Writing Tips for How-To Essay Topics
Writing Tips for How-To Essay Topics
Some topics are easier than others to explain. Straightforward processes versus ones with lots of contingencies will be much less complicated to write out, for instance. If you find that you’ve chosen a topic that’s just too broad, pick one portion of it to explain. Remember, you want your reader to be able to follow your instructions to successfully complete the process.
In your drafting, err on the side of too much detail and description rather than too little. (It’s easier to cut material that you don’t need than to add it later.) If you’re not allowed to use images with your instructions, choosing a topic that is aided by visuals makes writing the instructional process much more challenging, so consider your assignment parameters as you choose what to write about.
If you know your how-to essay topic so well that it comes naturally to you, it may be tough to write instructions for a beginner who has no knowledge of the topic, because you forget how much you didn’t know when you first started. Have a partner try out your instructions during the drafting or revision phase (or both) to see what you’ve left out or what isn’t explained clearly enough in your process essay.
How-to Essay Topics
- Raccoon-proof your campsite
- Make an obstacle course for squirrels
- Set a table
- Make a pet costume
- Earn $100
- Start a band
- Make a piñata
- Make an omelet
- Milk a cow
- Start beekeeping
- Read palms
- Make a quilt
- Wash a car
- Decorate a bedroom
- Create a podcast
- Burn a CD
- Start a recycling program
- Collect stamps
- Clean a bedroom
- Make a pizza
- Make a volcano
- Organize your homework
- Play the guitar
- Make a sock puppet
- Make a doll dress
- Write a letter to the editor
- Write a complaint
- Plan a party
- Plant a tree
- Create a cartoon character
- Improve your spelling
- Bake a layer cake
- Change a tire
- Drive a stick shift
- Make a Christmas stocking
- Learn to dance
- Play chess
- Do a magic trick
- Go bird watching
- Make a music video
- Make a candle
- Make soap
- Paint a picture
- Create art with crayons
- Create a web page
- Stay safe on the Internet
- Write a song
- Write a poem
- Make a handbag
- Tie a scarf
- Mow the lawn
- Make a hamburger
- Make pancakes
- Make a pillow
- Play football
- Make a sculpture
- Make a lamp
- Make shadow puppets
- Make a box
- Care for pets
- Build a tree house
- Play tag
- Play hide and seek
- Paint fingernails
- Make homemade slippers
- Tie macramé knots
- Make a sandwich
- Make chocolate milk
- Make hot chocolate
- Climb a tree
- Make a milkshake
- Braid hair
- Sell old toys
- Ride a skateboard
- Eat crab legs
- Become a vegetarian
- Make a salad
- Design a jack-o-lantern
- Ride a horse
- Race turtles
- Catch lightning bugs
- Make a wildflower bouquet
- Cut paper dolls
- Eat an ice cream cone
- Change a diaper
- Make fruit punch
- Make a campaign poster
- Frame art
- Make a fake tattoo
- Interview a celebrity
- Catch a fish
- Make a snowman
- Make an igloo
- Make a paper fan
- Write a newsletter
- Crack an egg
- Make a necklace
- Tie a necktie
- Ride the subway
- Walk like a model
- Ride a motorcycle
- Pitch a tent
- Find something you’ve lost
- Curl your hair
- Saddle a horse
- Make a sandcastle
- Bob for apples
- Go hiking
- Apply for a job
- Draw stick figures
- Open a bank account
- Learn a new language
- Ask for a later curfew
- Behave at a fancy dinner
- Ask somebody out
- Pose for a picture
- Wake up in a good mood
- Send Morse code messages
- Make a kite
- Hem your jeans
- Pitch a fastball
- Be a ghost hunter
- Make string art
- Fly alone
- Shave
- Mop a floor
- Peel an apple
- String popcorn
- Remix a song
- Walk a tightrope
- Stand on your head
- Find the Big Dipper
- Wrap a gift
- Roast a marshmallow
- Clean a window
- Make a campfire
- Have a yard sale
- Create a carnival i
