The Classification Essay Strategies for Writing Responses to What Kind of? Essays

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

The Basis of Division For example, we can divide the category cell phones into the following: For example, we can divide the category cell phones into the following: –Sizes 1. Small sized cell phones 2. Average sized cell phones 3. Large sized cell phones

Dont Mix Principles! Its confusing to have overlapping bases for classification. Its confusing to have overlapping bases for classification. –For example, if youre characterizing cell phones by size, dont include classes such asexpensive or nice looking. –Stay within the three categories you are classifying!

Find the out-of-place item 1. Autos: SUV, pickup, economy 2. Transport: land, train, air, water 3. Rivers: dangerous, short, wide 4. Drugs: uppers, illegal, downers 5. Colleges: private, famous, public 6. Courses: year-long, half-term, math 7. Housing: rooms, cheap, apartments

Types of Classification Two of the most common types of classification are Two of the most common types of classification are 1.By degree, from lower to higher 2.By chronology, in time periods

Classifying by Degree To classify on the basis of degree means to judge value. 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)

Classifying by Degree Another way to classify on the basis of degree would be as follows: Another way to classify on the basis of degree would be as follows: –Small (small size cars) –Medium (medium size cars) –Large (large size cars)

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

Classifying by Degree Another example of how to classify cell phones based on 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)

Dividing by Chronology You also can write classifications by time periods You also can write classifications by time periods –For example, history can be divided as 1. Ancient 2. Middle Ages 3. Modern

Dividing by Chronology Another example of classification by time period: Another example of classification by time period: 1. Past (past forms of travel) 2. Present (present forms of travel) 3. Future (future forms of travel)

Complete the Categories When youre classifying, dont leave anyone or anything out. When youre classifying, dont leave anyone or anything out. Look for obvious missing elements. 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!

Variations within a class Rarely will everyone or everything fit in perfectly in your categories. Rarely will everyone or everything fit in perfectly in your categories. Then admit that there are variations and complications in the 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.

Use Parallel Construction Organize your thesis statement with parallelism: Organize your thesis statement with parallelism: Most people respond in one of three ways: eagerly, indifferently, or reluctantly. Most people respond in one of three ways: eagerly, indifferently, or reluctantly. Notice that each categorical word is in the same grammar form: adverbs. Notice that each categorical word is in the same grammar form: adverbs. Dont mix and match the terminology! Dont mix and match the terminology!

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

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