. Molecular dynamics simulation suggested that the intra-subunit interface between the two barrels could also potentially serve as the proton-conducting pathway 19 . In addition to the unresolved proton-conducting pathway, the structural basis of extracellular pH activation and rapid desensitization in OTOP channels are also unresolved in these structures.

In our endeavor to reveal the structural mechanism of proton conduction in OTOP channels, we performed structural and functional characterization of the Caenorhabditis elegans OTOP8 (CeOTOP8) and mouse OTOP2 (mOTOP2), both of which can constitutively conduct proton at various extracellular pH 2 , 20 , 21 . By determining their structures at various pH, we revealed the conformational changes related to the proton conduction in OTOP and elucidated the bona fide ion-conducting pathway bridged by the conserved glutamate and histidine at the inter-barrel interface within each channel subunit. Combining all the available structures along with mutagenesis and functional analysis, we proposed a feasible working model for the proton-transferring process in OTOP channels.

Functional analyses of CeOTOP8

The functional analyses were performed using patch clamp recordings of OTOP-expressing Human Embryonic Kidney 293 (HEK293) cells in whole-cell configuration. When the wild-type (WT) CeOTOP8 channel was expressed in HEK293 cells, no proton channel activity was observed in the recording (Fig.  1a ). We initially attributed the lack of measurable current to the low expression of CeOTOP8 in HEK293 cells and designed a deletion construct (Δ1-57CeOTOP8) in which the N-terminal 57 residues predicted to be disordered were removed. The expression of Δ1-57CeOTOP8 in HEK293 cells yielded large proton currents, allowing for functional characterization of CeOTOP8. Distinct from OTOP1 and OTOP3 channels that require acidic extracellular pH to elicit inward proton currents, Δ1-57CeOTOP8 conducts proton at various extracellular pH (Fig.  1a ). Even with a symmetrical pH above neutral (i.e. pH 7.4), membrane voltage is sufficient to drive a large proton current (Fig.  1b ). Similar to other OTOP channels, the proton currents of Δ1-57CeOTOP8 also decayed rapidly. As demonstrated in our previous study of XtOTOP3 and further discussed later, this current decay is caused by rapid local proton accumulation at the intracellular side upon channel activation, resulting in a pH-dependent inactivation of channel 18 . The pH gradient-driven inward proton currents plateau at an extracellular pH of around 5.5 (Fig.  1a ), similar to that observed in mouse OTOP2 channel 20 (also see the later section). The proton conduction of the channel exhibits some inward rectification as demonstrated in the I – V curves obtained at various extracellular pH (Fig.  1c ).

a Sample traces of whole-cell recordings of HEK293 cells expressing the wild-type CeOTOP8 (top) and the Δ1-57CeOTOP8 mutant (bottom). The inward proton currents were elicited by changing the extracellular pH (pHo) from 7.4 to various acidic pH with −80 mV holding potential. b A sample trace of whole-cell inward proton current measured at −80 mV with a symmetrical pH of 7.4. c Sample I – V curves of Δ1-57CeOTOP8 with varying extracellular pH. The intracellular pH is set at 7.4.

Structures of full-length CeOTOP8

We initially targeted the functional CeOTOP8 construct for structural study as the channel is conductive even at high extracellular pH, which could potentially allow us to capture the channel in an activated state and provide structural insights into the proton-conducting process of the OTOP channel family. However, the functional construct was unexpectedly difficult to over-express and purify for structural analysis. On the contrary, the full-length CeOTOP8, albeit exhibits no channel activity in our recordings, could be easily overexpressed and purified for structural characterization. As demonstrated in our later structure-based mutagenesis study, the lack of channel activity in the WT CeOTOP8 is caused by self-inhibition from its N-terminal region rather than low expression. Serendipitously, this self-inhibition allows us to capture the WT CeOTOP8 channel structure in a transiently proton-transferring state as demonstrated in the next section, revealing the proton-conducting pathway in OTOP channels.

The WT CeOTOP8 was overexpressed in HEK293F cells and purified in glyco-diosgenin (GDN) detergent. Its structures were determined at pH 5.0 and 8.0 using single-particle cryo-EM (Materials and Methods and Supplementary Figs.  1 – 4 ). The overall structural arrangement of CeOTOP8 is similar to other OTOP channel structures. It forms a dimer with each subunit containing 12 transmembrane (TM) helices (Fig.  2a, b ). The TM region of each channel subunit can be divided into two structurally homologous halves that assemble into a double-barrel architecture (Fig.  2b, c ). Five TMs from each half (TMs 2–6 in N-half or TMs 8–12 in C-half) form an individual α-helical barrel and the first TM of each half (TM1 or TM7) is positioned on the periphery. TM1 participates in the dimerization interaction with TMs 9&10 of the neighboring subunit (Fig.  2b, d ). Notably, CeOTOP8 contains three unique structural elements that were not observed in any other OTOP channel structures (Fig.  2b ): its N-terminal loop preceding TM1 (residues 50–57) is well structured and provides additional dimerization interaction with TMs 8 and 10 of the neighboring subunit at their cytosolic ends (Fig.  2e ); post-TM5 residues (244–270) form an extended helix in the high pH structure, but remain disordered in the low pH structure; CeOTOP8 has a much longer protein sequence between TMs 2 and 3 and part of it form a helix (α2) that sits parallel to the intracellular membrane surface and protrudes away from the channel dimer (Fig.  2b ).

a Top view of a 3D reconstruction of CeOTOP8 dimer at pH 8.0 with each subunit individually colored and lipid density shown in green. b Cylinder representation of the CeOTOP8 dimer structure at pH 8.0 in top and side views. Numbers mark the TM helices of one subunit. Dotted ovals enclose the structural features unique in CeOTOP8. The extended TM5 helix at pH 8 is colored in hot pink. c Superimposition between the N-barrel (TMs 2–6 in violet) and C-barrel (TMs 8–12 in grey) within each subunit. d Zoomed-in view of the inter-subunit dimerization contacts between TMs 9 and 10 from subunit 1 (grey) and TM1 from subunit 2 (violet). The view is divided into two segments marked by the dotted boxes in ( b ). e A zoomed-in view of the interaction between the N-terminal loop and residues from TMs 8 & 10 of the neighboring subunit. The dotted line marks the hydrogen bond between W54 and the carbonyl of M424. f Constructs and representative I – V curves of WT CeOTOP8 and its mutants. The recordings were performed at an extracellular pH of 7.4 or 5.0 and an intracellular pH of 7.4.

