A how-to essay explains a process, or how to do something. The purpose of a how-to essay is to inform, or give information, to the reader. A how-to essay can describe how to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, how to play baseball, or how do well on tests. How-to essays allow the writer to share and teach what they know or have learned.
Max Shulman's short story about an 18 year old and his college roommate and how an object of affection can cause one to trade for a woman... if only for a one time event.