Classification/Division Essays Seeing the Pattern Chapter 10 Key ideas when planning Classification/Division Essays Seeing the Pattern Chapter 10

What are they? Classification: explains the categories or groups into which a given subject can be divided. Items in your dresser; Groups in the cafeteria. Division: explains the parts of one item. Languages in the Modern and Classical Languages Department.

1. Group Ideas In Logical Categories Principle of Classification: Characteristic that guides your groupings Choose ONE principle of classification for your categories Divide the items into groups based only on that principle Use that single principle consistently throughout the essay

Possible Principles Birds College Professors Size Habitat Age Diet Teaching style Courses taught

2. Make Meaningful to an Audience The writer’s purpose determines the principle Consider what is important to the reader; what information do they want or need?

Matching Meaning to Audience: To determine what bird will work in different living spaces  size A zoology report  habitat Retirement Reports  age Paper on teaching methods  teaching style

3. Use Categories or Parts That Are Exclusive and Comprehensive Categories should not overlap Items should fit into no more than one category Age Categories NOT: 25-30 30-35 Instead: 25-30 31-35

Exclusive and Comprehensive All major items should fit into a category No items should be left out Fast Food Burgers Subs/Sandwiches Pizza ???

4. Fully Explain Each Category CONSIDER USING: Sensory images Specific details and examples Narration Dialogue Similes and metaphors Comparison & contrast Non-examples (Negation) Background information

5. Develop a Thesis Identifies the topic and principle of classification or division Suggests why the classification or division is important. Division Essay The Grand Canyon is divided into two distinct geographical areas: the North Rim and the South Rim; each offers different views, facilities, and climatic conditions. Classification Essay Most people consider videos a form of entertainment; however, videos can also serve educational, commercial, and political functions.

Seeing the Pattern Page 347