Intriguingly, the N-terminal structured loop from residues 50–57 is deleted in the functional Δ1-57CeOTOP8 construct. To test if these residues are important for the activity of CeOTOP8, we generated two deletion mutants of CeOTOP8 in which the first 49 residues (Δ1-49CeOTOP8) or just residues 50–57 (Δ50-57CeOTOP8) were removed, respectively. The first deletion construct which retains the structured loop has no channel activity similar to the full-length channel whereas the second deletion construct exhibits high channel activity, confirming the inhibitory role of the N-terminal structured loop in CeOTOP8 activity (Fig.  2f ). Within this region, Trp54 appears to be the main residue that engages in the dimerization interaction (Fig.  2e ). To our surprise, W54A single mutation is sufficient to revive the channel activity of CeOTOP8 (Fig.  2f ), indicating that the Trp54-mediated dimerization interaction plays the key role in channel inhibition. As further discussed in the following study of mouse OTOP2, the C-barrel of the OTOP channel likely undergoes a pendulum clock-like sliding movement relative to the TM1 from the neighboring subunit during proton conduction and therefore the inter-subunit movement at the dimer interface would impact the channel activity. We suspect that the interaction between Trp54 and the C-barrel of the neighboring subunit confines this sliding movement in CeOTOP8 and thereby inhibits the channel activity.

CeOTOP8 structures represent two distinct states during proton conduction

The CeOTOP8 structures determined at pH 5.0 and 8.0 exhibit some key differences at the inter-barrel interface, particularly near the two absolutely conserved interfacial residues of Glu325 and His567, and represent two distinct states during proton conduction.

At low pH, the inter-barrel interface of CeOTOP8 resembles those in OTOP1 and OTOP3 structures where the conserved glutamate (Glu325 in CeOTOP8) is buried at the center of the hydrophobic interface between the two barrels (Fig.  3a, b ). As pKa of an acidic residue can increase significantly when buried in a hydrophobic environment 22 , 23 , 24 , this glutamate is likely protonated in the low pH CeOTOP8 structure. Previous mutagenesis studies of XtOTOP3 demonstrated that this glutamate could be replaced by Asp without affecting channel activity, but its neutralization mutation to Gln completely abolished the channel activity 18 . The mutagenesis results, along with its conservation and intriguing localization, indicate an essential role of this interfacial glutamate in OTOP function. His567 of CeOTOP8, another highly conserved interfacial residue, is positioned at the bottom of a deep and intracellular solvent-accessible cavity formed between the two barrels (Fig.  3a ). In light of low pH condition, His567 is expected to be protonated and forms a salt bridge interaction with Asp439 on TM9. Similar to the above-mentioned glutamate, this histidine also plays a central role in OTOP proton conduction and its mutations to Ala or Gln led to the complete loss of function in XtOTOP3 18 , a similar phenotype was also observed in zebrafish OTOP1 19 .

a Superimposition of CeOTOP8 structures obtained at pH 5.0 (cyan) and pH 8.0 (violet) with zoomed-in views of the surrounding environment of E325 at the inter-barrel interface. TMs 1 & 7 and α2 are removed in comparison for clarity. Conserved Glu325, Asp439 and His567 are labeled in red. His567 (alt) marks its alternative conformation. EM densities of Glu325 are shown in grey surface contoured at 3 σ. b Cross sections of the surface-rendered CeOTOP8 structures show that E325 is buried at the interface in low pH but forms a salt bridge with H567 in high pH. c EM density of H567 (grey surface contoured at 5 σ) shows the two alternative conformations of its side chain. d Two major structural changes at TM5 and TM12 of CeOTOP8 from low to high pH. e Helix formation and unwinding at the N-terminal part of TM12 in low and high pH, respectively.

At high pH, the CeOTOP8 inter-barrel interface adopts an intriguing structure. The Glu325 side chain points down towards the intracellular side whereas the His567 imidazole ring adopts two alternative conformations (Fig.  3a, c ). The His567 side chain flips up toward the extracellular side in its major conformation, forming a salt bridge with Glu325 (Fig.  3a, c ). This structure likely represents a transient state in which the protonated Glu325 is transferring its proton to His567. In its minor conformation, the His567 side chain remains downward-facing in the cavity and exposed to the cytosolic solution. In addition to the side-chain movements at Glu325 and His567, two other major structural changes also occur in CeOTOP8 from low to high pH (Fig.  3d, e ). Firstly, TM12 of CeOTOP8 forms a bent helix at low pH with a kink at a highly conserved proline (Pro559) residue, whereas the N-terminal part of the TM12 helix before Pro559 unwinds to a loop at high pH (Fig.  3e ). This helix-to-loop structural transition allows the Phe563 side chain to rotate upward, vacating the space necessary to accommodate the upward flip of the His567 imidazole as well as the downward rotation of Glu325 side chain (Fig.  3d, e and Supplementary Movie  1 ). Thus, this structural transition appears to be prerequisite for the formation of the proton-transferring bridge between Glu325 and His567. The other structural change is that the residues 244–270 after the C-terminus of TM5 are disordered at low pH but form a helix that extends seamlessly after TM5 at high pH (Fig.  3d ). This extended helix leans over the top of the C-barrel, pushing the loop between TM11 and TM12 towards the center of the barrel and may facilitate the helix-to-loop transition at TM12. However, the amino-acid sequence and length after TM5 vary among OTOP channels (Supplementary Fig.  4 ) and the exceptionally long post-TM5 helix observed at higher pH is likely unique for CeOTOP8.

Structural and functional characterization of mouse OTOP2

While CeOTOP8 was our initial focus on studying the proton conduction of OTOP channels, we also adopted the mouse OTOP2 (mOTOP2) as an alternative model system in our structural approach because mOTOP2 exhibits a similar constitutive proton-conducting activity at various extracellular pH 2 , 20 , 21 (Fig.  4 ). At symmetrical pH 7.4, the negative membrane potential is sufficient to elicit proton currents and the channel quickly desensitizes as seen in other OTOP channels (Fig.  4a ). In the recordings of channel activity at various acidic extracellular pH (both at 0 and −80 mV holding potentials), the inward proton currents driven by pH gradient start to plateau at an extracellular pH of about 5.5, suggesting the presence of a rate-limiting step during proton conduction independent of extracellular proton concentration. A similar observation was also made in a recent functional characterization of mOTOP2 expressed in the Xenopus oocytes 2 . The I – V curves of the channel obtained at various extracellular pH are almost parallel to each other with no obvious rectification and have pH gradient-correlated reversal potentials (Fig.  4c ), confirming the proton selectivity as well as the lack of external acid activation in mOTOP2.

a A sample trace of whole-cell recordings of HEK293 cells expressing the wild-type mOTOP2. The inward proton current was measured at −80 mV with a symmetrical pH of 7.4. b Sample traces of whole-cell inward proton current measured at −80 and 0 mV. The currents were elicited by switching the extracellular pH (pHo in the bath) from 7.4 to various acidic pHs. The intracellular pH (pHi in the pipette) is set at 7.4. c Sample I – V curves of mOTOP2 with varying extracellular pH conditions. The intracellular pH is set at 7.4.

