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Classification Essay Guide

This guide takes a closer look at classification and division essays ; what’s more, it helps distinguish the difference between classification and division, as it is often bundled into one entity because “classifying” is “dividing” into categories, groups, or types by a certain principle. 

First, let’s define the terms separately since a pure classification essay can be a bit different from a pure division essay in methods and purposes that should be taken into account during writing.

What is a Classification Essay?

A classification essay is a paper that focuses on different items that have something in common. The essay intends to group tangible or intangible things, break them down into categories, classify them, and inform the readers about this classification. This essay type is valuable in that it helps the writer gather things that share some characteristics and examine how the whole relates to parts and vice versa.

Vocabulary definition of “classify”: arrange (a group of people or things) in classes or categories according to shared qualities or characteristics.

What is a Division Essay?

A division essay deals with one item and divides it into smaller parts it’s composed of. This type is somewhat similar to a process essay , which describes how something is done step-by-step. However, a division paper examines a single unit by separating it into smaller components and making it easier to understand.

Vocabulary definition of “divide”: separate or be separated into parts.

Classification vs. Division

The main difference between classification and division is that while the former works with different items that have something in common, the latter type is confined to just one piece.

For example, were you to write a classification essay about friends, you would point out several types of friends there are according to a single principle you choose, such as, for instance, how well you know a person or what type of things you can discuss with them, etc. Division, in turn, would explore the concept of being a friend in a broader scope by diving it into things that make a person someone’s friend. 

Signal Vocabulary to Use

There are certain phrases and words that tell the reader about the sorting and grouping nature of the paper and contribute to its coherence. Check the following lists to see what vocabulary to use when writing a classification essay.

Nouns: kind, type, sub-type, sub-class, category, part, group, basis, criterion, feature, order.

Verbs: divide, categorize, classify, fall under, belong, fit, relate, associate, group, arrange, distinguish, subdivide, put into.

8 Steps to Writing a Classification Essay

With a practical approach, you can compose a classification paper in a timely manner. The next eight fundamental steps will show you how to write a classification essay, tackle all the requirements, and, as a result, score high. 

1. Pick a topic (might be optional)

Your teacher decides whether to provide a list of topics to pick or assign students the exact topic. For that reason, make sure to clarify that in advance. Your educator can also let you come up with your own topic and write a classification essay based on it. Provided below are several exemplary prompts.

Assignment Prompt Examples 

• Multiple study habits and mnemonics can improve students’ learning sessions and thus boost their average grades. Classify these habits into distinct types.
• Smoking is a detrimental habit, which has, thankfully, been dropping in the U.S. gradually over the years. Write a classification essay about ways to quit smoking.
• Fashion is a broad field that touches upon various aspects. Using a classification structure, create clear yet different categories related to fashion.
• We spend lots of time scrolling feeds, chatting with friends, and interacting with various posts. Social media platforms play a crucial role in our lives. Classify these platforms into categories.

Download a Classification Essay Assignment Sheet Example

Examples of things to classify

Classification essays can work with most concepts. You can choose to classify any of the following examples of things or think of something else. There are also three essay examples linked in the list below.

• Cell phones
• Dance styles
• Relationships
• Restaurants
• Social media
• Study habits
• Video games

260 Unique Classification Essay Ideas – take a look at a huge list of categorized classification topics.

2. Decide on categories and purpose

Suppose you have come up with the topic and are ready to kick off the essay writing process . What are your next steps? Before writing, it is necessary to determine what you plan to reveal within your paper. 

In other words, defining the purpose of your writing, along with the categories, would be your first task. While there shouldn’t be any problems with the purpose (ask yourself why you think this specific group of items needs to be classified), deciding on particular categories might be tricky. The following section will help you complete this task.

Choose a single classification basis 

Choosing a single classification basis is essential because it establishes the direction your classification essay will go. The paper must be meaningful and organize things logically. You must deliver some message and make sure the included information A) makes sense and B) is valuable to the readers . 

For instance, let’s assume your task is to classify homework. In that case, you can organize things differently, for instance, by the deadline, subject, complexity level, type of assignments, form, etc. Importantly, remember to make different categories mutually exclusive. 

Besides, avoid jumping from classes, mainly if they don’t pertain to the items. Leave some space for exceptions and/or exclusions; there are many categories, so don’t limit your classification essay by two or three widely accepted options.

3. Develop a thesis statement

Once you have a clear purpose, categories, as well as a single classification basis, you can begin writing a classification essay. Your thesis statement should indicate the object of your essay (what you categorize), the categories of your classification, and the principle you chose. 

Thesis statement examples

The following are a few examples to show you what a strong thesis looks like:

• Professional hikers point out three types of hiking when exploring the mountains based on their difficulty: intense, semi-challenging, and picturesque.
• Students often classify lectures into three types, depending on the level of excitement: monotonous, acceptable, and fascinating.
• Based on the education methods employed, teachers usually fall into one of three categories: explainers, involvers, and enablers.

4. Create an outline (optional but recommended)

An outline is typically an optional element for a classification essay task. Teachers rarely ask students to attach outlines to their papers. However, it doesn’t mean that outlines aren’t helpful. As a matter of fact, they are a convenient tool that helps you structure the easy better. Here is an example of a simple yet effective outline.

Outline example

Topic: Classifying street food in Mexico.

• Then, slowly whittling down the dishes and focusing more on the notion of street food.
• Writing a thesis statement with clear categories– Street food in Mexico can be divided into groups based on the ingredients used: corn, avocado, and jalapeno.
• 1st paragraph: A topic sentence about the historical significance of corn in Mexican lands. 
• Example of street food that contains corn 
• Explaining why corn is used and how it fits the dish
• Conclusion with transition
• Example of street food that is served with avocado (the second category)
• Explaining why avocado is added and how it underscores the meal’s taste
• Example of street food that includes the third category – jalapeno
• Explaining why jalapeno is served and how it enhances the flavor
• Reinforcement of the main points alongside the categories– Mexican street food usually includes corn, avocado, and jalapeno. 
• Remind the audience of key thoughts stated within the body and move toward the end.
• The last sentence might include recommendations on which street food the audience is encouraged to try.

Here’s a fillable outline template in PDF for a short classification essay – Download .

Deciding on the order of your categories

It would be reasonable to decide on the order of your categories before writing the classification essay. Depending on the topic, the order of objects may vary and be either chronological, logical, or emphatic (importance). Try using the one you think pertains to the context the most. For example, if your group of elements has historical value and is scattered in time, opting for chronological order would be a good option.

5. Write the introduction

The best way to write an efficient introduction is to start broad and narrow down the content before including a thesis statement. Make sure your introduction has:

• Hook (opening sentence, can be optional)
• Background information

How to Start an Essay – here’s our separate guide on writing introductions (with examples).

The introduction of a classification essay must establish several things:

• What things you are classifying
• Why you are classifying them, and
• What classification principle you use

6. Write the body paragraphs

Body paragraphs in a classification essay don’t differ from other paper types. A body paragraph comprises a topic sentence, focuses on a single point (a category in this case) from your thesis, provides supportive evidence, and gives examples.

Plus, it must have a brief wrap-up and smoothly move to the next section with a transition. Remember to use specific vocabulary and phrases to increase the paper’s quality.

In classification essays, each body paragraph usually starts with the introduction of one of the categories of your classification. For division essays, it would be one of the parts of the whole.

Each category should be accompanied by its characteristics and traits backed up by solid examples.

7. Write the conclusion

The conclusion’s primary purpose is to end a classification essay properly, encapsulating the information you’ve provided in the previous sections. Notably, a conclusion can begin by rephrasing your thesis and providing major points described in the body. You can conclude a classification essay with a question, recommendation, or implication. Regardless of your choice, ensure it doesn’t include any additional information or new categories.

How to End an Essay – you can read our full article on writing conclusions here (with examples).

8. Revise and edit

It’s best to take a step back upon writing the first draft and let your attention and productivity restore before editing the piece. The editing process requires approaching the classification essay from various angles, e.g., reviewing the categories, correcting spelling and punctuation errors, and polishing the content. The order of methods depends on your preferences. 

Seven questions to ask yourself when revising a classification essay

Asking questions is yet another practical way to ensure your classification essay meets the requirements and is coherent, comprehensive, and mistakes-free. Try asking questions related to different parts of this essay type. Here are some questions to pose when revising:

• Does my essay fall into a classification/division type, as was required?
• Are my categories mutually exclusive and include room for exceptions?
• Have I used the most appropriate order to arrange my categories?
• Does my thesis statement contain all three components, namely the subject, classification basis, and categories?
• Have I provided strong examples to highlight the significance of my chosen categories?
• Does the conclusion re-emphasize each category with a view to reminding the audience of the core statement and its significance?
• Have I paid equal attention to each category, or does any category look lacking compared to others?

