1. STRUCTURES: Division with Exemplification
ENGL 1301
Dr. R. Ramos
Revised 10/29/2014

2. OVERVIEW
DEFINITION
Division answers the question “What are its characteristics?” It explains one person, place, or thing (also known as one subject) by dividing it into its three or more key characteristics, one characteristic per body paragraph. The body paragraphs are organized by emphatic (that is, importance) order, from least to most important characteristic or from most to least important.
Another name for Division is Analysis. Under that name, this essay type is the most common essay you’ll find in college classes and in office workplace situations.
THESIS
In a Division essay, thesis = ONE subject + overall opinion of that subject + at least THREE key characteristics.

3. Body Paragraph Structure
Intro with Thesis: overall opinion of the subject and its key characteristics
Body or Section 1: Characteristic 1 – illustrate with one or more descriptive examples
Body or Section 2: Characteristic 2 – illustrate with one or more descriptive examples
Body or Section 3: Characteristic 3 – illustrate with one or more descriptive examples
Conclusion: Restate Thesis; other comments; end with a strong concluding statement

4. Supporting Details Exemplification:
Depending on how personal or impersonal your subject is, your descriptive examples can be personal experiences, facts, statistics, or quotes from witnesses and experts. Whatever your examples are, make sure that they are 1) specific, 2) concrete, and 3) relevant.
Note: Avoid using the pronoun “you” in the Body paragraphs. In less- personal essays, avoid using “I” as well – in those cases, find a substitute person to stand in for you.