Define the topic. Although this seems quite straightforward, the effort put into this first step is what will tip the balance between a well-written or a poorly written essay. The process that the essay is describing should have a clearly defined beginning and end as well as a suitable range of information to be portrayed. The process should not be too long or complicated or the essay will be ineffective.
Define the audience. Tailor the language and examples toward that particular audience. For example, using fluffy bunny rabbit tails could be an effective description of what raw, uncollected cotton looks like if describing it to a kindergarten class; however, this description would be unsuitable for a panel of university professors critiquing your work. Anticipate the type of language your reader is expecting to find.
Write an introduction. Present the process (or the portion of the larger process that you are covering) by clearly explaining the overall picture. Next inform the audience why this particular process is of interest to you and why it should be of interest to them as well.
Write an outline. Use three to five actionable steps as main headings. Chronological order is commonly used and is likely the simplest to construct for the essay outline; however, it is not mandatory. Because this essay is informational in nature, any outline that follows a logical sequence will suffice.
Add subheadings under the main points in the outline. Subheadings can clarify what the purpose of the main heading is or break down particular steps in the process.
Write a conclusion. Remind the audience why this process was worth inspection and what was concluded.