References used

• Classification and Division Guidelines – Tidewater Community College
• Rhetorical Patterns – Classification/Division – Lincoln University
• Structuring a Division-and-Classification Essay (+ Sample) – IRSC

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Table of contents

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A classification essay is a type of academic essay that categorizes a topic into distinct groups based on shared characteristics or criteria. The writer's purpose is to create a clear organization of information. Classification should be logical, making it easier for readers to remember the information being presented.

Let us guess: your professor asked you to write a classification essay. But they didn't explain how to even write one, did they? They often drop students like that as a part of self-learning. That's exactly why you're here! Writing a classification essay requires research. And making sure you've got enough information, you must double check what you've already gathered. Besides, classifying may sound simple, but it takes discipline and logical thinking. Putting thoughts into words and all that… What a task! But we heard a little rumor that those who continue reading would master classification papers. It's time for you to see if this rumor is true!  

What Is a Classification Essay: Definition

Classification essay doesn’t want to hide its essence, considering its name. But the primary goal of this type of article is to classify. Now, what you want to rank is up to you or your professor. Your main goal is to select topics and later put them into categories. The primary purpose of this type of essay is to show your skills in categorisation and generalization. We can take food as a good and tasty example. For instance, apples and oranges belong to the fruit category, while cucumbers will definitely be vegetables. As for avocado, you have to do the research and classify this type of food. Nevertheless, you’ll definitely need to write one of those essays during your college. So to master academic and classification writing, keep reading!  

How to Write a Classification Essay

We will start by teaching you how to write a classification essay. In this case, preparation is our little saving grace. So before you begin the actual writing, typing, or scribbling, it’s a good idea to think about the overall essence of your article. For starters, here are several valuable tips worth remembering:

• Select a type of organization (you can use tables, documents, or anything that will help you in organizing your work).
• Choose your categories for classification.
• Make sure that each category is distinct and clear.
• Include different examples for visualization.

These several steps will be handy for writing a thesis and starting your introduction. Buy essay papers online once you want good results with as little time spent as possible.

Developing an Effective Classification Essay Thesis Statement

Like with other articles, the classification essay thesis is one of the most vital parts of your work. A good thing worth keeping in mind is that your thesis is the last statement of your introduction. It also determines whether your audience will continue reading your article. Here are several things you should follow to write a good thesis:

• Summarize your work.
• Identify your main topic, objective, or goal of your essay.
• Above all, make readers understand what point you’re making and what your paper is gonna be about.
• Mention the categories you have chosen.

If you can nail our list given above, congratulations, you’ve got yourself an outstanding thesis.

Classification Essay Outline

Creating a classification essay outline is one of the easiest ways to approach an excellent classification paper. It’s true that it requires a lot of research and remembering. You will not only have to write about a single subject but group topics into categories. In order to do it correctly and understandably for the reader, it’s best if you use an outline. First and foremost, your essay should follow a traditional five paragraph essay format structure. It should have a minimum of three paragraphs. But typically, professors prefer around five. So your introduction must initially include an introduction, several body paragraphs depending on the length of your article, and a conclusion. In your body paragraphs outline, it’s a good idea to describe the groups you will include in your article. So your first paragraph will group fruits according to their color, while the second one can use nutrition for a classification. This will help you to remember your points before writing.  

How to Start a Classification Essay: Introduction

Classification essay introduction is very similar to any other introduction you have probably written. You should never forget that you are writing for an audience. Doesn’t really matter if your reader is your professor or some person online. The rules of good writing apply to any kind of paper. The first thing worth doing is introducing your overall concept. There is no need to give all the information at once. Just start with something more general and narrow it down later to a thesis we’ve talked about. Make sure that you also include the relevant information. Using our previous metaphor, if you’re talking about fruits, maybe mentioning vegetables will not be a good idea. Besides, staying on one topic will help you to write more clearly. And that’s our final requirement for your introduction.  

Body Paragraphs of a Classification Essay

Classification essay's main body commonly has around 1-3 paragraphs. But don't forget to ask your professor about the length. The important thing to remember is that you are classifying items in your work. In order to achieve precise and successful organization, your body paragraphs must be concise. Each body paragraph should focus on a certain group. You're not making mashed potatoes. So stacking all of your ideas in one section would create a mess. Keep it simple in terms of structure:  

• Paragraph 1 — fruits organized by their color
• Paragraph 2 — fruits arranged by expert location
• Paragraph 3 — fruits ordered by size or shape

A simple and understandable organization will make your writing sharp. And your readers will definitely say thank you!

Classification Essay Conclusion

A classification essay conclusion is, just like always, crème de la crème of any article. At this point, your reader knows everything you were telling them. They know all your data, issues, and ideas. Thus, quickly summarizing what they’ve read in your body paragraphs will help a lot. But the last thing to do is organize your conclusion while leaving an impression. Now, their impressions can be different. However, your readers must think about your work for at least some time. So your conclusion must end with something intriguing like the possible future of your topic or piece of mind for the readers. Just don’t include any new information, and you’ll do fantastically!  

Classification Essay Writing: Useful Tips

Even with our help, classification essay writing is challenging. So we prepared for you several good tips that will help you improve and ease your academic life. Check them out:  

• Define the purpose of the article before you start writing.
• Avoid popular and often used topics.
• Write down a number of topics before picking one. (We have a list of classification essay topics at your disposal.)
• Choose a subject that will be personally interesting for you.
• Remember that you are also writing for someone else who might not know everything about your topic.
• Edit and proofread your work.
• Take a break from writing once in a while and come back with a fresh mind and new look.
• Don’t try writing about everything simultaneously. Instead, focus on one category and lead with it.

With these steps, we can definitely say that you’re ready.

Classification Essay Examples

How could we leave you without classification essay samples? You’re right; we couldn’t. Check out this example. Keep in mind that our examples always have characteristics that we talked about. So you can read the sample and return back for this article or do some revision. It will help you a lot. What are you waiting for? You can find the example right here. Or simply buy essay for college to avoid any hard work this evening. 

Classification Essay: Bottom Line

Who knew that  writing a classification essay  wasn’t that hard? We did, and now you know that, too. You have everything it takes to create an excellent paper. You know that:  

• Your thesis is the most essential part of the essay.
• The introduction must contain general information on the subject.
• Body paragraphs must be carefully organized.
• A conclusion should leave an impression without including new information.

But if you’re still looking for proficient help, our academic writing services got you covered. Our writers do excellent research before writing a paper and deliver high-quality results. We are also proud of our timely delivery of the papers.

FAQ about Classification Essays

1. what is the purpose of a classification essay.

The purpose of a classification essay is to organize and classify. In the beginning, you have several unique items. They indeed have some things in common. So your job is to identify in what categories they fit best. After doing the research and careful learning, you must put everything you have gathered into words. But still, keep in mind that the second purpose is to make your essay and classification clear to the reader.

2. How long is a classification essay?

There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to classification essay length. Everything will depend on the guidelines. Usually, such articles are 3 to 5 paragraphs long. Their minimum is always an introduction, one body paragraph, and conclusion. However, professors definitely enjoy 5 paragraphs as a standard length. But you always need to remember that the essay should be long enough to provide necessary information for the reader. Or it must be short enough not to drag it out.

3. What is the difference between a division and classification essay?

Division and classification essays are only slightly different. The items you choose for classification essays must belong to strict and certain categories. They cannot overlap or belong to two different groups. On the other hand, division essays allow the subjects to move from one group to another. They might be divided into different groups or categories and thus overlap.

4. What are different types of classification?

There are several types of classification. Depending on the particular topic, you can choose a specific type that fits the best. Here’s what you can choose from:

• Spatial classification (location, place and so on).
• Chronological (you must take time and dates into consideration).
• Classification by attributes (qualitative).
• Classification by size (quantitative with numbers and statistics).

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Common Essay Structures / Patterns of Development

Classification and division.

Classification and Division asks you to break something down into its component parts, offering an insight or analysis into the thing you’re breaking down.  You actually use classification and division thinking a lot, perhaps without realizing it (e.g., different personality types of the people you know, different types of cars, different types of activities for your children, etc.).

In college writing, in addition to grouping and classifying, you’re also asked to make a point about the groupings that offers an analytical insight (e.g., Of all the sixteen personality types that Myers-Briggs identify, the ___ type is the best to hire in a ___ type of job, for a number of reasons.)  Your point – your main idea, angle, assertion – should be complex enough for you to develop creatively.  Division and classification thought is a way of organizing and dealing with complex and/or abundant information in order to provide additional understanding.

Essays using a classification and division pattern have topic sentences and units of support for each group or class.  The topic sentences themselves should have angles that relate back to the main angle in the thesis.

View the following video for a clear definition and multiple basic examples of the concepts of division and classification. (Note that you will be expected to apply the concepts of division and classification to more complex concepts for college essays.)

View the following video for a further explanation of classification and division pattern in essay writing.

Here’s a graphic organizer for the Classification and Division pattern.

Classification and Division in Action:

Make sure to read sample Classification and Division essays in the Sample Essays section of this text.