Mouse OTOP2 was expressed in HEK293F cells and purified in glyco-diosgenin (GDN) detergent. Its single-particle cryo-EM structures were determined using protein samples prepared at various pH conditions (5.0, 7.0, 8.0, and 9.0) (Materials and Methods and Supplementary Figs.  5 – 9 ). The mOTOP2 structures at pH 8.0 and 9.0 are virtually identical. The mOTOP2 protein becomes more dynamic at pH 7.0 and its particles can be classified into two groups. The structure from the major group of particles (3.22 Å) is similar to that determined at pH 5.0 (3.06 Å). Albert at a lower resolution, the mOTOP2 structure obtained from the minor group of particles (3.79 Å, Method and Supplementary Fig.  7 ) adopts a conformation different from those obtained at low and high pH and will be further described in the later discussion about inter-subunit conformational change. Among all, the mOTOP2 structures determined at pH 5.0 and 8.0 are better resolved and will be used to represent the low and high pH structures, respectively, in the following discussion.

Same as other OTOP channels, mOTOP2 forms a dimer with each subunit containing 12 transmembrane (TM) helices that assemble into two parallel and structurally homologous helical barrels (Fig.  5a ). The structure difference in mOTOP2 between low and high pH conditions is quite subtle and mainly occurs at the N-terminal half of TM6 preceding the highly conserved glutamate (Glu250 in mOTOP2) important for proton transfer (Fig.  5b ). At low pH, TM6 of mOTOP2 forms a bent helix with a kink at Pro246 just one helical turn above Glu250 whose side chain, likely in a protonated state, is pinned to the center of the hydrophobic interface between the N- and C-barrels (Fig.  5b, c , left insets). The same kinked TM6 was also observed in the previous OTOP1 and 3 structures 18 , 19 . At higher pH, however, the N-terminal half of the TM6 helix unwinds to an extended loop (Fig.  5b, c , right insets). This helix-to-loop structural transition occurs before the conserved Pro246 and vacates the space above Glu250 initially occupied by Pro246, allowing the Glu250 side chain to flip upwards and become completely exposed to the external solution (Fig.  5c, d ). The outward-facing Glu250 is also stabilized by forming an H-bond with Tyr245 and a salt bridge with Arg517 in the high pH mOTOP2 structure (Fig.  5c ). As the conformational change at TM6 determines the accessibility of Glu250 to external solvent, the two structures obtained at different pH likely represent two distinct states during proton conduction in OTOP channels: the high pH one represents a state in which the central glutamate is exposed to external solution for protonation; the low pH one represents a state in which the protonated glutamate is buried in the inter-barrel interface and ready to transfer its proton to the histidine acceptor, similar to the low pH structure of CeOTOP8.

a Cylinder representation of the overall mOTOP2 dimer structure at pH 8.0 in top and side views. Numbers mark the TM helices. b Superimposition of mOTOP2 structures obtained at pH 5.0 (pink) and pH 8.0 (green) with zoomed-in views of the surrounding environment of E250 at the inter-barrel interface. The conserved Glu250, Asp369, and His551 are labeled in red. c Zoomed-in view of the helix-to-loop conformational change at TM6 from pH 5.0 to pH 8.0. d Cross sections of the surface-rendered mOTOP2 structures show that E250 is buried at the interface in low pH but exposed to the extracellular solution at high pH.

Implication of intra- and inter-subunit conformational changes during proton conduction

In the CeOTOP8 structures, the proton-transferring Glu325 and His567 residues are positioned in close proximity both at high and low pH with Cβ-to-Cβ distances of about 8.6 and 8.8 Å, respectively, allowing them to form a salt bridge by simple side-chain rotation. In mOTOP2, however, the two equivalent residues (Glu250 and His551) are too far apart (with Cβ-to-Cβ distances of about 14.8 Å at high pH and 12.8 Å at low pH) to form a similar proton-transferring bridge by a simple side-chain movement (Fig.  6a ), suggesting that conformational change is required to move them closer before they can engage in proton transfer. When mOTOP2 and CeOTOP8 are superimposed at the N-barrel, their C-barrels show a swing movement hinged at an external edge of the C-barrel near the loop between TMs 9 and 10 (Fig.  6b ). Applying this C-barrel swing movement in mOTOP2 would move its His551 closer to Glu250 for salt bridge formation. Thus, structural comparison between mOTOP2 and CeOTOP8 implies an inter-barrel swing motion within each subunit that controls the distance between the two proton-transferring residues and thereby regulates channel activation.

a Distances between the proton-transferring glutamate and histidine residues in CeOTOP8 (top) and mOTOP2 (bottom). The distances are measured between their Cβ atoms from structures obtained at pH 5.0 and 8.0. b Intra-subunit conformational changes implicated from the structural comparison between CeOTOP8 (cyan) and mOTOP2 (pink). The low pH structures are used in the superimposition. Red arrows mark the swing motion of the C-barrel, and the red 4-point star marks the hinge at the loop between TMs 9 and 10. c Inter-subunit conformational changes between C-barres and TM1 implicated from the structural comparison between the channel dimers of CeOTOP8 (cyan) and mOTOP2 (pink). For simplicity, only TM1 of CeOTOP8 (grey cylinder) is shown in the comparison. Red arrows mark the direction of the movement. The cartoon drawing depicts the pendulum clock-like slide between the C-barrel and TM1, illustrating the progressively increased relative movement from the extracellular to the intracellular side. d Positions of those dimer-interface amino acids on TM1 or TM9 targeted for tryptophan-scanning mutagenesis. Residues with functional mutations are labeled in green and non-functional mutations in red. e Sample I – V curves of WT mOTOP2 and its mutants recorded with extracellular pH of 8.5, 7.4, and 5.0. The intracellular pH is set at 7.4.

