Classification and Division Mode of Exposition Presentation

Why Teach Modes? “A rhetorical mode is a strategy—a way or method of presenting a subject—through writing or speech. Some of the better known rhetorical modes are, for example, "argument" and "cause and effect." There are literally dozens, perhaps hundreds, of strategies or methods for presenting subjects; however, the modes are among the most basic. . . . Knowing the modes can help us understand the organization—the methodology—of most kinds of writings or other presentations” (writeforcollege.org).

Why a Modes-Based Approach? Better vertical instruction from grade 9 through grade 12 Repetition to mastery and mastery of a two modes per year More opportunities for cross-curricular collaboration Evaluation frameworks that are easier for parents and students to understand Common writing instruction among teachers at grade level Reaching a wider range of student interests and goals

Classification and Division Mode of Exposition

Classification and Division Division is the process of breaking a whole into parts; classification is the process of sorting individual items into groups. Division deals with one thing only. It separates that thing into parts, pieces, sections, or groups-- for closer examination. Classification deals with an assortment of things that share certain similarities. It categorizes these things systematically. Even though the interrelated processes of classification and division invariably occur together, they are two separate operations. Through classification and division, we can make sense of seemingly random ideas by putting scattered bits of information into useful, coherent order. By breaking a large group into smaller groups and assigning individual items to those groups, we can identify relationships between a whole and its parts and relationships among the parts themselves.

Building Block: Classification and Division Graphic Organizers Classification and Division Mode of Exposition

Prewriting: Principle of Classification An ordering principle is the special significance that you are looking for in the items, they way in which you perceive the universe of your subject. Determining and choosing the way(s) something can be classified becomes your principle of classification. It’s basically the common thread among your categories.

Classification Division Graphic Organizer

Classification Division Graphic Organizer

Classification Division Graphic Organizer Hogwarts Student Gryffindor Ravenclaw Hufflepuff Slytherin Gryffindor Tower Ravenclaw Tower Near the kitchens dungeons Lion Raven Badger Blue/ Bronze Snake Red/Gold Yellow/Black Green/ Silver Godric Gryffindor Rowena Ravenclaw Helga Hufflepuff Salazar Slytherin

Organizational Strategies Classification and Division Mode of Exposition

Classification and Division Outline Category #1 Detail #1 Detail #2 Detail #3 Category #2 Category #3

Classification and Division Outline Principle of Classification: Styles of Parenting Group #1 Group #2 Group #3 The Permissive Parents The Helicopter Parents The Tiger Mom Traits of Groups Democratic Friendly Hovering Overprotective Very involved Strict High expectations Controlling Evaluation

Thesis Statements, Topic Sentences, and Transitions Classification and Division Mode of Exposition

Classification and Division Thesis Statements Thesis statements in classification and division essays should: Introduce the groups discussed and establish their value Show the relationships of the groups to one another (and possibly the subject as a whole)

Classification and Division Thesis Statement “Puritan authors like William Bradford and Mary Rowlandson and Colonial authors like John Smith characterize Native Americans in a largely negative manner. This unfair set of general and negative characterizations that Native Americans are grouped into continues to affect their culture.

Classification and Division Thesis Statements Depending on the purpose of the essay, topic sentences in Classification and Division essays should: Be derived from the thesis statement Identify the group/single topic to be discussed (division) Identify the examples to be discussed (classification) Contain the central argument Be comprised of the writer’s opinion Contain appropriate transitional language

Classification and Division Transitions Sequence Transitions In addition to Not only . . . but also One . . . another Besides Subsequently Furthermore Moreover Indeed Example Transitions In fact In particular Specifically Including Notably Namely

Sample: Classification and Division Paragraph

Classification and Division Mode of Exposition Writing Prompts Classification and Division Mode of Exposition

Classification and Division Prompts Consider the purpose behind the task: Will students strive mainly to inform or to analyze? Consider the principle for classification: Is the quality that items have in common clear and worth discussing? Consider the groups for classification: Are groups provided for students? Are groups consistent (on the same level) and distinct?

Classification and Division Prompts: 11th grade Literary American transcendentalism has been called a “goulash of world religions and philosophies.” Identify three major philosophical viewpoints of transcendentalism, examining their relationship to the whole (Pogreba). Non-Literary Write a paper examining different career options that you have considered. Classify and divide them in terms of their financial potential, educational requirements, and personal fulfillment (Pogreba). The internet is a wealth of information, filled with various search engines. Write a classification essay focusing on at least three search engines of your choice.