• Classification and Division. Authored by : Susan Oaks. Provided by : Empire State College, SUNY OER Services. Project : College Writing. License : CC BY-NC: Attribution-NonCommercial
• image of fruit divided and organized into boxes. Authored by : shnomoe. Provided by : Pixabay. Located at : https://pixabay.com/en/farmers-market-berries-fruit-1311017/ . License : CC0: No Rights Reserved
• video Division and Classification. Authored by : Clay Rooks. Provided by : City College. Located at : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DRPwPeOxWY . License : Other . License Terms : Standard YouTube License
• video Classification Essay or Paragraph. Authored by : Shaun Macleod. Provided by : Smrt English. Located at : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wm3ObvB0mLE . License : Other . License Terms : Standard YouTube License

How to Write a Classification Essay?

17 July, 2020

8 minutes read

Author:  Elizabeth Brown

Classification essay is comparable to painting creation - an artist works on a specific structure that holds the picture’s elements together and glues different layers to create a powerful visual effect. The same principle applies to a writing piece, in which the central role is devoted to getting things in order. In this article, we’ll discuss the main features and components of a great classification essay and share some tips and tricks on how to take your piece of writing to the next level.

Classification essay definition

We bet the first thing you want to know concerning the topic is what is a classification essay? This is the task which you’ll most likely deal with at some point in your student life. The essence of this assignment is related to categorization and generalization. Remember these two words because they form the true meaning of classification essay. Also, division and classification are those elements of this essay type which highly correlate and have equal importance for essay creation. Therefore, the main task here is to organize or sort things into categories.

How to write a classification essay 

Careful attention to planning marks the indication of quality in terms of classification essay. At this point, the main task is to learn how to structure the paper. The length of an article may vary, but the most frequently used “five paragraphs” method is typically applied for classification writing. What does this structure suggest? It has to do with a logical division of your essay into blocks and categories, every one of which should clarify a particular issue.

The first and one of the essential paragraphs is the introductory one. It’s an opening which illuminates the matter you’re going to discuss and the subject you’ll categorize. Besides, you can outline the purpose of your classification essay to readers to bring more clarity into the discussion. Answer the question of why you are categorizing the chosen items and what criteria you use for each of them. Then, you’ll need to close the introduction paragraph with a thesis. It will briefly sum up the objective of your classification and division essay, and identify the categories which you’ll be using for a paper.

The second part is the essay body. Here, a couple of paragraphs are applicable, preferably 3 and more. The most critical nuance you should remember while composing a body is that each paragraph will deal with a separate category. The best way to organize the central part of your division essay is to explain the criteria for each category and desirably, discuss strengths and weaknesses. More importantly, you should include examples that’ll back up your statements with a piece of evidence. Notably, there should be an equal amount of examples for every category to spread the evidence evenly. If your paragraphs in the main body are lengthy, you can also divide them into shorter ones to create a smooth transition between the blocks of text and improve readability.

The final paragraph of your classification essay is a conclusion. The closing statements will sum up the different categories highlighted in the body. Also, it’s advisable to restate each category and advise readers on the subject matter. However, if you choose to recommend this or that topic over the others, don’t forget to state the reason for your stance. This way, readers will take into account your well-grounded explanation, which is deprived of subjectivity, and make relevant conclusions for themselves.

Apart from the basic understanding of classification essay structure , you should also get prepared for the writing process. For many, implementing theory on practice is even more challenging than the stage of composing an essay. Nonetheless, with enough patience and endurance, this process is really not so bad after all. So, what steps do you need to make in order to prepare well for classification paper writing?

First things first, planning is everything when it comes to the assignment that implies classification. Without a clear and coherent plan, there’s no way you can write a good paper. Therefore, make sure that you have a robust scheme before writing your essay. For this, proceed with the following planning steps:

• Generate Ideas. Evidently, your essay won’t write itself. If your professor has not assigned you a specific topic, it’s time to do some brainstorming. Remember – you need to choose a group of people, things, or ideas that can be easily divided into categories and then compared.
• Choose Your Classification Method. Aim at one principle for classification for each category you describe. For example, if you write about people, you can categorize them by age, gender, appearance, or other factors. This will help you better structure your essay and make it look more organized in the eyes of readers.
• Create a Thesis Statement. As previously mentioned, the thesis statement is the element which closes the introduction of your classification essay. It should include such information as the subject matter, the categories, and the criteria used to classify each category. Besides, you can note down the purpose of your division into these categories.

Classification essay outline

The outline is a general description or plan that schematically displays the main points of your essay. The main point of an outline is to help you see the structure of your essay and use it as a useful guide for writing. Usually, a typical outline describes the essence of each point in one sentence. Also, bullet points are not uncommon, so you can use them to arrange a plan the way you feel is the most appropriate.

Classification essay topics

There is a plethora of themes and subjects for division classification essays to choose from, but most of them are hard to think of straight away. That’s why we’ve collected the list of the top used classification topics for you to facilitate the process of generating ideas or searching for ones elsewhere.

• The most popular devices students use nowadays
• Colors and their meaning in the paintings of Frida Kahlo
• The evolution of rock-music types
• Standard methods students use to prepare for exams
• Public speakers that have moved the world  
• Unique factors to determine a successful relationship  
• How to improve child-parent relationships
• Main motives to start a political career
• Learning techniques for college students
• Types of TV comedy shows
• Traveling destinations
• The main types of mobile applications
• Communication possibilities online
• Strategies for making decisions in business
• Leadership and leader types
• Conflicts at the job and ways to cope with them
• The motivation for doing sports
• Methods to reduce stress

No matter which theme you choose for your classification essay and what techniques you implement to make them elaborated, remember always to keep the structure in mind. The first step to writing this type of assignment is not just sitting and jotting down detached ideas, but planning out clear statements which can later be transmitted on paper. Hopefully, our advice will help you on the way to writing an excellent classification essay which your professor will mark with an A+ grade.

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10.4 Classification

Learning objectives.

• Determine the purpose and structure of the classification essay.
• Understand how to write a classification essay.

The Purpose of Classification in Writing

The purpose of classification is to break down broad subjects into smaller, more manageable, more specific parts. We classify things in our daily lives all the time, often without even thinking about it. Cell phones, for example, have now become part of a broad category. They can be classified as feature phones, media phones, and smartphones.

Smaller categories, and the way in which these categories are created, help us make sense of the world. Keep both of these elements in mind when writing a classification essay.

Choose topics that you know well when writing classification essays. The more you know about a topic, the more you can break it into smaller, more interesting parts. Adding interest and insight will enhance your classification essays.

On a separate sheet of paper, break the following categories into smaller classifications.

• The United States
• Colleges and universities

The Structure of a Classification Essay

The classification essay opens with an introductory paragraph that introduces the broader topic. The thesis should then explain how that topic is divided into subgroups and why. Take the following introductory paragraph, for example:

When people think of New York, they often think of only New York City. But New York is actually a diverse state with a full range of activities to do, sights to see, and cultures to explore. In order to better understand the diversity of New York state, it is helpful to break it into these five separate regions: Long Island, New York City, Western New York, Central New York, and Northern New York.

The underlined thesis explains not only the category and subcategory but also the rationale for breaking it into those categories. Through this classification essay, the writer hopes to show his or her readers a different way of considering the state.

Each body paragraph of a classification essay is dedicated to fully illustrating each of the subcategories. In the previous example, then, each region of New York would have its own paragraph.

The conclusion should bring all the categories and subcategories back together again to show the reader the big picture. In the previous example, the conclusion might explain how the various sights and activities of each region of New York add to its diversity and complexity.

To avoid settling for an overly simplistic classification, make sure you break down any given topic at least three different ways. This will help you think outside the box and perhaps even learn something entirely new about a subject.

Using your classifications from Note 10.43 “Exercise 1” , write a brief paragraph explaining why you chose to organize each main category in the way that you did.

Writing a Classification Essay

Start with an engaging opening that will adequately introduce the general topic that you will be dividing into smaller subcategories. Your thesis should come at the end of your introduction. It should include the topic, your subtopics, and the reason you are choosing to break down the topic in the way that you are. Use the following classification thesis equation:

topic + subtopics + rationale for the subtopics = thesis.

The organizing strategy of a classification essay is dictated by the initial topic and the subsequent subtopics. Each body paragraph is dedicated to fully illustrating each of the subtopics. In a way, coming up with a strong topic pays double rewards in a classification essay. Not only do you have a good topic, but you also have a solid organizational structure within which to write.

Be sure you use strong details and explanations for each subcategory paragraph that help explain and support your thesis. Also, be sure to give examples to illustrate your points. Finally, write a conclusion that links all the subgroups together again. The conclusion should successfully wrap up your essay by connecting it to your topic initially discussed in the introduction. See Chapter 15 “Readings: Examples of Essays” to read a sample classification essay.

Building on Note 10.43 “Exercise 1” and Note 10.46 “Exercise 2” , write a five-paragraph classification essay about one of the four original topics. In your thesis, make sure to include the topic, subtopics, and rationale for your breakdown. And make sure that your essay is organized into paragraphs that each describes a subtopic.