In the context of the OTOP channel dimer, the C-barrel swing motion would result in an inter-subunit pendulum clock-like slide between the C-barrel and TM1 from the neighboring subunit (Fig.  6c ). As the C-barrel movement is hinged at the external ends of the two TM helices (TMs 9 and 10) that are engaged in direct dimerization interaction with TM1, the relative movement between TM1 and C-barrel at the dimer interface becomes progressively larger from extracellular to intracellular side (Fig.  6c ). This inter-subunit sliding motion appears to be central to defining the C-barrel position for proton transfer and therefore how easy the two subunits can slide relative to each other at the dimer interface would directly affect the OTOP channel activity. Consistent with this hypothesis, the inter-subunit interaction between Trp54 right before TM1 and the C-barrel at the cytosolic end of the CeOTOP8 dimer interface constrains the C-barrel movement and thereby inhibits the channel activity; releasing this constrain by a simple W54A mutation is sufficient to yield a highly active channel (Fig.  2e, f ). It is worth noting that in the pH 7 mOTOP2 structure obtained from the minor group of particles, its C-barrel moves to an intermediate state between the two main C-barrel conformations observed in mOTOP2 and CeOTOP8, confirming the dynamic motion of the C-barrel in mOTOP2 (Supplementary Fig.  7b ).

To verify the importance of inter-subunit contact for channel activity, we performed mutagenesis at the dimer interface of mOTOP2. In these mutations, one or two interfacial residues on TM1 or TM9 are replaced by tryptophan (Fig.  6d ). Among all tested, several single or double mutants remain functional, including L34W, N38W, T45W/L46W, and L41W/L42W (Fig.  6e ). No channel activity was observed in three single mutants, including L30W, V370W, and M374W (Fig.  6e ). The lack of channel activity in these mutants are not caused by low expression in HEK cells or the disruption of their dimerization, as all three loss-of-function mutants were expressed at an even higher level than the wild-type channel and all can be purified as a stable dimer (Supplementary Fig.  10a, b ). Furthermore, we also determined the cryo-EM structure of one of the loss-of-function mutants, M374W, at pH 8.0 and demonstrated that other than a different side chain at residue 374 the mutant structure is virtually identical to the wild-type mOTOP2 (Supplementary Fig.  10c, d ; Supplementary Fig.  11 ). It is interesting to note that those functional mutations are largely clustered at the extracellular half of the interface whereas the three loss-of-function mutations are all positioned near the intracellular end of the interface. The functional effects of these interfacial mutations correlate with the structural observation of progressively increased sliding movement towards the intracellular side of the dimer interface between TM1 and C-barrel. We suspect that the interfacial Trp-scanning mutagenesis changes the propensity of the inter-subunit movement and those mutations near the cytosolic side of the interface inflict stronger hindrance to the interfacial sliding movement and mitigate the channel activity, reminiscent of the inhibitory effect of Trp54 at the N-terminus of TM1 in CeOTOP8 channel.

Combining the structural studies of both mOTOP2 and CeOTOP8 at various pH, we identified three key conformational changes surrounding the proton-carrying glutamate and histidine at the inter-barrel interface that are important for proton conduction in OTOP channels. Firstly, the helix-to-loop transition at the N-terminal part of TM6 observed in mOTOP2 determines whether the glutamate is exposed to the extracellular solution for protonation or buried in the inter-barrel interface in a protonated state ready to contribute its proton to an acceptor. Secondly, the helix-to-loop transition at the N-terminus of TM12 observed in CeOTOP8 and the subsequent movement of Phe563 vacate the space necessary for the salt bridge formation between Glu325 and His567. Consequently, the un-protonated histidine can flip its imidazole ring upward and serve as a proton acceptor by forming a salt bridge with the protonated Glu325. Thus, we could visualize the proton-conducting pathway in an OTOP channel bridged by the highly conserved glutamate and histidine at the inter-barrel interface. During proton conduction in CeOTOP8, we expect that the proton transfers from Glu325 to His567, followed by the downward flip of His side chain and subsequent release of its proton to the cytosol. Indeed, in the high pH structure, the density map at His567 clearly shows two alternating side chain conformations with one in upward and the other in downward positions (Fig.  3c ). Thirdly, the relative swing motion between N- and C-barrel within each subunit determines whether the glutamate and histidine residues are close enough to form a proton-transferring bridge. In light of channel dimerization, this swing motion entails a sliding movement between the two channel subunits, and therefore mutations at the dimer interface can have a significant impact on channel activity.

Thus, unlike conventional channels, OTOP channels do not have a particular conformation representing a conductive open state. Instead, the proton conduction process of OTOP channels involves multiple steps. The mOTOP2 and CeOTOP8 structures provide snapshots of the OTOP channel in various states, enabling us to propose a working model describing the proton conduction process (Fig.  7 ). In state 1, a loop configuration at the N-terminal part of TM6 allows the glutamate to be exposed to the extracellular solution for protonation. Once protonated, the loop-to-helix transition at the N-terminus of TM6 drives the proton-carrying glutamate side chain to the middle of the inter-barrel interface as depicted in state 2. The two conformations observed in mOTOP2 structures represent these first two states of the proton-conducting process, whereas the CeOTOP8 structures likely capture the next two states (states 3 and 4). In state 3, the C-barrel swings upward to move the histidine close enough to the glutamate for proton transfer. In state 4, the helix-to-loop transition at the N-terminus of TM12 vacates the space necessary for the histidine to flip its side chain upward and form a proton-transferring salt bridge with the protonated glutamate. Upon accepting the proton, the protonated histidine flips its side chain back into the cytosol (state 5), followed by the release of its proton into the cytosolic solution (state 6). Following the histidine movement in state 5, the N-terminus of TM12 must reform the helix along with the downward swing of the C-barrel so that the glutamate can flip its side chain position back in the inter-barrel interface and get ready to be re-protonated from the extracellular side (state 6). However, the negatively charged glutamate becomes unstable at the hydrophobic inter-barrel interface. Consequently, the helix-to-loop transition at TM6 exposes the glutamate to the external solution, and the channel cycles back to the conformation in state 1. While our working model only depicts the proton influx process, the proton conduction is reversible depending on the electrochemical driving force and internal/external pH environment. The depicted multi-step transporter-like proton conduction process in OTOP channels implies that the rate of conformational changes in the cycle would determine the proton flux rate. Indeed, the proton currents of both CeOTP8 and mOTOP2 channels become saturated once the extracellular pH reaches about 5.5 (Figs.  1 a and 4b ), suggesting the presence of a rate-limiting step during proton conduction independent of proton concentration.

The conformational changes are centered around the conserved glutamate on TM6 and the histidine on TM12 at the inter-barrel interface.

