The Classification Essay

1. The Classification Essay Strategies for Writing Responses to “What Kind of?” Essays

2. Classification = Division • Writing a classification essay means dividing members of a group. • The members in a class must share similar characteristics • When classifying, you need a principle of classification.

3. The Basis of Division • For example, we can divide the category “cell phones” into the following: • Sizes • Small sized cell phones • Average sized cell phones • Large sized cell phones

4. Don’t Mix Principles! • It’s confusing to have overlapping bases for classification. • For example, if you’re characterizing cell phones by size, don’t include classes such as “expensive” or “nice looking.” • Stay within the three categories you are classifying!

5. Find the out-of-place item • Autos: SUV, pickup, economy • Transport: land, train, air, water • Rivers: dangerous, short, wide • Drugs: uppers, illegal, downers • Colleges: private, famous, public • Courses: year-long, half-term, math • Housing: rooms, cheap, apartments

6. Types of Classification • Two of the most common types of classification are • By degree, from lower to higher • By chronology, in time periods

7. Classifying by Degree • To classify on the basis of degree means to judge value. • Good (C grades are good) • Better (B grades are better) • Best (A grades are best)

8. Classifying by Degree • Another way to classify on the basis of degreewould be as follows: • Small (small size cars) • Medium (medium size cars) • Large (large size cars)

9. Classifying by Degree • An example of how to classify cell phones based on degree: • Good (Motorola) • Better (Sony) • Best (Nokia)

10. Classifying by Degree • Another example of how to classify cell phones based on degree: • Cheap (Cell phones without camera) • Affordable (Cell phones with camera) • Expensive (Cell phones with camera & MP3 Player)

11. Dividing by Chronology • You also can write classifications by time periods • For example, history can be divided as • Ancient • Middle Ages • Modern

12. Dividing by Chronology • Another example of classification by time period: • Past (past forms of travel) • Present (present forms of travel) • Future (future forms of travel)

13. Complete the Categories • When you’re classifying, don’t leave anyone or anything out. • Look for obvious missing elements. • Say the writing prompt is “What kind of students are there in your math class?” • You answer: “Fast and slow learners.” • But what about the average learners? • After all, you need three categories!

14. Variations within a class • Rarely will everyone or everything fit in perfectly in your categories. • Then admit that there are variations and complications in the categories. • Although all cell phones could be classified as being cheap or expensive, you must still find a middle point such as “affordable” cell phones.

15. Use Parallel Construction • Organizeyour thesis statement with parallelism: • “Most people respond in one of three ways: eagerly, indifferently, or reluctantly.” • Notice that each categorical word is in the same grammar form: adverbs. • Don’t mix and match the terminology!

16. Types in Classification • What kind of classification is this? • “Teachers can be classified in three different ways; conservatively, fashionably, or casually.” • The teachers here can be classified according to _______________?

17. Types in Classification • What kind of classification is this? • “Cell Phones can be classified in three different ways; cheap, affordable, or expensive.” • The cell phones here can be classified according to _______________?