Key Takeaways

• The purpose of classification is to break a subject into smaller, more manageable, more specific parts.
• Smaller subcategories help us make sense of the world, and the way in which these subcategories are created also helps us make sense of the world.
• A classification essay is organized by its subcategories.

Writing for Success Copyright © 2015 by University of Minnesota is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

Macdonald DeWitt Library at SUNY Ulster

Eng 101 oer: classification.

• Reading to Write
• Why We Write
• Rhetorical Context
• Brainstorming
• Proofreading & Editing
• Paragraph Development
• Thesis Statements
• Introductions
• Conclusions
• Transitions & Phrases
• Peer Reviews
• Exemplification
• Classification
• Cause/Effect
• Grammar Resources

Learning Objectives

• Determine the purpose and structure of the classification essay.
• Understand how to write a classification essay.

The Purpose of Dividing & Classifying

The purpose of  classification  is to break down broad subjects into smaller, more manageable, more specific parts. We classify things in our daily lives all the time, often without even thinking about it. Cell phones, for example, have now become part of a broad category. They can be classified as feature phones, media phones, and smartphones.

Smaller categories, and the way in which these categories are created, help us make sense of the world. Keep both of these elements in mind when writing a classification essay.

The Structure of a Division/Classification Essay

The classification essay opens with an introductory paragraph that introduces the broader topic. The thesis should then explain how that topic is divided into subgroups and why. Take the following introductory paragraph, for example:

When people think of New York, they often think of only New York City. But New York is

actually a diverse state with a full range of activities to do, sights to see, and cultures to

explore.  In order to better understand the diversity of New York state, it is helpful to

break it into these five separate regions: Long Island, New York City, Western New York,

Central New York, and Northern New York.

The thesis explains not only the category and subcategory but also the rationale for breaking it into those categories. Through this classification essay, the writer hopes to show his or her readers a different way of considering the state.

Each body paragraph of a classification essay is dedicated to fully illustrating each of the subcategories. In the previous example, then, each region of New York would have its own paragraph.

The conclusion should bring all the categories and subcategories back together again to show the reader the big picture. In the previous example, the conclusion might explain how the various sights and activities of each region of New York add to its diversity and complexity.

Writing a Division/Classification Essay

Start with an engaging opening that will adequately introduce the general topic that you will be dividing into smaller subcategories. Your thesis should come at the end of your introduction. It should include the topic, your subtopics, and the reason you are choosing to break down the topic in the way that you are. Use the following classification thesis equation:

topic + subtopics + rationale for the subtopics = thesis.

The organizing strategy of a classification essay is dictated by the initial topic and the subsequent subtopics. Each body paragraph is dedicated to fully illustrating each of the subtopics. In a way, coming up with a strong topic pays double rewards in a classification essay. Not only do you have a good topic, but you also have a solid organizational structure within which to write.

Be sure you use strong details and explanations for each subcategory paragraph that help explain and support your thesis. Also, be sure to give examples to illustrate your points. Finally, write a conclusion that links all the subgroups together again. The conclusion should successfully wrap up your essay by connecting it to your topic initially discussed in the introduction. 

Classification Essays

Amy Tan describes relationship with her heritage, her mother, and her languages in  Mother Tongue :

• http://www.scribd.com/doc/13297165/Mother-Tongue-By-Amy-Tan-I-Am-Not-A
• http://learning.swc.hccs.edu/members/donna.gordon/sum-2010-engl-1301-5-wk-crn-33454/1301-reading-block-crn-33454/Tan_Mother%20Tongue.pdf
• http://teachers.sduhsd.k12.ca.us/mcunningham/grapes/mother%20tounge.pdf

Jonathan Koppell discusses anonymity, your name, and how the Internet has changed in  On the Internet, There’s No Place to Hide :

• http://www.newamerica.net/publications/articles/2000/on_the_internet_theres_no_place_to_hide

Student Sample Essay

Types of Higher Education Programs

Today’s students have many choices when it comes to pursuing a degree: four-year programs, two-year programs, large or small classroom settings, and even daytime or evening classes. With all the different options to consider, potential students should learn about the different types of colleges so they can find a school that best fits their personality, budget, and educational goals.

One type of higher education program for students to consider is a liberal arts college. These schools tend to be small in size and offer a range of undergraduate degrees in subjects like English, history, psychology, and education. Students may choose a liberal arts college if they want a more intimate classroom setting rather than large lecture-style classes. Students may also consider a liberal arts college if they want to gain knowledge from a variety of disciplines, rather than focus on a single area of study. Many liberal arts schools are privately owned, and some have religious affiliations. Liberal arts schools can come with a hefty price tag, and their high cost presents an obstacle for students on a tight budget; moreover, while some students might appreciate a liberal arts school’s intimate atmosphere, others might encounter a lack of diversity in the student body. Still, students seeking a well-rounded education in the humanities will find liberal arts colleges to be one option.

Universities, another type of higher education program, offer both undergraduate and graduate degrees. Usually universities are larger than colleges and can accommodate tens of thousands of students in many different majors and areas of study. A large student body means that class sizes are often larger, and some classes may be taught by graduate students rather than professors. Students will feel at home at a university if they want a focused academic program and state-of-the-art research facilities. While some universities are private, many are public, which means they receive funding from the government, so tuition is more affordable and some even offer discounted in-state tuition for state residents. Also, universities attract many international students, so those looking for a variety of campus cultural groups and clubs will appreciate a greater sense of diversity among the student body. Universities can be overwhelming for some, but they are the right fit for students who seek research opportunities and academic studies, especially in the fields of mathematics and science.

Community college is a type of higher education program popular with students on a limited budget who want to take college courses but may not know what they want to major in. Most schools offer degrees after two years of study, usually an associate’s degree that prepares students to enter the work force; many students choose to study at a community college for two years and then transfer to a four-year college to complete their undergraduate degree. Like liberal arts schools, classes are small and allow instructors to pay more attention to their students. Community college allows students to live at home rather than in a dormitory, which also keeps costs down. While some young people might not like the idea of living at home for school, many adults choose to attend community college so they can advance their education while working and living with their families.

Online universities are another type of higher education program that are gaining popularity as technology improves. These schools offer many of the same degree programs as traditional liberal arts colleges and universities. Unlike traditional programs, which require students to attend classes and lectures, online universities offer greater academic flexibility and are a great option for students wishing to pursue a degree while still working full time. At online universities, students access course materials, such as video lectures and assessments, remotely using a personal computer and are able to speed up or slow down their progress to complete their degree at their own pace. Students may attend classes in the comfort of their own home or a local library, but students hoping for the social community of higher education might not enjoy this aspect of higher education.

With so many colleges and universities to choose from, it may be difficult for a student to narrow down his or her selection, but once a student knows what he or she is looking for, the process may become much easier. It is very important for students to learn about the different types of higher education programs available before making their selections.

Key Takeaways

• The purpose of classification is to break a subject into smaller, more manageable, more specific parts.
• Smaller subcategories help us make sense of the world, and the way in which these subcategories are created also helps us make sense of the world.
• A classification essay is organized by its subcategories.

This is a derivative of  WRITING FOR SUCCESS  by a publisher who has requested that they and the original author not receive attribution, originally released and is used under CC BY-NC-SA. This work, unless otherwise expressly stated, is licensed under a  Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License .

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Classification Essay: Outline, Examples, & Topics

Classification essay is a type of academic paper that categorizes subjects into specific groups. The crucial element of this categorization is to explain the logic of creating this or that class.

Division is a part of your job when you write a classification essay. That is why we will analyze it as a part of a broader theme – classification. You can also use these words as synonyms when it comes to your paper. Let’s start!

• 🎯 Classification Essay 101
• 📝 Classification Essay Planning
• 📐 Classification & Division Essay Outline

🔎 Classification Essay Topics

• ✅ Classification & Division Essay Examples
• ✒️ Division & Classification Essay Tips

🎯 Classification Essay Explained

In this passage, we will discuss the main concepts that you will need later. Before we start outlining, let’s clarify the fundamental aspects.

Classification Essay. Definition

A classification essay organizes data into two or more categories. Each category should have its identifying traits. Categories also require examples that directly belong only to one of them.

Division and Classification Essay

Why division?

It is your first part of the task. You have to divide a complex issue into several components. That means breaking them down into smaller categories.

Why classification?

Then you have to combine these components to create sets. Each set should possess distinguishable characteristics and identifying traits.

Classification Essay. Goals

And here is what you should aim for when you write a classification essay:

• Divide broad subjects into more specific parts . Create drafts before you understand which classification is the best for your paper.
• Explain how the classification essay topic relates to subcategories and vice versa. Clarify the connection between broad topics and classes if it is not apparent.
• Identify the prominent traits of each category. Provide a clear division based on characteristics. One item cannot belong to two categories at once.
• Provide a logical order of the categories. You might start with the most important ones and finish with the least important or vice versa.
• Become proficient in your topic. You need to examine several sources of information before you decide which categorization suits your topic the best.

