An instruction can be defined as a collection of detailed information, order, direction, and procedure about how a particular task or project is to be accomplished and executed. Thus, an instruction is typically used to highlight or state the steps or procedures that must be taken in order to successfully complete a task or project.
Hence, when an author provides step-by-step instructions. Her primary purpose is most likely to explain something because a step-by-step instruction comprises of technical procedures, order or directions that must be followed.
An adjective describes a noun or pronoun: "That boy is so loud!" An adverb describes a verb or anything apart from a noun and pronoun: "That boy speaks so loudly!" Adverbs are used to answer how questions e.g. "How does he talk?