The central role of the conserved intracellular histidine (His567 in CeOTOP8 and His551 in mOTOP2) as a proton acceptor along with its location deep in the narrow cavity provides a plausible explanation for the OTOP channel desensitization caused by rapid proton influx. Positioned in a confined cavity space where ion diffusion is expected to be slowed, the His-mediated proton influx would cause a local proton accumulation, resulting in a lower apparent pH in the cavity than that of the cytosolic solution. This local proton accumulation prolongs the protonation state of the histidine even with higher cytosolic pH, thereby preventing it from accepting the proton from glutamate and stalling the proton conduction of the channel. Three functional properties observed in our previous study of XtOTOP3 are consistent with this desensitization mechanism 18 . Firstly, the desensitization rate of the OTOP channel depends on the proton influx rate, a higher influx causes a faster desensitization. Secondly, an intracellular pH of about 6.0 is sufficient to inhibit the proton influx of XtOTOP3 likely caused by the histidine protonation. Thirdly, when applying repetitive voltage ramps from −100 mV to 100 mV in the recording of XtOTOP3 with an inward proton gradient (pH i  = 7.4 and pH o  = 5.0), there was a progressive decrease in reversal potential as if the intracellular pH was progressively decreased, consistent with a local proton accumulation. Furthermore, when facing inside, the protonated histidine is stabilized by forming a salt bridge with a conserved aspartate on TM9 in OTOP channels (Asp439 in CeOTOP8, Asp369 in mOTOP2, and Asp509 in XtOTOP3), which effectively increases the apparent pKa of the histidine and makes its de-protonation more difficult. In other words, this His-Asp salt bridge interaction would hinder the proton release from the histidine and aggravate the channel desensitization. Indeed, mutations of Asp509 to Asn or Ala in XtOTOP3 can markedly reduce the desensitization rate 18 .

Protein expression and purification

The Caenorhabditis elegans Otopetrin-like 8 (CeOTOP8) gene with a C-terminal thrombin cleavage site and a 10× His tag and the Mus musculus Otopetrin 2 (mOTOP2) gene with a N-terminal 10× His tag followed by Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) and a thrombin cleavage site were cloned into a pEZTBM vector 25 and heterologously expressed in HEK293F cells (ATCC cat# CRL-3022) using the BacMam system. The baculovirus was produced in Spodoptera frugiperda 9 (Sf9, Gibco cat#11496015) cells and used to transduce the HEK293F cells at a ratio of 1:40 (virus:HEK293F, v/v) and supplemented with 1 mM sodium butyrate to boost the protein expression. We failed to generate the gain-of-function Δ1-57CeOTOP8 truncation mutant virus following the same protocol, even after extensive trials using different tags at both N- and C-terminus. Sf9 cells transfected with the mutant bacmid became sick, likely because of the potent proton conduction activity of the chimera. Cells were cultured in suspension at 37 °C for 48 h and harvested by centrifugation at 3000 g. All purification procedures were carried out at 4 °C unless specified otherwise. The cell pellet was resuspended in buffer A (20 mM Tris pH 8.0, 150 mM NaCl) supplemented with a protease inhibitor cocktail (containing 1 mg ml − 1 each of DNase, pepstatin, leupeptin, and aprotinin and 1 mM PMSF) and homogenized by sonication on ice. Protein was extracted with 1% (w/v) n-dodecyl-β-D-maltopyranoside (DDM; Anatrace) supplemented with 0.2% (w/v) cholesteryl hemisuccinate (CHS; Sigma-Aldrich) by gentle agitation for 2 h. After extraction, the supernatant was collected after a 1 h centrifugation at 48,000 ×  g and incubated with Ni-NTA resin and 20 mM imidazole with gentle agitation. After 1 h, the resin was collected on a disposable gravity column (Bio-Rad), washed with buffer B (buffer A + 0.04% glyco-diosgenin (GDN; Anatrace)) with 20 mM imidazole. The washed resin was left on-column in buffer B and digested with thrombin overnight. After digestion, the flow-through was concentrated, and purified by size-exclusion chromatography on a Superose 6 10/300 GL column (GE Healthcare) pre-equilibrated with buffer B. The protein peak was collected and concentrated to a final concentration of 3.0 mg/mL. For the sample at pH 5.0, an appropriate volume of acetic acid stock (1%) was added to the purified protein. To determine the amount of acetic acid needed to adjust the pH of the protein sample, a titration was performed using a larger volume of the buffer solution (with 20 mM Tris buffer at pH 8) used for protein purification. When titrated with 50 mL of buffer solution, 30 μL of pure glacial acetic acid is needed to achieve pH 5, equivalent to a 0.06% (v/v) final concentration. Thus, the protein sample at pH 5.0 was obtained by adding acetic acid to a 0.06% (v/v) final concentration to the purified protein before grid preparation.

Electron microscopy data acquisition

The cryo-EM grids were prepared by applying 3.5 μl of purified protein (3.0 mg/mL) to a glow-discharged Quantifoil R1.2/1.3 300-mesh gold holey carbon grid (Quantifoil, Micro Tools GmbH) and blotted for 3.0 s under 100% humidity at 4 °C before being plunged into liquid ethane using a Mark IV Vitrobot (FEI). Micrographs were acquired on a Titan Krios microscope (FEI) operated at 300 kV with a K3 Summit direct electron detector (Gatan), using a slit width of 20 eV on a GIF-Quantum energy filter. Data were collected using CDS (Correlated Double Sampling) mode of the K3 camera with a super-resolution pixel size of 0.415 Å. The defocus range was set from −0.9 to −2.2 μm. Each movie was dose-fractionated to 60 frames with a dose rate of 1e − /Å 2 /frame for a total dose of 60e − /Å 2 . The total exposure time was between 5 to 6 s. Micrographs of mOTOP2 M374W dataset were acquired on a Titan Krios microscope (FEI) operated at 300 kV with a Falcon 4 electron detector (Thermo Fisher), using a slit width of 20 eV on a post-column Selectris X energy filter (Thermo Fisher Scientific). Data was collected using Falcon 4 camera with a pixel size of 0.737 Å. The defocus range was set from −0.9 to −2.2 μm. Each movie was dose-fractionated to 63 frames with a dose rate of 0.957e − /Å 2 /frame for a total dose of 60e − /Å 2 . The total exposure time was between 4 to 5 s.

Image processing

Movie frames were motion-corrected and dose-weighted using MotionCor2 26 . The CTF parameters of the micrographs were estimated using the GCTF program 27 . The rest of the image processing steps were carried out using RELION 3.1 28 , 29 , 30 . All resolution was reported according to the gold-standard Fourier shell correlation (FSC) using the 0.143 criterion 31 . Local resolution was estimated using RELION. All micrographs were manually inspected to remove those with ice contamination and bad defocus. Particles were selected using Gautomatch (K. Zhang, MRC LMB, https://www2.mrc-lmb.cam.ac.uk/research/locally-developed-software/zhang-software/ ) and extracted with a binning factor of 3. 2D classification was performed in RELION 3.1. Selected particles after 2D classification were subjected to one round of 3D classification. The map from Xenopus tropicalis OTOP3 (XtOTOP3) ( EMD-0650 18 ) was low-pass filtered to 30 Å and used as the initial reference. Classes with clear OTOP channel features were combined and subjected to 3D auto-refinement and another round of 3D classification without performing particle alignment using a soft mask around the protein portion of the density. The particles of best-resolving classes were then re-extracted with the original pixel size and further refined. Beam tilt, anisotropic magnification, per-particle CTF estimations, and Bayesian polishing were performed in RELION to improve the resolution of the final reconstruction.

