44 3. Process Introductions and Conclusions

By the time your readers finish your first paragraph, they should know what process you are describing (with a clear thesis statement). But that isn’t always strong enough to convince the reader to continue reading. You should add some more information:

• Reassure them of your ability by giving them your credentials. Let them know you know what you are writing about.

• Mention the advantages of knowing this process. Are they going to save money? Is it going to improve their life? Bring their family closer together? Is it fun and rewarding?

• Stir up their curiosity. Ask them questions they will want answered by reading the process. Do you ever wonder how corn flakes are made? Something as simple as that can get someone’s interest rolling.

• List materials needed, if necessary. Decide what your reader needs to know early.

A really impressive closing will help your reader continue to think about your process or even try it. There are a few suggestions for a brief but emphatic closing:

• Be specific about the advantages of doing the process (don’t repeat your opening, however). Changing your own oil will save you at least, $35, money you can now use to drive your clean-running car on a date with your sweetheart.

• Mention complementary processes. For instance, if you’ve just finished a process on how to bake lasagne, mention to them that homemade garlic bread might be the topping to the cake.

• Offer a few words of encouragement, especially if the process is complicated and might be filled with possible pitifalls.