1. The Classification Essay
Strategies for Writing Responses to “What Kind of?” Essays

2. Classification = Division
Writing a classification essay means dividing members of a group.
The members in a class must share similar characteristics
When classifying, you need a principle of classification.

3. The Basis of Division
For example, we can divide the category “cell phones” into the following:
Sizes
Small sized cell phones
Average sized cell phones
Large sized cell phones

4. Don’t Mix Principles!
It’s confusing to have overlapping bases for classification.
For example, if you’re characterizing cell phones by size, don’t include classes such as “expensive” or “nice looking.”
Stay within the three categories you are classifying!

5. Find the out-of-place item
Autos: SUV, pickup, economy
Transport: land, train, air, water
Rivers: dangerous, short, wide
Drugs: uppers, illegal, downers
Colleges: private, famous, public
Courses: year-long, half-term, math
Housing: rooms, cheap, apartments

6. Types of Classification
Two of the most common types of classification are
By degree, from lower to higher
By chronology, in time periods

7. Classifying by Degree
To classify on the basis of degree means to judge value.
Good (C grades are good)
Better (B grades are better)
Best (A grades are best)

8. Classifying by Degree
Another way to classify on the basis of degree would be as follows:
Small (small size cars)
Medium (medium size cars)
Large (large size cars)

9. Classifying by Degree
An example of how to classify cell phones based on degree:
Good (Motorola)
Better (Sony)
Best (Nokia)

10. Classifying by Degree
Another example of how to classify cell phones based on degree:
Cheap (Cell phones without camera)
Affordable (Cell phones with camera)
Expensive (Cell phones with camera & MP3 Player)

11. Dividing by Chronology
You also can write classifications by time periods
For example, history can be divided as
Ancient
Middle Ages
Modern

12. Dividing by Chronology
Another example of classification by time period:
Past (past forms of travel)
Present (present forms of travel)
Future (future forms of travel)

13. Complete the Categories
When you’re classifying, don’t leave anyone or anything out.
Look for obvious missing elements.
Say the writing prompt is “What kind of students are there in your math class?”
You answer: “Fast and slow learners.”
But what about the average learners?
After all, you need three categories!

14. Variations within a class
Rarely will everyone or everything fit in perfectly in your categories.
Then admit that there are variations and complications in the categories.
Although all cell phones could be classified as being cheap or expensive, you must still find a middle point such as “affordable” cell phones.

15. Use Parallel Construction
Organize your thesis statement with parallelism:
“Most people respond in one of three ways: eagerly, indifferently, or reluctantly.”
Notice that each categorical word is in the same grammar form: adverbs.
Don’t mix and match the terminology!

16. Types in Classification
What kind of classification is this?
“Teachers can be classified in three different ways; conservatively, fashionably, or casually.”
The teachers here can be classified according to _______________?

17. Types in Classification
What kind of classification is this?
“Cell Phones can be classified in three different ways; cheap, affordable, or expensive.”
The cell phones here can be classified according to _______________?