For the dataset of CeOTOP8 at pH 5.0, 5151 movies were collected, and 5070 movies were selected after motion correction and CTF estimation. 1,261,211 particles were extracted from the selected micrographs and subjected to one round of 2D classification, from which 727,678 particles were selected. After the initial 3D classification, 186,993 particles were selected and subjected to 3D auto-refinement. Next, a soft mask excluding the micelle density was applied and particles were classified into 5 classes without performing alignment. From this, one class with 41,311 particles was selected and further refined, yielding a map at 2.91 Å overall resolution (Supplementary Fig.  1 ).

For the dataset of CeOTOP8 at pH 8.0, 5481 movies were collected, and 5239 movies were selected after motion correction and CTF estimation. 1,157,107 particles were extracted from the selected micrographs and subjected to one round of 2D classification, from which 553,883 particles were selected. After the initial 3D classification, 130,051 particles were selected and subjected to 3D auto-refinement. Next, a soft mask excluding the micelle density was applied and particles were classified into 5 classes without performing alignment. From this, one class with 48,261 particles was selected and further refined, yielding a map at 3.02 Å overall resolution (Supplementary Fig.  2 ).

For the dataset of mOTOP2 at pH 5.0, 4162 movies were collected, and 4095 movies were selected after motion correction and CTF estimation. 967,811 particles were extracted from the selected micrographs and subjected to one round of 2D classification, from which 694,811 particles were selected. After the initial 3D classification, 188,376 particles were selected and subjected to 3D auto-refinement. Next, a soft mask excluding the micelle density was applied and particles were classified into 5 classes without performing alignment. From this, one class with 41,193 particles was selected and further refined, yielding a map at 3.06 Å overall resolution (Supplementary Fig.  5 ).

For the dataset of mOTOP2 at pH 8.0, 5598 movies were collected, and 5094 movies were selected after motion correction and CTF estimation. 1,230,696 particles were extracted from the selected micrographs and subjected to one round of 2D classification, from which 882,784 particles were selected. After the initial 3D classification, 188,376 particles were selected and subjected to 3D auto-refinement. Next, a soft mask excluding the micelle density was applied and particles were classified into 5 classes without performing alignment. From this, one class with 42,662 particles was selected and further refined, yielding a map at 2.95 Å overall resolution (Supplementary Fig.  6 ).

For the dataset of mOTOP2 at pH 7.0, 5937 movies were collected, and 5642 movies were selected after motion correction and CTF estimation. 1,501,277 particles were extracted from the selected micrographs and subjected to one round of 2D classification, from which 626,418 particles were selected. After the initial 3D classification, 291,034 particles were selected and subjected to 3D auto-refinement. Next, a soft mask excluding the micelle density was applied and particles were classified into 5 classes without performing alignment. From this, two conformations of the channel for low pH and intermediate states, respectively, were selected for further refinement. In the low pH state, 52,733 particles were then refined and yielded a density map at an overall resolution of 3.22 Å. In the intermediate state, 54,672 particles were then refined and yielded a density map at an overall resolution of 3.79 Å (Supplementary Fig.  7a ).

For the dataset of mOTOP2 M374W at pH 8.0, 6145 movies were collected, and 5974 movies were selected after motion correction and CTF estimation. 930,526 particles were extracted from the selected micrographs and subjected to one round of 2D classification, from which 395,899 particles were selected. After the initial 3D classification, 168,336 particles were selected and subjected to 3D auto-refinement. Next, a soft mask excluding the micelle density was applied and particles were classified into 5 classes without performing alignment. From this, one class with 55,837 particles was selected and further refined, yielding a map at 3.12 Å overall resolution (Supplementary Fig.  11 ).

Model building, refinement, and validation

The alphafold-predicted structure of CeOTOP8 (Identifier: AF-G5EDX5-F1) or mOTOP2 (Identifier: AF-Q80SX5-F1) was used as the initial model which was then manually adjusted in Coot 32 and refined against the map by using the real space refinement module with secondary structure and non-crystallographic symmetry restraints in the Phenix package 33 . The final model of the CeOTOP8 pH 5.0 structure includes residues 50–87, 94–136, 144–248, 312–345, 397–462, 474–535, and 550–581. The final model of the CeOTOP8 pH 8.0 structure includes residues 47–138, 94–136, 145–270, 303–344, and 358–583. TM7 (residues 366–388) is a well-resolved helix in the high pH CeOTOP8 structure but becomes disordered or mobile in the low pH structure. TM7 is positioned at the outer periphery of the CeOTP8 dimer and does not appear to be important for the channel function. Furthermore, the TM7 helix is well resolved in all other OTOP channel structures including the mOTOP2 structure at low pH. We suspect that low pH destabilizes the packing between TM7 and C-barrel in CeOTOP8, resulting in a mobile TM7 helix. The final model of the mOTOP2 pH 5.0 structure includes residues 28–85, 90–128, 133–198, 231–270, 288–312, 324–354, 364–428, and 487–562. The final model of the mOTOP2 pH 8.0 structure includes residues 27–86, 97–157, 164–195, 238–269, 288–314, 320–354, 361–429, and 487–563. The final model of the pH 7.0 structure from the minor group particles (intermediate state) includes residues 26–53, 59–91, 96–160, 163–196, 238–267, 293–312, 320–355, 366–427, 489–527, and 533–562. The final model of the mOTOP2 M374W pH 8.0 structure includes residues 28–87, 97–157, 164–195, 237–269, 287–314, 320–354, 361–429, and 487–563. The statistics of the geometries of the models were generated using MolProbity 34 . All the figures were prepared in PyMol (Schrödinger, LLC.), UCSF Chimera 35 .