Classification Essay. Challenges

Each type of academic writing involves some pitfalls and challenges. Here is what you need to be aware of:

• You need to use only one principle of classification. It should be clear and specific. For example, color, size, shape, length, etc.
• Each category should be exclusive. An object from one class mustn’t possibly fall into another one.
• The categories need to include all the items that belong to the topic. It means that if you classify apples by color, “red” and “green” classes are not enough. There are also yellow apples that should be a separate category.

📝 Planning a Division and Classification Essay

A good classification essay starts with brainstorming ideas.

Better choose a topic that is familiar to you, something that interests you.

Use our free essay topic generator to get a unique topic!

Then, research to understand the general aspects. You don’t need to dig deep at this stage. The goal is to develop a basic understanding of your topic.

Divide your broad topic into three items. You might try different types of classification. This will help to choose the one pattern that will be the most appealing.

📐 Classification and Division Essay Outline

Usually, this type of essay consists of three parts: introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Now we will explain how to write a classification and division essay step by step.

Introduction of a Classification Essay

You should start it with an engaging sentence that will introduce the focus of your paper.

Introduction’s primary purpose is to clarify the topic and to identify why you have chosen it. This part also provides an overview of the subject and explains your classification method.

*Provide definitions if necessary.

Body Paragraphs of a Classification Essay

Each body paragraph describes one of the categories that you’ve mentioned in the introduction. You should organize them in the same order as in the thesis statement. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence describing the approach. Then provide your analysis and more details.

The order plays a significant role.

For example, you can start with the subtopics that you consider the most essential. Then make sure you finish with the least critical subtopics. You can also reverse this type of order or create your logic.

Conclusion of a Classification Essay

In this part, you have to summarize the results of your research. You can comment on each of the categories described in the main body. Emphasize the purpose of your classification. Restate your thesis and introduce your final thoughts on the issue. Analyze what you have learned and why your essay has this particular classification.

Make sure you matched the research goals that you’ve mentioned at the beginning. Remember that it is your last opportunity to introduce your thoughts.

Now let’s practice.

You can choose to write about hobbies, students, or friends. Just start writing – it will give you a general idea of the task. Further, you can prepare for more complicated topics.

Here is our selection of classification essay examples:

• Popular sports among young people in the United States.
• Anxiety Disorders: Types, Risk Factors, Diagnosis.
• Clinical and Anatomical Classification of Endometriosis.
• The ways to keep your body healthy without expenses.
• Agency Nurses as Ways of Addressing the Persistent Shortage of Nurses.
• Childhood Obesity: Classification, Implications, Causes.
• Types of domestic animals suitable for small apartments.
• Depression: Types, Symptoms and Treatment.
• Popular modern music genres in the United States.
• Eating Disorders: Statistics, Types and Treating.
• Ways of Information Validation from SQL Queries .
• Types of people who work in the creative industry.
• Income Statements, Their Types and Inventory.
• What kinds of youth subcultures exist in the United States?
• Price Discrimination: Types of Price Discrimination.
• Types of friends that people have in their lifetime.
• Types of Business Organizations.
• Signs of Eating Disorders: Types and Symptoms.
• Types of human emotions in critical situations.
• Behaviors of Economic Agents in Various Situations.
• Insomnia: Causes, Types, Treatment, Change in Social Behavior.
• The most popular hobby in the United States.
• Characteristics and Forms of Schizophrenia.
• Conflict Management. The Ways of Solving Conflicts.
• Types of diets and nutrition that are easy to follow.
• Congestive Heart Failure: Causes, Symptoms, Types, and Treatment.
• Types of Assets in the Balance Sheet.
• Types of informal education that you can obtain for free.
• Diabetes: Types, Symptoms, Diagnostics, Treatment.
• Do Men and Women Communicate Differently?
• The reasons why students study in particular universities.
• Drug Addiction: Classification and Consequences.
• Types and Aims of the Nursing Research .
• Types of career aspirations and ambitions among young adults.
• Eating Disorders: Types, Symptoms and Treatment.
• Leadership Dilemma: Ways of Solving.
• What role can friendship play in one’s life?
• E-Business Definition and Types.
• Types of relationships between parents and teenage children.
• Masculinity and Femininity as Different Cultures.
• Types of tourists in popular destinations.
• Long-Term Care, Its Role and Types.
• Classification of the best learning techniques for college students.
• Managed Care Techniques, Types, Impact, Benefits.
• Communicative Ways and Language Use.
• Sort of feminism activists in the United States.
• Research: What Is It, Steps, Types.
• Types of colleges for dancers around the world.
• Types of Advertising – Commercial and Political.
• Euthanasia: Types and Arguments For and Against.
• Strategies of budget optimization for families with low income.
• Two Ways of Combating Childhood Obesity.
• Types of sports teams’ fans on stadiums.
• Types of Thinking Styles.
• Sources of Motivation for Different People.
• Classification of modern dancing styles in the United States.
• Anxiety Disorder, Its Types, Causes, and Incidence.
• The Ways We Lie: Reasons and Mechanisms.
• Types of unsuccessful first dates and their consequences.
• Scholarly vs. Popular Sources for Medical Research.
• Classification of entertaining content on YouTube and TikTok.
• Electronic Health Record Types and Workflow.
• Types of people addicted to shopping on sales.
• Health Information Systems: Types and Usage.
• Critical Evaluation of Different Types of Performance Appraisals.

✅ Classification and Division Essay Examples

Now that you know everything on theoretical aspects, let’s move on and practice. We prepared some essay samples below.

You can use these examples as references or for inspiration.

Classification Essay about Friends

Socialization has always been a part of human life. Human interaction is the basis of education, career, and family. People might have many different friends during their lifetime. Some of them become close. Others disappear after you graduate or change your job. In this essay, friends will be divided into three categories by the types of communication. Friends who share the same space with you. These might be school friends, neighbors, or coworkers. You enjoy working in a team with them, and you always have things to discuss. However, you admit that you will stop communicating if you don’t see them often. You can spend your free time with them or interact in college or during working hours. They are closer than just acquaintances, but you will not likely open your soul to them. Childhood friends. These are the people who have known you for a long time. They share many memories with you. Since the time you’ve met, you might have developed different lifestyles. You don’t communicate so much these days, but you enjoy meeting them from time to time. Close friends. Such friends are the people with whom you can share anything. You can trust them with your life and vice versa. They probably know many of your secrets and are always ready to help. Close friends can be your support and source of motivation in the most complex situations. All the people that you choose to communicate with can become your friends. However, not many of them can become close friends. Often, time and distance separate people from each other even if they enjoy each other’s company.

Classification Essay about Movies

The movie industry deals with the most expensive form of art. Generally, a film is a story or event that you can watch in the cinema, television, or stream. Each movie has different age restrictions, length, budget, cast, and many other characteristics. In this essay, movies in the advisory section will be divided into three categories by rating. General or “G” rating means that everyone can watch this movie regardless of their age. Films of such a type are mild in impact. Parental guidance or “PG” rating implies that some parts of the content can be upsetting or confusing for children. It may be the language or themes covered in the movie. That is why they require the guidance of adults for children under the age of fifteen. Movies with PG ratings are primarily mild in impact. Mature or “M” movies are not recommended for children who are younger than fifteen. The films might content violence or parts that need a mature outlook. As this is an advisory category, children can still watch these movies. However, their parents, teachers, or guardians should legally give access to these movies in their care. Advisory categories are a helpful tool for choosing the right content for children and teenagers. As thousands of new movies are released every year, it is easier to navigate knowing the classification. Advisory categories for movies are created to guide people, not to implement strict rules. That is why it is instead a recommendation, not a restriction system.

Classification Essay on Music

Music is a part of everyone’s life regardless of age, race, tastes, and occupation. Music can also be a source of income for rappers, band players, and composers. In this essay, we will discuss different types of composers according to the industries they belong to. Classical composers create music for operas, concerts, stages, and jazz performances. They are employed by performing art centers, opera houses, or orchestras. Their primary source of income is commission. Film composers. This is one of the most competitive job markets in the music industry. They are hired to create film scores and typically work during individual film projects. This type of job requires long hours of work and dedication, and a flexible schedule. Usually, film composers receive the early versions of movies and start creating scores at the time. They work on their projects till the editing is finished, and every score has a suitable duration. Jingle writers create music for commercials. They can create background music for advertising campaigns and songs or tunes used as a part of brand identity for years. Jingle writers also develop music styles and set slogan words to music. It is also a well-paid job. Composers of this type can be hired to work for a particular bland or be freelancers. There is a wide variety of job opportunities for composers. They might work directly in the music industry or join film or advertising fields. Generally, the jobs are well paid but require long working hours. The job market is quite competitive too, so it means that composers have to work hard to be flexible to gain access to big projects.

