Classification / Division Mode How to organize broad or complex topics into manageable categories

Types of Selfies The “selfie” is an important part of modern pop culture. In your group, brainstorm the types of selfies people take. Then group those selfies into categories – give each category a name.

The basics… The two are closely related and elements of both are found in each type of essay. Division breaks a subject down into components or categories (i.e. exercise divided into running, walking, swimming, skiing, weightlifting, Pilates, yoga, basketball…) Classification rates or ranks the components according to a common element / thread (i.e. exercise: cardio – muscle-building – core-strengthening OR skills – recreational – weight loss) Thread must be clearly stated and the same for each group Divisions must be distinct (categories can’t overlap)

Types of Students A-student Class Clown Sophomore Doesn’t work: categories can potentially overlap and the same standard isn’t being measured (moving from year in school to grades to personality type)

Types of Student Basket Princess Case Nerd Criminal Athlete This works: students are classified according to their social group. This list is fairly inclusive for the 1980s. In your group, determine what (appropriate) categories would you use if you were going to remake The Breakfast Club in 2016.

Why? Why would we need to do this? By breaking a large group into smaller groups then assigning individual items to those groups, we can identify relationships between a whole and its parts and relationships among the parts themselves. Classification is a common activity that is especially helpful in organizing large groups of ideas into smaller, recognizable divisions that can be given distinct names or titles and then described in detail. What subject areas would this be applicable? Science – History – Sociology – Education

What other mode does this sound like? Compare / Contrast – the mode you all studied first semester, sophomore year (if you were here). What’s the difference? C/C Prompt: Compare Ralph and Jack in Lord of the Flies and determine who is the more effective leader. Class/Div Prompt: In a classification and division essay, divide the characters into different categories, then classify the characteristics of a leader into the categories you have created, determining which would be the most effective.

Real World Examples Divided by type of posts Types of Twitter users The humblebragger The subtweeter The Lurker Divided by type of posts Household Chores Ones I can put off for a day Ones I can put off for a month Ones I can put off forever Divided by typed based on timeline

Hints on writing this type of paper… Select a limited or restricted subject (Group or Set) – Sometimes this is given to you (i.e. Selfies). Choose a principle or basis for making the classification (Scheme or Topic or Thread – Why do we care? What’s interesting about it?) Take the topic and divide it into three or four distinct groups (Classes or Divisions) – MOST TIMES this is ALL you. Arrange the groups/classes in some kind of INTERESTING order or hierarchy – simple to complex, least to most, etc. Develop the classes as equally and completely as possible (brainstorming)

Furthermore…on the order of things Some kind of logical sequence should be followed: Most to least important Least to most important climactic order Smallest to largest Use appropriate transitions to emphasize the order of arrangement of details, and to show the relationships among the classes or divisions. PARALLEL STRUCTURE IS HUGELY IMPORTANT HERE!

The Thesis… Introduce the groups discussed (name them) Establish their value – why is it important we examine these divisions? Show the relationships to each other Sample Thesis (List): There are many methods to raising a child which can generally be grouped into three main parenting styles: the permissive parent, the helicopter parent, and the tiger mom. Example: Parents = Group / Set Parenting Styles = Scheme / Topic / Thread Permissive, Helicopter, Tiger Mom = Classes / Divisions

Organizing Paragraphs would be in the order of the classes as presented in the thesis statement Paragraph 1: Permissive parent Discuss the traits of a permissive parent, advantages, disadvantages Paragraph 2: Helicopter parent Discuss the traits of a helicopter parent, advantages, disadvantages Paragraph 3: Tiger Mom/Parent Discuss the traits of a tiger parent, advantages, disadvantages Conclusion is the “based on this information…” There are many methods to raising a child which can generally be grouped into three main parenting styles: the permissive parent, the helicopter parent, and the tiger mom.

Graphic Organizers Classes Trait 1 Trait 2 Trait 3 A B C

EXIT TICKET (Hand to Mrs EXIT TICKET (Hand to Mrs. Schulte as you leave): Prompt: Write an essay about high school. Group: High School Topic/Scheme? What are the classes/divisions? What is a sample thesis statement? In which order would you put your paragraphs?