The Classification and Division Essay

Types of Selfie Love it or hate it, the selfie is an important part of modern pop culture. Please split the selfies your class has brought in into AT LEAST 3 distinct categories that don’t overlap.

First of all…. Classification & division are closely related. DIVISION breaks a subject down into components or categories. (Like Dante categorized hell by sins—violence, fraud, etc.) CLASSIFICATION does the same, but rates or ranks the groups according to a common standard. (Like Dante put people lower in hell—and therefore closer to Satan) The method of measurement must be clearly stated. Standards cannot be mixed.

Types of student The sophomore The A-student The class clown 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 The athlete The princess The basket case The criminal The nerd This works: students are classified according to their social group. This list is fairly inclusive for the 1980s. What categories would you use if you were going to remake The Breakfast Club in 2015?

So, what type of essay is this? To classify is to gather into categories, segments, methods, types, or kinds according to a single basic principle of division. 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.

Types of Twitter User: The Humblebragger The Subtweeter The Lurker A few examples . . . Types of Twitter User: The Humblebragger The Subtweeter The Lurker Household Chores: Chores I Can Put Off For a Week Chores I Can Put Off for a Month Chores I Can Put Off Forever

Your Chance!

Hints for Writing a Successful Classification Paper Select a limited or restricted subject. Choose a principle or basis for making the classification. Divide the subject into three or four distinct groups – (we will stick with three) Arrange these groups in some kind of order or hierarchy—simple to complex, least to most, etc.. Develop the classes as equally and completely as possible.

A little more about that order. . . Some kind of logical sequence should be followed: from the most to least important, from the least to most important climactic order, or from the smallest to the largest, and so on . . . 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!

Your Thesis Order is important! You must name your restricted subject as well as your three categories. Think about your comment, why is it important we know these divisions? How you organize your thesis dictates the order of your body paragraphs! Be careful as you craft that thesis!

How To Organize Your Body Paragraphs You need to follow the same pattern for each of the body paragraphs! Topic Sentence – creatively name the classification/category Provide a definition for the classification/category. Provide detailed description of this category. You need at least two distinct examples in your paragraph. It is important that you use lots of description. Bring this category to life! Note: Here is your chance to embed scintillating description!

So, what are the parameters for this paper? Paper Overview Classification Essay Length of Paper 5 Paragraphs (intro and conclusion 5-7 sentences. Body paragraphs 7-10 sentences) Number of Quotes 3 Number of Paraphrases 2 Work Cited Yes # of Vocabulary Words 10 Submit to turnitin.com YES! Points: 100

But wait, this is a GROUP paper! Group size: 3 people = the ideal number. Can be 4, if you have 4 categories.

Group Roles Synthesizer : You will take all the writings and put them into a fluid piece (which means adding transitions and balancing voice). You are the person who cements the cinderblocks. This is key because if voice and idea do not go together, the paper will be choppy and a failure. Oh, and pick the perfect title.

Group Roles Key Writer: You will write the intro and conclusion, plus you will determine the voice. Your responsibility also includes turning in the TTAPP, which we’ll do in class on Tuesday. (Groups of 4 will split this role)

Group Roles Director: You will give direction unto what needs to be researched, which parts of the paper will be written…you are the micro-manager! You will also do the final editing. Lastly, make deadlines.

Individual Roles Each write his or her own sections Each perform his or her roles Submit 200-250 word reflection – this will be submitted with the paper! Each will submit the full RD to turnitin, and one person will submit the final.

As a Group Agree upon a challenging essay Discuss the plan of the essay Agree upon the avenue used in the intro and conclusion Help each other, be kind – be firm Maintain the integrity of guidelines Edit

On Monday, November 16th, you will need to turn in: Rough Draft showing your personal and group edits. *Hard copy ONE member will submit the final to turnitin by 11:59pm Reflection (everyone) to turnitin by 11:59pm

Your topic – Pop Culture Sins. Popular culture (or "pop culture") refers to the cultural meaning systems and cultural practices employed by the majority of classes in a society. The worst imdb movies, the top “earworms” on the Billboard charts, terrible early 2000’s fashion trends, Boy Bands, the most widely read books—regardless of literary talent—and the worst of the misguided superhero sequels are important elements of U.S. popular culture. Think about: music, movies, the internet, politics, fads, trends, icons, fashion, celebrities, what’s hot . . . what’s not. Be sure somehow in your paper that you address how your vein of pop culture influences teenagers today!

Need Ideas for topics. (Be sure you write about something you know Need Ideas for topics? (Be sure you write about something you know!) You could classify . . . Music, movies, the internet, fads, politics, trends, memes, tweets – types of tweets, reasons why people have twitter, tech gadgets, icons, fashion, celebrities, televisions shows, Instagram (users, types of posts, relationships, pics posted), et cetera. Like Dante, you are looking for sins: fashion crimes, failed sequels, trashy novels. Make sure you are categorizing and illustrating to prove your point!

Body Paragraphs can be tricky! Consider these elements: Topic Sentence – It clearly “sets the stage” for what the rest of the paragraph is going to be about (provides an overview of that paragraph’s topic) AND it clearly connects to the thesis statement. It has strong Unity: Make sure each sentence in the body paragraph is related to the central thought. It has strong Coherence: Arrange ideas in a clear, logical order. Provide appropriate transitions to the subsequent paragraph. It has strong Development: Supporting details are provided that relate directly to the purpose of the paragraph and supports the thesis. Meet the needs of the POD – so for this sample, you would want to name your category, define the category, and then provide two examples. The final sentence of the paragraph is a summation (of the paragraph’s topic) and a transition into the next idea. Word choice is “advanced” & reflects a mastery of the language. Voice is evident/clear/unique. Sentence structure is advanced and sentence variety is present. Each sentence is powerful and makes an impact on the reader. Grammar/mechanics are solid and at a college level.

Use the checklist & review the calendar so you know the timeline! FOCUS! Use the checklist & review the calendar so you know the timeline! Before you get too far be sure that you get your umbrella topic and three categories approved on Tuesday. This can be trickier than it seems! All the categories must go together. Need some inspiration? Check out the link to the right! I also have the link on our web page! You might also check out BuzzFeed!

Classification Essay Checklist Director will identify when the synthesizer will provide full copy of the paper for group editing – remember each person must take part in the editing process and have a rough draft to turn in with his/her editing notes and comments. Ensure body paragraph order matches the thesis. Ensure that body paragraphs follow prescribed pattern. Ensure that the voice is consistent and that the purpose is maintained throughout the entire paper! Make arrangements for how to receive final draft. Each group member will write his/her own 200/250 word reflection. This must be submitted to turnitin online before the due date. Each group member will submit an edited rough draft on the due date of the final draft. One group member will submit his/her final draft of the paper to turnitin. Choose a partner/group Identify roles: Synthesizer, Key Writer, Director Get topic/3 categories approved Get TTAPP Approved Be sure Point of View is 3rd person! Create “snappy” names and definitions for each of your three categories. Decide who will be writing each of the body paragraphs. Select 10 vocabulary words – assign to areas of the essay. Assign who will find the source/sources and identify where your two paraphrases and three quotes will be placed. Assign who will write the works cited page. Director will assign deadlines and identify what will be completed during in class work time. Director will identify last day body paragraphs will be given to the synthesizer and when the key writer will submit the intro and conclusion.