Classification Essay on Sports

Sport is a great hobby. Millions of people worldwide choose it as a professional career or recreational activity. There are different kinds of sports, which means that every person can find one they enjoy. In this essay, sports will be divided into categories by the number of people involved. Individual sports are activities that don’t require the participation of more than one person. It is an excellent choice for a hobby because you don’t need to rely on other people. You can choose the time and place to exercise yourself. For example, gym, golf, running, and triathlon are individual sports. Partner sports or dual sports are the kinds of sports or games that need two people. And these two compete against each other. Besides physical skills, you need to analyze your opponent to get their strategies. Tennis, badminton, chess, and table tennis belong to this category. Team sports require at least two teams to compete against each other. It is an excellent choice for people who are good at cooperating with others. These sports are among the most popular ones that you can watch on television. They include basketball, volleyball, football, soccer, and hockey. All the sports listed above require a high level of discipline and proficiency. It is impossible to say that some of them are easier than others. However, the approaches to training might be different. Team sports need cooperation and mutual respect, while individual sports require more motivation.

✒️ How to Write a Division and Classification Essay

It’s time to get to work now. Make sure you follow these steps when you write your essay.

• Make a list of topics that you know a lot about. Your expertise will be a great help.
• Make a list of topics that you would like to research. Include the issues that are familiar to you, but you are interested in knowing them better.
• Choose a topic that falls into both categories. It will be a perfect match for your essay, especially your first division & classification paper.
• Research the topic and define several ways of division and classification.
• Choose the best way and create an outline for your essay. Evaluate.
• Write your first draft. You might write more than you need further.
• Check the requirements. Make sure you used the proper formatting style, didn’t exceed the word limit, and researched enough sources.
• Edit your paper. Exclude the parts which seem the weakest or unnecessary for the complete understanding.
• Proofread the text. Make sure that your grammar and spelling are perfect. There also might be some contextual mistakes that you overlooked.
• Get a second opinion. Check if a person who didn’t research this topic can understand everything you’ve written.

Follow all our tips and instructions, and you’ll hit the jackpot!

That’s it for today.

Let us know which part of the article was the most informative.

Good luck and happy writing 😊

What are the three classifications of essay?

There r not only 3 types of essay. i.e, chronical order, process, cause and effect, argumentative, persuasive, etc.

How to Develop and Organize a Classification Essay

Basic Approaches to Drafting a Five-Paragraph Essay

• Writing Essays
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• English Grammar
• Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia
• M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester
• B.A., English, State University of New York

Classification is a method of developing an essay by arranging people, objects, or ideas with shared characteristics into particular classes or groups. After you have settled on a topic for a classification essay * and explored it through various prewriting strategies, you should be ready to attempt a first draft . Here is how to develop and organize a five-paragraph classification essay .

Introductory Paragraph

In your introduction , clearly identify your subject — in this case, the group you are classifying. If you have narrowed your subject in any way (for example, types of bad drivers, rock guitarists, or annoying moviegoers), make this clear from the start.

You may also want to provide some specific descriptive or informative details to attract the interest of your readers and suggest the purpose of the essay .

Finally, include a thesis sentence (usually at the end of the introduction) that briefly identifies the main types or approaches that you're about to examine. 

Intro Paragraph Example: Baseball Fans

Here's an example of a short but effective introductory paragraph to a classification essay:

It's a warm evening in July, and all across the country Americans are gathering to watch a game of professional baseball. Armed with hot dogs and cold drinks, they stroll to their seats, some in grand stadiums, others in cozy minor-league parks. But no matter where the game is played, you will find the same three types of baseball fan: the Party Rooter, the Sunshine Supporter, and the Diehard Fan.

Notice how this introduction creates certain expectations. The specific details provide a setting (a ballpark on "a warm evening in July") in which we expect to see the various fans described. In addition, the labels assigned to these fans (the Party Rooter , the Sunshine Supporter , and the Diehard Fan ) lead us to expect descriptions of each type in the order they're given. A good writer will go on to fulfill these expectations in the body of the essay.

Body Paragraphs

Begin each body paragraph with a topic sentence that identifies a particular type of approach. Then  illustrate each type with specific details.

Arrange your body paragraphs in whatever order strikes you as clear and logical — say, from the least effective approach to the most effective, or from the most common type to the least familiar (or the other way around). Just make sure that the order of your body paragraphs matches the arrangement promised in your thesis sentence.

Body Paragraphs Example: Types of Fans

Here, in the body of the essay on baseball fans, you can see that the writer has fulfilled the expectations set up in the introduction. (In each body paragraph, the topic sentence is in italics.)

The Party Rooter goes to games for the hot dogs, the gimmicks, the giveaways, and the companionship; he's not really that interested in the ballgame itself. The Party Rooter is the sort of fan who shows up on Buck-a-Brew Night, often with a gang of fellow partiers. He cracks jokes, hurls peanuts at the team mascot, applauds the exploding scoreboard, blasts an electronic horn whenever he pleases—and occasionally nudges a companion and asks, "Hey, who's winning?" The Party Rooter often wanders out of the park in the sixth or seventh inning to continue his celebrations in the car on the way home. The Sunshine Supporter, usually a more common type than the Party Rooter, goes to the park to cheer on a winning team and bask in its glory. When the home side is on a winning streak and still in contention for a playoff spot, the stadium will be packed with this sort of fan. As long as her team is winning, the Sunshine Supporter will be roaring at every play, waving her pennant and shouting out the names of her heroes. However, as the name implies, the Sunshine Supporter is a fickle fan, and her cheers quickly turn to boos when a hero strikes out or drops a line drive. She will stay around until the end of the game to celebrate a victory, but should her team fall a few runs behind, she's likely to slip out to the parking lot during the seventh-inning stretch.​ Diehard Fans are also strong supporters of the local team, but they go to the park to watch good baseball, not just to root for a winner.  More attentive to the game than other fans, Diehards will study the stance of a power hitter, note the finesse of a quick fielder, and anticipate the strategy of a pitcher who has fallen behind in the count. While the Party Rooter is chugging a beer or dropping wisecracks, Diehards may be filling in a scorecard or commenting on a player's RBI tally over the past few months. And when a Sunshine Supporter boos an opposing player for tagging out a local hero, Diehards may be quietly applauding the expert moves of this "enemy" infielder. No matter what the score is, Diehard Fans remain in their seats until the last batter is out, and they may still be talking about the game long after it's over.​

Comparisons Ensure Cohesion

Notice how the writer uses comparisons to ensure cohesion in the body of the essay. The topic sentence in both the second and third paragraphs refers to the preceding paragraph. Likewise, in the third body paragraph, the writer draws explicit contrasts between the Diehards and the other two types of baseball fans.

Such comparisons not only provide smooth transitions from one paragraph to the next but also reveal the sympathies of the writer. He begins with the type of fan he likes the least and ends with the one he most admires. We now expect the writer to justify his attitudes in the conclusion.

Concluding Paragraph

The concluding paragraph gives you an opportunity to draw together the various types and approaches you have been examining in the body of the essay. You may choose to offer a final brief comment on each one, summarizing its value or its limitations. Or you may want to recommend one approach over the others and explain why. In any case, make sure that your conclusion clearly emphasizes the purpose of your classification.

Concluding Paragraph: Only the Diehard Fans Remain

In the concluding paragraph to "Baseball Fans," consider whether the author has been successful in his effort to tie his observations together.

Professional baseball would have trouble surviving without all three types of fans. The Party Rooters provide much of the money that owners need to hire talented players. The Sunshine Supporters bring a stadium to life and help boost the morale of the home team. But only the Diehard Fans maintain their support all season long, year in and year out. By late September in most ballparks, enduring chilly winds, rain delays, and sometimes humiliating losses, only the Diehards remain.

Connecting the Conclusion to the Introduction

Notice how the writer hooks his conclusion back to the introduction by contrasting the chilly night in September with the warm evening in July. Connections such as this help to unify an essay and give it a sense of completeness.

As you develop and organize your draft , experiment with various strategies, but keep this basic format in mind: an introduction that identifies your subject and the different types of approaches; three (or more) body paragraphs that rely on specific details to describe or illustrate the types; and a conclusion that draws your points together and makes the overall purpose of the classification clear.

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• Writing a Descriptive Essay

Classification and Division Essay

Classification and division is a rhetorical style that, in essay format, takes a whole and splits it up into parts and then places the divided information into various categories. While you may see this rhetorical style used within a single paragraph, it’s not uncommon to write an entire essay using a classification and division format.

A classification and division essay combines two different techniques. First, you would divide a complex and difficult topic into subtopics for clarity and explanation purposes. Next, you would determine what categories are needed and what information fits into those categories. Think of a newspaper. All of the information is divided into different parts: news, advertisements, and classifieds. Then the information is classified into different categories. For example, news may be categorized as sports, international, local, lifestyle, etc.

NOTE:  You have to be very clear in a classification and division essay. Your reader needs to understand how you came up with your categories and why information fits into these categories. Therefore, be sure that you make the guidelines for your categories clear to the reader and that you don’t merge, confuse, or have superficial categories.

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Writing Toolkit: Division and Classification Essays

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Division/Classification

Writing modes and essay types: division and classification essays.

