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

2. 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.

3. 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

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

5. 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?

6. 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

7. 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: Instead:

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

9. 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

10. 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.

11. Seeing the Pattern
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