1. Classification and Division
Mode of Exposition Presentation

2. 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).

3. 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

4. Classification and Division
Mode of Exposition

5. 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.

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

7. 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.

8. Classification Division Graphic Organizer

9. Classification Division Graphic Organizer

10. 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

11. Organizational Strategies
Classification and Division Mode of Exposition

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

13. 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

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

15. 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)

16. 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.

17. 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

18. 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

19. Sample: Classification and Division Paragraph

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

21. 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?

22. 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.