1. Chapter 7: Classification: What is Classification?
Hints for Writing a Classification Essay: See page 317 in Chapter Thirteen to see how to write a Classification Essay!
When you classify, you divide something into different categories, and you classify according to a basis.
The basis is one common characteristic that unites the different categories.
Example: You might classify people who live in your neighborhood into three types: 1) those you know well, 2) those you know slightly, and 3) those you don’t know at all.
In this example, the basis you are using to classify your neighbors is how well you know them.
Divide your subject into three or more categories or types.
Pick one basis for classification.
Have a reason for your classification.
Be creative in your classification.
Essay 317

2. Chapter 7: Classification: What is Classification?
Prewriting: Gathering Ideas
Choose one topic for classification.
Brainstorm to find details and a basis for the classification.
The basis is one common characteristic that unites the different categories.
Match the points within the categories.
In each category in the classification, discuss the same points.
Essay

3. Chapter 7: Classification: What is Classification?
Creating the Topic Sentence
The thesis statement in a classification essay clearly indicates what a writer will classify. It also includes the basis, which is one common characteristic that unites the different categories.
Mention the types of categories in your topic sentence.
Creating the Thesis Statement: the thesis statement tells what you are classifying and the (3) categories you are classifying your topic in(sub-topics which correlate into main body paragraph topic sentences:
Example: Phone calls can be grouped into the ones that please me, the ones that irritate me, and the ones that frighten me.
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4. Chapter 7: Classification: What is Classification?
Planning: Devising a Plan
After you have a topic sentence and a list of details, you can create an outline.
List the categories in the topic sentence in the same order as in your paragraph.
Use emphatic order: state the most convincing point last.
The Essay Outline is on blackboard
Essay

5. Chapter 7: Classification: What is Classification?
Planning: Devising a Plan
Checklist for revising the outline:
Do I have a consistent basis for classifying?
Does my thesis statement mention what I am classifying and indicate the basis for classification?
Do I have enough to say about each category in my classification?
Are the categories presented in the most effective order?
Am I using clear and specific details?
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6. Chapter 7: Classification: What is Classification?
Drafting: Drafting and Revising
You can transform your outline into a first draft of an essay by writing the thesis statement and details in paragraphs. Each Roman numeral is a new paragraph.
Combine short sentences, add details, and insert transitions where necessary.
Checklist for revising the draft:
Does my topic sentence state what I am classifying?
Does my thesis indicate the basis of my classification?
Should any of my sentences be combined?
Do my transitions clearly connect my ideas?
Should I add more details to any of the categories?
Are the categories presented in the most effective order?
Essay

7. Chapter 7: Classification: What is Classification?
Drafting: Drafting and Revising
When you are revising, check to see if you have used transitions—words, phrases, or sentences that connect ideas.
By using transitions, you can make your writing smoother and the content clearer.
Transitions:
The transitions depend on what you are classifying.
You could use words such as these: one kind, another, more, the most.
You could also use the following: type, variety, class, group, species, form, version, etc.

8. Chapter 7: Classification: What is Classification?
Polishing: Polishing and Proofreading
Check to see if sentences need to be rewritten.
Check to see if the paragraph needs transitions.
Check to see if the word choice needs to be refined.
Essay

9. Chapter 7: Classification
Classification Essay Assignment
Choose either option 1 or 2 page 324
Show a prewriting activity on paper.
Narrow your topic and create a thesis sentence on paper.
Create specific detailed steps that support your topic and show on paper.
Create an outline of your essay on paper
Outline Due: 3/19
Revised Draft Due: 3/21
Final Draft Due: 3/23
See Writing Process & Rules for Revision Handout for more details (on BB under course documents)