Process analysis essays are classified into two types: directed and informative. Before you begin writing your essay, you must pick which type you will write. Directional process analysis essays instruct the reader on how to do a task, such as baking cookies or cracking cryptograms. Informative process analyses explain what happens in the real world or within a system. For example, an informative process analysis of photography would discuss cameras, film, light, photosensitive substances, and so forth. Directed process analyses are usually found in academic papers or reports. These essays give specific instructions on how to perform some task or procedure. Thus, they are useful for students to understand how certain procedures work or what tools are used by professionals in their fields. Some examples of directed process analyses include lab reports, medical reports, and technical manuals. In general, these essays are written in the first person and use facts and examples to support arguments. Informative process analyses can be used instead. For example, an informative process analysis of photography could discuss cameras, film, light, photosensitive substances, and so forth without giving any specific instructions on how to take photographs. This type of essay is open-ended and does not specify exactly how the reader should go about solving the problem at hand. Essays that combine directional and informative elements are also common.