Classification Essay

Definition

            Classification has to do with sorting things into groups.  When you classify, you generally break a subject down into the most meaningful parts.  Think categories or varieties.  You may also classify a subject by explaining how it fits into a larger category or grouping.  When writing an essay of classification, your goal is to help readers better understand the whole (your topic) by presenting the parts.  Your goal may also be to show how your subject fits into the larger scheme of things. 

Thesis Development

            The thesis statement should name the subject (what is being classified), the mode of classification (classify, group, kinds), and the categories.  The thesis often includes the differentiating characteristics.

            Examples:

– Electricians are classified as foremen, journeymen, and apprentices based on their education experience, and salary.

– Nurses can be classified as registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, or nurse assistants.  These nurses can be differentiated based on their education, salary, and duties.

– Tennis enthusiasts are aware of the three types of racquets:  wood, graphite, and steel.  These racquets differ in price, flexibility, size, and durability.

Organization

            Classification is a rather easy pattern to use because it is so structured. Once you’ve decided on your topic, its categories, and their differentiating characteristics, it is a matter of plugging in the differentiating characteristics in the same order for each category.  You must be careful to keep everything in the same order that you listed in your thesis.  When you do this, the essay almost writes itself.

            Classification essays are structured first by category (classes or types you have divided your subject into), and then by differentiating characteristics (the ways your categories can be distinguished from one another).

            Examples:

I. Introduction with Topic Sentence or Thesis

II.  Category #1

            A.  Characteristic #1

            B.  Characteristic #2

            C.  Characteristic ##

            D.  Characteristic #4

III.  Category #2

            A.  Characteristic #1

            B.  Characteristic #2

            C.  Characteristic ##

            D.  Characteristic #4

IV.  Category #3

            A.  Characteristic #1

            B.  Characteristic #2

            C.  Characteristic ##

            D.  Characteristic #4

V.  Conclusion

Tips on Writing

– Determine the purpose of your classification.  Are you intending to inform your reader about the differences or to persuade him that on category is superior to the rest?

– Determine the categories of your classification, making sure that there is no overlap in the categories.

– Determine the differentiating characteristics.

– Outline your essay and make sure you present the characteristics in the same order.

Pitfalls to Avoid

– Avoid oversimplification, stereotypes, or misrepresentation.

– Avoid overlapping categories.  Make sure the categories are clearly different from each other and that your types fit into only one category.

– Avoid missing categories.  Make sure your categories account for all the types in your subject.

Essay Guidelines

– Due dates:  Pre-Write due October 12; Rough Draft due October 26; Final due November 9

– Essay length:  700 – 900 words (about 2 – 3 pages)

– Rough drafts can be typed or hand-written, but must be double-spaced.

– Final draft format:

– Typed (if this is not possible, please let me know)

– 1 inch margins

– Name and date on the upper right hand corner

– Number the pages on the lower right hand corner

– Title centered above the text of the essay