Analysis of mOTOP2 mutant protein expression

The mOTOP2 loss-of-function mutants were cloned into a pEZTBM vector for protein expression using the same construct as the wild-type channel. About 2 μg of the corresponding plasmids were transfected into HEK293F cells grown in a six-well tissue culture dish using Lipofectamine 2000 (Invitrogen). Forty-eight hours after transfection, cells were collected and resuspended in buffer A supplemented with a protease inhibitor cocktail and homogenized by sonication on ice. Protein was extracted with 1% (w/v) DDM supplemented with 0.2% (w/v) CHS by gentle agitation for 2 h. After extraction, the supernatants were collected after a 30 min centrifugation at 20,000 ×  g . Equal volumes of WT and mutant supernatants were loaded on SDS-PAGE followed by western blot. The GFP-mOTOP2 expression level was detected by scanning the SDS-PAGE gel with Bio-Rad ChemiDoc MP system using Alexa Fluor 488 detector. Tubulin was used as internal control for protein expression. For tubulin immunoblotting, the SDS-PAGE gel was transferred onto 0.2-μm nitrocellulose membranes (Pall Life Sciences cat#66485). Membranes were blocked with 5% non-fat milk followed by incubation with anti-tubulin antibody (Cell signaling, cat#86298), 1:2000 dilution. Membranes were then incubated with Goat anti-Mouse IgG (H+L) secondary antibody, Alexa Fluor 680 (Invitrogen, cat#A28183), 1:10,000 dilution, and scanned using Bio-Rad ChemiDoc MP system.

Electrophysiology

The N-terminal GFP-tagged WT CeOTOP8 and mOTOP2 and their mutants were cloned into a pEGFPC2 vector. About 2 μg of the corresponding plasmids were transfected into HEK293 cells grown in a six-well tissue culture dish using Lipofectamine 2000 (Invitrogen). Forty-eight hours after transfection, cells were dissociated by trypsin treatment and kept in complete serum-containing medium and re-plated on 35 mm tissue culture dishes in a tissue culture incubator until current recording. Patch clamp recordings in the whole-cell configurations was used to measure channel activity. The standard intracellular solution (pipette) contained (in mM): 70 Cesium methanesulfonate (Cs-MS), 2 MgCl 2 , 1 EGTA, 100 HEPES buffered with Tris, pH 7.4. The extracellular Na + -free solution (bath) contained (in mM): 150 NMDG-MS, 10 HEPES buffered with Tris, pH 7.4. For pH below 6.5, HEPES was replaced with MES buffered with Tris. For pH 8.5, HEPES was replaced with Tris buffered with HCl. The data were acquired using an AxoPatch 200B amplifier (Molecular Devices) and a low-pass analog filter set to 1 kHz. The current signal was sampled at a rate of 20 kHz using a Digidata 1550B digitizer (Molecular Devices) and further analyzed with pClamp 11 software (Molecular Devices). Patch pipettes were pulled from borosilicate glass (Harvard Apparatus) and heat-polished to a resistance of 5–8 MΩ filled with the pipette solution. After the patch pipette attached to the cell membrane, a giga-seal (>10 GΩ) was formed by gentle suction. The whole-cell configuration was formed by short zap or suction to rupture the patch. For continuous current recording, the membrane potential was held at −80 mV. To generate the current and voltage relationship, the membrane potential was held at 0 mV, followed by voltage pulses ramp from −100 to +100 or 120 mV over a 150 ms duration.

Reporting summary

Further information on research design is available in the  Nature Portfolio Reporting Summary linked to this article.

Data availability

The data that support this study are available from the corresponding author upon request. The cryo-EM density maps of CeOTOP8 and mOTOP2 have been deposited in the Electron Microscopy Data Bank (EMDB) under accession numbers EMD-42214 (CeOTOP8 pH 5.0), EMD-42213 (CeOTOP8 pH 8.0), EMD-42215 (mOTOP2 pH 5.0), EMD-42216 (mOTOP2 pH 8.0), EMD-42217 (mOTOP2 pH 7.0 minor) and EMD-42219 (mOTOP2 M374W pH 8.0). Atomic coordinates have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank (PDB) under accession numbers 8UG5 (CeOTOP8 pH 5.0), 8UG4 (CeOTOP8 pH 8.0), 8UG6 (mOTOP2 pH 5.0), 8UG7 (mOTOP2 pH 8.0), 8UG8 (mOTOP2 pH 7.0 minor) and 8UGA (mOTOP2 M374W pH 8.0). The source data underlying Supplementary Fig.  10a are provided as a Source Data file.  Source data are provided with this paper.

Huang, A. L. et al. The cells and logic for mammalian sour taste detection. Nature 442 , 934–938 (2006).

Article   ADS   CAS   PubMed   PubMed Central   Google Scholar  

Tu, Y. H. et al. An evolutionarily conserved gene family encodes proton-selective ion channels. Science 359 , 1047–1050 (2018).

Zhang, J. et al. Sour sensing from the tongue to the brain. Cell 179 , 392–402.e15 (2019).

Article   CAS   PubMed   Google Scholar  

Teng, B. et al. Cellular and neural responses to sour stimuli require the proton channel Otop1. Curr. Biol. 29 , 3647–3656.e5 (2019).

Article   CAS   PubMed   PubMed Central   Google Scholar  

Mi, T., Mack, J. O., Lee, C. M. & Zhang, Y. V. Molecular and cellular basis of acid taste sensation in Drosophila. Nat. Commun. 12 , 3730 (2021).

Hurle, B. et al. Non-syndromic vestibular disorder with otoconial agenesis in tilted/mergulhador mice caused by mutations in otopetrin 1. Hum. Mol. Genet. 12 , 777–789 (2003).

Hughes, I. et al. Otopetrin 1 is required for otolith formation in the zebrafish Danio rerio. Dev. Biol. 276 , 391–402 (2004).

Söllner, C., Schwarz, H., Geisler, R. & Nicolson, T. Mutated otopetrin 1 affects the genesis of otoliths and the localization of Starmaker in zebrafish. Dev. Genes Evol. 214 , 582–590 (2004).

Article   PubMed   Google Scholar  

Hughes, I. et al. Identification of the Otopetrin domain, a conserved domain in vertebrate otopetrins and invertebrate otopetrin-like family members. BMC Evol. Biol. 8 , 41 (2008).

Article   PubMed   PubMed Central   Google Scholar  

Wang, G. X. et al. Otopetrin 1 protects mice from obesity-associated metabolic dysfunction through attenuating adipose tissue inflammation. Diabetes 63 , 1340–1352 (2014).

Wu, C. et al. BioGPS: an extensible and customizable portal for querying and organizing gene annotation resources. Genome Biol. 10 , R130 (2009).

Lopez, I. A., Ishiyama, G., Acuna, D. & Ishiyama, A. Otopetrin-2 immunolocalization in the human macula utricle. Ann. Otol. Rhinol. Laryngol. 128 , 96s–102s (2019).