• Classification & Division Essay From the Excelsior Online Writing Lab (OWL).
• Classification and Analysis From the Guide to Grammar.
• Writing a Classification Paper From Butte College.

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• Rhetorical Patterns - Classification/Division
• Academic Departments
• Languages & Literature Department
• Rhetorical Patterns

The Rhetorical Patterns -  Organizing Essays for Different Rhetorical Situations

The following pages will provide you with several effective ways of organizing information in your essays. Oftentimes, when you know who your audience is and what your purpose is for writing (which is called your rhetorical situation), you can begin to consider the organization of what is going to be in your paper, how you will introduce your paper, and what to write for your conclusion. The following rhetorical patterns will help you answer these questions.   

Narration   |   Description   |   Process   |   Exemplification   |   Classification   |   Comparison and Contrast Cause and Effect   |   Persuasion and Argument

Classification/Division

Definition:   Classification/Division, essentially, is a system of exclusive organization using categorized examples.

Description:  When you consider which examples to use in a classification/division essay, you should begin both grouping (or classifying) your examples together according to their similarities and excluding (or dividing) them apart based on their differences.  

Classification helps your readers completely understand the subject of your paper because you have organized the things you are considering according to a logical method. 

Through classification and division, readers can understand what might appear to them to be unassociated ideas because your logical method has identified relationships between them all. In many rhetorical situations, classification/division brings a sense of order to what your readers might have perceived as a chaotic scenario. Although, both classification and division are two separate steps, they must occur together in the same paper. 

Conventions:  Most readers of classification essays will want a detailed understanding about your principle of classification, which you will recall is how you divided and organized your paper’s things or examples. Readers may want you to announce in the first person that you are creating a class (i.e., “These things can be divided into four categories, of which I will exclude the first three. These categories are…”). On the other hand, your readers will probably become distracted if larger, first person elements of narration intrude and interrupt your discussion of your classification principle. Most classification/division essays are written in the present tense, unless, that is, the principle of classification deals with historical analysis. Finally, the internal logic most readers expect from a classification/division essay results from adherence to three ideas: The principle of classification will produce all the classes and categories; all of the sub-categories and sub-classes are equal in value; and, that you will consider all objects and examples within the category or class that you analyze. 

Strategies:   When you begin to classify, consider your individual things or examples and sort and parse them into classes or categories. Many of these things will have several different elements and characteristics, so realize that they can be classified in many different ways. Then divide these groups further, so that you can isolate a certain class. While you are performing these operations, you should consider what particular principle helped you to assign specific things to one category or to another. Then analyze, and perhaps use as the basis of an argument, the examples or things in the class you have developed. 

Organization:   The principle of classification you choose would depend on how you wished to approach the members of this large and diverse group. This principle should be specifically articulated in detail in your introduction. Once a class has been identified and assigned, and its principle is known to your readers, they will generally prefer to have a body paragraph devoted to each of the objects in the class or to each of the attributes of the one exemplary object in the class. Since classification/division lends itself so well to social science papers, most readers will want to know any implications or ramifications of your analysis in the conclusion.

What is division?

Division is the separation of the things into groups and classes. Normally, readers expect that you will divide things into large groups, and then smaller and smaller groups, based on the similarities of the things in each class. Consistent or mutually-exclusive categories are what you are aiming for. You want each of your classes or categories to have things in it that would not belong to other classes or categories. 

What is classification?

Classification is the system that you use to get from all the things to a certain number of categories of things. Complete or exhaustive classes are what you are aiming for. You want all of your items or things to fit into one of your classes.  Each classification system can differ depending on what you are classifying; there are certain classification words that are conventional. Some of these are:

• Category  

Develop your classification system logically and according to your purposes.

How do I draft my introduction?

Your readers will almost certainly look for a description of the entire population you will divide and classify and your principle of division and classification in your introduction.  

​ How do I focus my main point or thesis?

Some readers and writers prefer the multipart thesis, which provides the categories in their order and use the categories as cue words for the body paragraph topic sentences.

Students who succeed at college normally fall into the categories of academics, athletes, and socializers. 

How do I draft my body paragraphs and focus on my principle of classification?

Your body paragraphs should deal with each category, probably in the same order that you developed them as you presented your principle of classification, methodically and comprehensively. The aim of the body paragraphs is two-fold: develop your analysis and reinforce your principle of classification. 

How can I draft my conclusion?

There are other techniques for wrapping up your paper. You might return to the technique that you used to open your introduction and further develop it. Or you might do one of the following:

• Give your interpretation of what has happened.
• Make a prediction about the future.
• Provide a solution to a problem raised in your paper. 
• Offer a suggestion or advice to people dealing with problems raised in your paper.
• Formulate new questions that might be asked given your analysis of the situation. Where can further research go?

Peer-Review Worksheet for Classification:

What is the total population of the things that you can divide and classify?

(Have these things already been divided and classified in a way that you can use, modify, or suggest an alternative to?)

What is your purpose for dividing and classifying?

Who is your primary audience? Does your audience already know something about your paper’s subject? If so, what kinds of things does your audience know?

How will you divide your total population? Into what groups and classes?

Are there any “problems” for your principle of classification? Would some readers think that certain groups might contain elements from other groups? Explain how you will deal with this problem.

What is the thesis statement?

What are your topic sentences?

What will you do in your conclusion?

• 125 Classification and Division Essay Topics

Throughout your academic career, you may be asked to write a number of different essay types to demonstrate your understanding of particular concepts. One such essay type is known as a classification and division essay. In order to write one effectively, you must first understand what it is and what it requires of you.

This guide will walk you through the fundamentals of writing an excellent classification and division essay and provide 125 essay topics to use for your next writing assignment.

What Is a Classification and Division Essay?

A classification and division essay takes a large topic and breaks it down into smaller parts or categories. These categories are then further divided into more specific subcategories.

For example, if you were asked to write a classification and division essay about vehicles, you could break them down into categories such as land vehicles, water vehicles, and air vehicles. Each of these categories could then be further divided into subcategories such as:

• cars, trucks, buses, etc. for land vehicles
• boats, submarines, etc. for water vehicles
• planes, helicopters, etc. for air vehicles

In order to write a classification and division essay effectively, you must choose a topic that can be easily divided into smaller parts. Once you have selected a topic, you will need to determine how you will classify and divide it. You will also need to decide on a purpose for writing your essay. For example, are you trying to inform, explain, or persuade your reader?

How to Write a Classification and Division Essay

When it comes to essay writing, each type has its own set of rules and guidelines that need to be followed in order to produce a well-written piece. The same is true for a classification and division essay.

Writing the Intro

Classification and division essays all start with an introduction. In your introduction, you will need to provide background information on your topic and explain why it is important or interesting. You will also need to state your thesis statement in your introduction. This is the main point of your essay that you will be trying to support with evidence and examples.

Remember that your goal for this essay is to effectively classify and divide your chosen topic. Therefore, your thesis statement should make this clear to your reader. For example, if you are classifying and dividing vehicles, your thesis statement might look something like this:

“There are three main types of vehicles: land, water, and air vehicles. Each type of vehicle has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.”

If your thesis is not the final sentence of your introduction paragraph, you will also need to include a road map sentence that tells your reader what you will be discussing in the rest of your essay. This will help them follow along more easily as you present your information.

Writing Body Paragraphs

The body paragraphs of your classification and division essay should each focus on one main category. You will need to provide evidence and examples to support each of your main points.

Continuing with the example about vehicles for land, water, and air, your first body paragraph might discuss land vehicles. You would provide information about the different types of land vehicles and their advantages and disadvantages. You would do the same for water vehicles in your second body paragraph and air vehicles in your third body paragraph.

Remember that in each body paragraph, you should have a topic sentence that introduces the main point of that paragraph as well as a transition sentence that ends the section and leads into the next one.

Writing the Conclusion

Your classification and division essay will end with a conclusion paragraph. In your conclusion, you will want to briefly summarize the main points of your essay and explain how they support your thesis statement. You’ll want to end with a final thought that wraps up your essay in a satisfying way. This could be a final line that invokes a call to action, provides a humorous insight, or leaves the reader with something to think about.

Essential Tips for Writing a Classification and Division Essay

When writing this type of essay, it is essential to follow these guidelines to ensure that you stay on track and don’t inadvertently leave anything out:

• Pick topics that can easily be divided into smaller parts.
• Make sure you have a clear purpose for writing your essay.
• State your thesis statement in the introduction paragraph.
• Focus each body paragraph on one main category.
• Include evidence and examples to support your points.
• Don’t introduce new information in your conclusion paragraph.
• End with a final thought that leaves the reader satisfied.

By following these tips, you can be sure to write an effective classification and division essay that will impress your readers and get you the grade you deserve.

These topics should help you organize and outline your classification and division essay into a coherent and effective paper.

