Writing a How To Paragraph

How To ParagraphWriting a how to paragraph is a fairly simple task if it is done with a right approach. The purpose of such writing is to explain how something can be done by providing clear instructions. It requires theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of the subject matter, so when you are writing a how to paragraph, always choose a topic which is already familiar to you from learning or personal experience.

Where To Begin

If you already know what you are going to write about, you may skip this step. If you have not chosen your topic yet, think about something you know well. Keep in mind that you are going to provide guidance for people who are willing to learn, so your knowledge should be greater than theirs. Preferably, you should choose an area which is not only interesting to you but is also connected to your past experiences. Do you know how to prepare a delicious lasagna? Are you good at writing public speeches? Have you changed a tire so often that now you know how to do it with your eyes closed? Contemplate on such skills, evaluate your proficiency, and then you are bound to find the most suitable topic.

Find Out More

You may already be an expert on your chosen topic, but there is no such thing as too much knowledge. Conduct a research to see different points of view, discover new information, read what others have to say. Use your critical thinking to compare what you already know to what you may find. Think about how your research can help you to further improve your skills and produce better results. Do not forget to write down interesting and useful details but also keep track of your sources. In the end, when you feel that you have gathered enough information to move on, you might want to read your notes to refresh your memory.

Create Your First Draft

Before you begin to write, think about what you are going to write about. Organize your thoughts and then simply put them on paper. It may be convenient to compose a numbered list of all steps which should be taken in order to make your future paragraph well-arranged and easy to understand. In this type of writing, there is no need to be sophisticated ― use simple words and short sentences. Keep in mind that your intended audience is not proficient in this topic, so try to stick to the basics and explain specialized vocabulary. Also remember that the main aim of your paragraph is to instruct, so all commentaries which do not serve this aim should be excluded right away.

Revise and Rewrite

Read what you have written and ask yourself following questions: Does your paragraph provide enough information to succeed in the described task? Are there any missing steps? Are there steps which require more explanations? If you strive for an absolute perfection, you may show your draft to someone and ask them if they would be able to follow your instructions and complete the described task. After this evaluation, you will be ready to write the final draft.