Qu, H., Su, Y., Yu, L., Zhao, H. & Xin, C. Wild-type p53 regulates OTOP2 transcription through DNA loop alteration of the promoter in colorectal cancer. FEBS Open Bio 9 , 26–34 (2019).

Chang, W. W. et al. An otopetrin family proton channel promotes cellular acid efflux critical for biomineralization in a marine calcifier. Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA 118 , e2101378118 (2021).

Sah, N. et al. RNA sequencing-based analysis of the laying hen uterus revealed the novel genes and biological pathways involved in the eggshell biomineralization. Sci. Rep. 8 , 16853 (2018).

Article   ADS   PubMed   PubMed Central   Google Scholar  

Hurle, B. et al. Lineage-specific evolution of the vertebrate Otopetrin gene family revealed by comparative genomic analyses. BMC Evol. Biol. 11 , 23 (2011).

Li, S., Al-Sheikh, U., Chen, Y. & Kang, L. Nematode homologs of the sour taste receptor Otopetrin1 are evolutionarily conserved acid-sensitive proton channels. Front Cell Dev. Biol. 11 , 1133890 (2023).

Chen, Q., Zeng, W., She, J., Bai, X. C. & Jiang, Y. Structural and functional characterization of an otopetrin family proton channel. eLife 8 , e46710 (2019).

Saotome, K. et al. Structures of the otopetrin proton channels Otop1 and Otop3. Nat. Struct. Mol. Biol. 26 , 518–525 (2019).

Teng, B. et al. Structural motifs for subtype-specific pH-sensitive gating of vertebrate otopetrin proton channels. eLife 11 , e77946 (2022).

Teng, B. et al. Zinc activation of OTOP proton channels identifies structural elements of the gating apparatus. eL ife 12 , e85317 (2023).

CAS   Google Scholar  

Grimsley, G. R., Scholtz, J. M. & Pace, C. N. A summary of the measured pK values of the ionizable groups in folded proteins. Protein Sci. 18 , 247–251 (2009).

Mehler, E. L., Fuxreiter, M., Simon, I. & Garcia-Moreno, E. B. The role of hydrophobic microenvironments in modulating pKa shifts in proteins. Proteins 48 , 283–292 (2002).

Pahari, S., Sun, L. & Alexov, E. PKAD: a database of experimentally measured pKa values of ionizable groups in proteins. Database (Oxf.) 2019 , baz024 (2019).

Google Scholar  

Morales-Perez, C. L., Noviello, C. M. & Hibbs, R. E. Manipulation of Subunit Stoichiometry in Heteromeric Membrane Proteins. Structure 24 , 797–805 (2016).

Zheng, S. Q. et al. MotionCor2: anisotropic correction of beam-induced motion for improved cryo-electron microscopy. Nat. Methods 14 , 331–332 (2017).

Zhang, K. Gctf: Real-time CTF determination and correction. J. Struct. Biol. 193 , 1–12 (2016).

Nakane, T. et al. Single-particle cryo-EM at atomic resolution. Nature 587 , 152–156 (2020).

Scheres, S. H. RELION: implementation of a Bayesian approach to cryo-EM structure determination. J. Struct. Biol. 180 , 519–530 (2012).

Zivanov, J. et al. New tools for automated high-resolution cryo-EM structure determination in RELION-3. Elife 7 , e42166 (2018).

Henderson, R. et al. Outcome of the first electron microscopy validation task force meeting. Structure 20 , 205–214 (2012).

Emsley, P., Lohkamp, B., Scott, W. G. & Cowtan, K. Features and development of Coot. Acta Crystallogr D. Biol. Crystallogr 66 , 486–501 (2010).

Adams, P. D. et al. PHENIX: a comprehensive Python-based system for macromolecular structure solution. Acta Crystallogr D. Biol. Crystallogr 66 , 213–221 (2010).

Chen, V. B. et al. MolProbity: all-atom structure validation for macromolecular crystallography. Acta Crystallogr D. Biol. Crystallogr 66 , 12–21 (2010).

Article   ADS   CAS   PubMed   Google Scholar  

Pettersen, E. F. et al. UCSF Chimera-a visualization system for exploratory research and analysis. J. Comput Chem. 25 , 1605–1612 (2004).

Download references

Acknowledgements

Single-particle cryo-EM data were collected at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Cryo-EM Facility that is funded by the CPRIT Core Facility Support Award RP170644 and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Janelia Cryo-EM Facility. N.G. is an HHMI fellow of the Jane Coffin Childs Memorial Fund. This work was supported in part by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and by grants from the National Institute of Health (R35GM140892 to Y.J.), the Welch Foundation (Grant I-1578 to Y.J.), the National Natural and Science Foundation of China (32071202 and 32271012 to Q.C.), and Tianjin Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars (20JCJQJC00080 to Q.C.).

Author information

Authors and affiliations.

Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA

Ninghai Gan, Weizhong Zeng & Youxing Jiang

Department of Biophysics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA

Ninghai Gan, Weizhong Zeng, Yan Han & Youxing Jiang

Center for Life Sciences, Yunnan Key Laboratory of Cell Metabolism and Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming, China

Qingfeng Chen

You can also search for this author in PubMed   Google Scholar

Contributions

N.G. prepared the samples; Y.H. and N.G. performed data acquisition, image processing, and structure determination; W.Z. performed electrophysiology recording; Q.C performed earlier study of CeOTOP8. Y.J supervised the work. All authors participated in research design, data analysis, discussion, and manuscript preparation.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Youxing Jiang .

Ethics declarations

Competing interests.

The authors declare no competing interests.

Peer review

Peer review information.

Nature Communications thanks the anonymous reviewer(s) for their contribution to the peer review of this work. A peer review file is available.

Additional information

Publisher’s note Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Supplementary information

Supplementary information, peer review file, description of additional supplementary files, supplementary movie 1, reporting summary, source data, source data, rights and permissions.

Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License, which permits any non-commercial use, sharing, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence, and indicate if you modified the licensed material. You do not have permission under this licence to share adapted material derived from this article or parts of it. The images or other third party material in this article are included in the article’s Creative Commons licence, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in the article’s Creative Commons licence and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder. To view a copy of this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ .

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article.

Gan, N., Zeng, W., Han, Y. et al. Structural mechanism of proton conduction in otopetrin proton channel. Nat Commun 15 , 7250 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-51803-x

Download citation

Received : 07 February 2024

Accepted : 16 August 2024

Published : 23 August 2024

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-51803-x

Share this article

Anyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content:

Sorry, a shareable link is not currently available for this article.

Provided by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative

By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines . If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.

Quick links

• Explore articles by subject
• Guide to authors
• Editorial policies

Sign up for the Nature Briefing newsletter — what matters in science, free to your inbox daily.