I have been assigned to write a 3-paragraph how-to essay. Should I number each paragraph? If not, why?
Should I write my essay in this format?
1. Determine your dominant eye (the eye from which one prefers to receive visual input). While this action might have been what you least expected, by determining your dominant eye, you will ultimately improve your accuracy and your ability to judge distances. Using appropriate archery equipment that corresponds with your dominant eye will also better your accuracy and your ability to shoot from afar. However, if you are cross-dominant (a person whose dominant eye, or master eye, differs from his or her strong hand), by all means, buy a bow that corresponds with your eye dominance so that you can learn to shoot with both your eyes open. Since you are likely an inexperienced archer and have not yet become accustomed to any manner of shooting, you will most likely be able to adapt to the off-handed bow fairly quickly.
2. Assume the correct shooting stance or form. This action is especially important in the art and sport of archery because the position of your feet during the shooting process can have a great effect upon where your arrow strikes. For instance, if your feet are not positioned properly, you may find yourself being pulled away from your body’s natural centering point. Thus, as a result, your body will fight to return to this location. Unfortunately, however, this action can often occur while you are shooting, which will ultimately impede your accuracy. Nevertheless, there are three basic stance positions to consider:
• Square Stance: The archer’s feet are in-line with one another (one behind another in a line or queue), thus drawing a perpendicular line to the target.
• Closed Stance: The front foot (one that is closest to the target) is placed forward from the front of the archer’s body so that the heel of his or her front foot is aligned with the toes of their back foot.
• Open Stance: The front foot (one that is closest to the target) is placed towards the archer’s backside so that the heel of his or her back foot is aligned with the toes of their front foot.
The greatest stance for you, regardless of whichever you choose, should feel comfortable and solid.
Ms. Sue already told you not to. Why are you still asking this question?
Ditch the numbers.
Maybe keep the bullet points if they are within one paragraph.
http://leo.stcloudstate.edu/acadwrite/process.html
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/composition/process.htm
When writing a how-to essay, it is not necessary to number each paragraph. Numbering paragraphs is usually reserved for specific types of writing, such as formal reports or academic papers. Here's why numbering paragraphs may not be appropriate for a how-to essay:
1. Flow and cohesion: Numbering paragraphs can interrupt the natural flow of your essay. It may create a sense of rigidity and make it harder for your ideas to flow smoothly from one paragraph to the next. In a how-to essay, it is important for the reader to easily follow your instructions, and numbering paragraphs can hinder that.
2. Flexibility: How-to essays often have a more conversational or casual tone, allowing readers to engage with the content. Numbering paragraphs can make the essay feel more rigid and formal, which may not fit the intended tone. By avoiding numbering, you have the flexibility to organize your content in a way that feels most natural and accessible to your reader.
3. Alternative structuring options: How-to essays can have different structures depending on the topic or purpose. Some essays may have an introductory paragraph followed by the step-by-step instructions, while others may incorporate examples or tips throughout the essay. By not numbering the paragraphs, you have the freedom to experiment with different organizational strategies that align with your specific how-to topic.
In conclusion, while numbering paragraphs may be necessary for certain types of writing, it is not typically required or recommended for how-to essays. By avoiding numbering, you allow your ideas to flow more naturally, maintain a conversational tone, and have the flexibility to structure your essay in a way that best suits your topic and purpose.