CLASSIFICATION ESSAY1A
Classification is a rhetorical method of development that explains the categories or groups into which a given subject can be divided. It is a process of sorting people, things, or ideas into groups or categories to make them more understandable.
Ex. For a course in anatomy and physiology, you are asked to review the structure and parts of
the human ear by identifying the function of each part.
While working as a facilities planner, you are asked to conduct a feasibility study of new
sites. You begin by sorting the sites into three categories: within-state, out-of-state, and out-
of-country.
Characteristics of a Classification Essay:
- To sort items into groups, decide how to categorize them. Use only one principle of classification for the sake of coherence and use it consistently throughout the essay.
- Once an appropriate principle of classification is chosen, next identify a manageable number of categories or parts.
- Categories or parts should be exclusive and not overlap. Each particular item or person should fit into no more than one category. Few, if any, items should be left out.
- Most of the principles of classification are of three types: degree (inferior to superior or poor to excellent, for example); chronology (dividing the subject according to time periods); and location. Even though these are common types of principles, they are certainly not all.
- The writer’s purpose will determine the principle of classification that is chosen. To develop a meaningful classification, focus on readers and purpose. Create specific categories or parts that will engage your readers.
- Provides adequate detail and examples so that each category or part can be well understood.
- The thesis statement identifies the topic and may reveal the principle used to classify or divide it. In most cases, it also suggests why the classification is relevant or important.
Organizing a Classification Essay (Body Paragraphs):
- Identify the group. If it has a special name, identify it. Or, choose descriptive names that emphasize the distinguishing feature of each category or part.
- Describe or define each category. What are the general characteristics of the members of the category? Discuss them with enough detail to explain each category or part adequately.
- Give examples: Specifically illustrate the characteristics by giving one or two examples of typical members of the category.
- In subsequent body paragraphs, distinguish categories from previous ones. Compare and contrast them to one another. For coherence, try to discuss the characteristics in the same order as the previous group when comparing or contrasting.
Transitions for a Classification Essay (4 Qs - Coherence):
- TRANSITIONS TO INTRODUCE CATEGORIES
The first group includes…
The next group includes…
The last category includes…
And finally, there is the type…
In addition to these two groups, there is another group:…
- TRANSITIONS TO SHOW SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE CATEGORIES
Unlike the positive teachers, the neutral teachers…
However, like the positive teacher, the neutral teacher…
Their classes tend to be more boring than the positive teachers’ classes because…
Expectorants, in contrast to suppressants, help….
- TRANSITIONS TO INTRODUCE EXAMPLES
A good example of a positive teacher is…
An excellent example of a negative teacher is…
One day, for example,…
Professor Hilton is typical of….
- TRANISTIONS TO SHOW THE IMPORTANCE OF THE CATEGORY (significance in relation to other categories, size)
Of the three types of teachers, the positive teachers…
Fortunately, this group is in the minority.
Graphic Organizer for a Classification or Division Essay
Classification 1