Classification and Division Essay Topics About School

• The different types of schools
• The different types of teachers
• The different mechanisms for online learning
• Standardized tests
• Extracurricular activities
• Post high-school options
• Social dynamics/groups in schools
• The different types of homeschooling
• The different responses from colleges
• Types of cheating in school

Classification and Division Essay Topics About Life

• The stages of life
• The different types of families
• The different types of marriages
• Types of living situations
• Types of friends
• The different types of sibling relationships
• Types of parents
• Types of pets
• Types of awkward feelings
• The different types of love

Classification and Division Essay Topics About Food

• Types of cuisines
• Types of fast food
• Different types of diets
• Types of restaurants
• Ways to cook a particular food
• The different types of ethnic foods
• Traditional family recipes
• Comfort foods
• Foods from around the world

Classification and Division Essay Topics About Sports

• Types of sports
• Extreme sports
• Team sports
• Individual sports
• Spectator sports
• Professional athletes
• Olympic athletes
• College athletes
• High school athletes
• Children’s sports leagues

Classification and Division Essay Topics About Technology

• The different types of phones
• Cell phone features
• The different types of laptops
• Laptop features
• Online security threats
• Types of social media posts
• Types of devices for a particular purpose

Classification and Division Essay Topics About Music

• The different types of music genres
• Types of instruments
• Music from different cultures
• The evolution of music
• Music theory
• Types of recording styles

Classification and Division Essay Topics About Movies and TV Shows

• The different types of movies
• The different types of TV shows
• The different types of movie genres
• The different types of TV show genres
• Reality television
• Scripted television
• Soap operas
• Mini-series
• Animated movies and shows
• Documentaries
• Experimental films
• Blockbuster films

Classification and Division Essay Topics About Books and Literature

• The different types of books
• The different types of literature
• The different types of book genres
• The different types of literary genres
• The classics
• Modern literature
• Children’s books
• Young adult literature

Classification and Division Essay Topics About Shopping and Clothes

• The different types of stores
• The different types of clothes
• The different types of shopping experiences
• Online shopping
• In-person shopping
• Luxury items
• Everyday items
• Clothes for a special occasion
• Clothes for work
• Clothes for school

Classification and Division Essay Topics About Travel and Tourism

• The different types of vacations
• The different types of tourist destinations
• The different types of transportation
• Types of luggage
• Types of tourists
• Different ways of packing for a trip
• Family activities while on vacation
• Ways of dealing with jet lag

Classification and Division Essays About Science

• The different types of diseases
• The different types of mental disorders
• The different types of physical disorders
• Types of treatments
• Types of medication
• Different types of therapy
• Cures for illnesses
• Different types of viruses

Classification and Division Essay Topics About Health

• Ways to avoid getting sick
• The different types of fitness programs
• Types of exercise equipment
• The benefits of a healthy diet
• Ways to eat healthy on a budget
• Vitamins and minerals
• The different food groups
• Eating disorders
• Sleeping disorders

Classification and Division Essay Topics About Animals

• The different types of animals
• Wild animals
• Farm animals
• Exotic animals
• Endangered animals
• Animal behavior
• The animal kingdom

With these 125 classification and division essay topics, you’ll be on your way to writing the best division and classification essay that you can. Just remember to choose a topic that can be divided into smaller, more manageable parts and to focus on a single main idea or purpose for your essay.

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Classification Essay

Classification Essay - Outline, Topics & Writing Tips

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Classification Essay Outline - A Step-by-Step Guide

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Most high school and college students are often assigned to write a classification essay at some point in their academic life. Teachers assign this task to evaluate the student’s skills to categorize things. It can be a daunting task, but with the help of basic techniques, you can make the writing process easier.

Here are a few tips and guidelines that you can use to structure your classification essays properly. You have to plan your essay and figure out the categories beforehand to complete this assignment easily.

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Classification Essay Definition

A classification essay is a formal piece of writing used to evaluate your categorizing and generalization skills. It mainly aims to arrange various subjects and objects with similar characteristics.

For this, a writer needs to categorize and classify things into different groups and mention examples that fit into each. Similarly, you are also required to follow a single categorizing approach throughout the content. However, it is up to you to decide on criteria for classification to explain the reasoning and logic.

The entire process of classification essay writing is not very different from any other type of essay. Like other academic papers, the principles of essay writing remain the same, but it requires extensive research and analysis.

How to Start a Classification Essay?

Here are some important steps that you should follow to start a classification essay.

Most professors assign you a specific topic to write your classification essay. If you are not assigned, brainstorm different ideas and come up with an engaging topic. Decide on a group of things that can be logically divided into groups. Also, come up with something that has definitive categories for comparison.

After choosing a topic, decide on classification criteria. Think about all the possible categories in which the topic can split up. Some topic ideas have several options; thus, you will have to determine the exact angle to approach the essay’s theme. Furthermore, make sure that none of the categories is overlapping.

A  thesis statement  is the main argument of the writer on the topic. It is the stance that supports your entire essay, including the main body. Therefore, it is important to draft a strong statement. Also, use examples and evidence to make your essay effective and persuasive.

The next step is to conduct thorough research to gather interesting information for the audience. However, make sure to collect data from credible and authentic sources. It will further strengthen the content of your essay by making it more convincing and logical.

After collecting relevant information, you are now required to structure and organize it properly. Thus, write down the main ideas and present a logical connection between them. Eliminate unnecessary ideas if there are any.

Check out the following template outline that you can use for your division and classification essay.

• Introductory paragraph - (A hook statement and thesis)
• Body paragraph 1/Category number 1
• Body paragraph 2/Category number 2
• Body paragraph 3/Category number 3

How to Write a Classification Essay?

After planning out the basic structure, start the writing process. Follow the below-given steps to write a perfect classification essay.

The introduction is the first and the most important section of the classification essay. Here, you have to identify the subject and mention the objects to be categorized.

State an interesting hook statement to make your introduction appealing. Such as strong opening line will grab the reader’s attention towards the essay. After this, provide the purpose of the essay and explain the reason for categorizing the items.

Lastly, write a strong thesis statement to highlight the subject matter in the discussion. Develop this statement early during the writing process as it will help the writer stay in the right direction.

The body section of the classification essay comprises three or more paragraphs depending on the categories. All the paragraph provides relevant information, examples, and evidence to justify the thesis statement. Also, start each paragraph with a topic sentence.

The right approach is to discuss the most important category in the last paragraph. Use classification essay transition words to ensure that the data flows logically from one paragraph to another.

The following are some common transition phrases. Apply them each time you arrange things into groups and provide examples related to each class.

• The 1st kind, the 2nd kind, the 3rd kind
• The 1st group, the 2nd group, the 3rd group
• The 1st category, the 2nd category, the 3rd category

It is the last section of a classification essay where you put together all the categories mentioned in the main body. Here, a writer will summarize all the central arguments and restate the thesis statement.

Also, mention the various types and approaches that you have examined in your classification essay. Recommend the particular one over the others, depending on the subject matter. However, make sure to emphasize why you have come to that conclusion.

The first draft of your classification essay is full of mistakes, but you can fix it up by editing and revising. For this, read your essay twice or thrice and ensure that it includes all the important points highlighted in the outline.

Eliminate all the language, punctuation, and spelling mistakes to give it a professional look. Similarly, get rid of all the unnecessary and overly complex words and phrases before the final submission.

Classification Essay Examples

Have a look at the following classification essay examples to understand writing a good one in no time.

Classification Essay Sample

Classification Essay Example About Students

Classification Essay About Food

Classification Essay Topics

Not all ideas can be good topics. Here we have mentioned some of the best topics for a classification essay, divided into several categories. It will help you choose a unique one for your essay.

• Olympic games
• Different genres of modern music
• Rare species of animals
• Types of dogs
• Ways to treat obesity
• Types of human relationships
• Common phobias
• Psychological disorders
• Movies about memory loss
• Meals that may lead to diabetes

Tips for Writing a Classification Essay

Keep in mind the expert tips given below while writing a good classification essay. It will make your essay stand out and draw the reader’s attention.

• It is better to avoid choosing complex topics because extremely narrow or broad topics are hard to deal with.
• Conduct extensive research to gather factual data for the essay.
• Make sure to define and describe all the categories.
• Provide authentic evidence and examples for each classified group. Make sure it offers a typical representation of the class.
• Use credible sources of information.
• Draft a perfect outline to organize the data properly.
• Use a comparison and contrast technique to point out various similarities and differences between each category.
• Proofread and revise your essay to make it perfect.

These are a few guidelines that will help you write an A-worthy classification essay. Planning out the assignment early and figuring out the categories is the key to success.

However, if you are still unsure about your research or writing skills, get quality help from our classification essay writing service now!

Our classification essay writers will help you submit a comprehensive piece of paper that will get you the grade you deserve. 

Similarly, utilize our essay writing service for original and plagiarism-free content within the given deadline.

Contact us now at CollegeEssay.org and get a classification essay at affordable rates.

You can also get quality help from our AI writing tool if you're in need of a rapid solution to your essay worries!

Caleb S. (Literature, Marketing)

Caleb S. has extensive experience in writing and holds a Masters from Oxford University. He takes great satisfaction in helping students exceed their academic goals. Caleb always puts the needs of his clients first and is dedicated to providing quality service.

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