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To classify means to divide something into groups or categories. The classification is normally made according to one or more criteria. It is often necessary in academic English to classify something you are writing about in order to make comparisons and draw conclusions. This could be done in one or two sentences, a paragraph, or even a whole essay. This page gives information about how to classify , language for classification , and essay structure (if the classification is used for a whole essay).
When classifying something, it is important to understand what criterion (or criteria , if there is more than one) that you are using to divide the thing into different groups. There may be more than one way to classify, and you will need to choose the criteria which make most sense for what you are writing about. For example, if you were to classify students in a university class, they could be divided according to any of the following criteria:
Classifying according to gender would divide the students into 'male' and 'female'. Dividing according to age is more complex, as you may need to specify age ranges, for example 'between 18 and 21', 'between 22 and 25', etc.
The language used for classifying depends on whether you are describing the criterion or the result of applying the criterion. Compare the following examples.
The phrase 'according to' shows that you are talking about the criterion, while the word 'into' shows you are talking about the result. The following are further examples of language for classification using a criterion.
The following are further examples of language for classification showing the result.
It may be necessary to classify when there is no name for the criterion you are using. For example, you may wish to divide a group into Asian and non-Asian students, but there is no category 'Asian-ness' which you can use as your criterion. In this case, you can use the construction 'according to whether... or not' to define the criterion. The language for stating the result is the same. See the following examples:
Finally, it may be necessary to sub-divide, that is, to divide something which has already been divided. In this case, use 'sub-divided' for the second classification, and 'further sub-divided' for the next. See this example:
According to this classification, we will end up with eight groups: Asian males under 25, Asian males over 25, non-Asian males under 25, etc. This is summarised in the following diagram.
There are two main ways to structure a classification essay. The first way, shown in the diagram below (left), is when a single criterion (or single way of categorising) is used, resulting in distinct categories. The purpose of this type of structure is to show understanding of the categories, or justify the method of classification, by giving the categories and describing their characteristics. Sometimes the categories may be sub-divided into sub-categories, which may be listed or described. For the single-criterion classification essay, the criterion (if there is one) should be given in the general background of the introduction, and the thesis statement should list the categories which will be described in the main body. Each body paragraph will usually describe one category in detail.
The second way, shown in the diagram below (right), is when multiple criteria are used to classify the topic in different ways. The purpose of this type of classification is to show understanding of how the topic can be categorised, or justify the criteria for classification, by giving the criteria and showing examples of groupings using these criteria. For the multiple-criteria classification essay, the thesis statement should list the criteria which are described in the main body. Each body paragraph will usually describe the criteria and the groups it leads to. Depending on the level of detail, the examples might be broken down into separate paragraphs.
The two types of structure are shown in the diagram below.
Description of characteristics Description of characteristics Description of characteristics |
Examples of categories Examples of categories Examples of categories ... |
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Below is a checklist for classification. Use it to check your own writing, or get a peer (another student) to help you.
Criteria | The are clear. | ||
Language | The is accurate (e.g. 'according to' to show the criterion, 'into' to show the result). | ||
Structure (for classification essay) | An appropriate is used, either or structure. | ||
For structure, the background gives the criterion while the thesis shows the categories; for structure, the criteria are given in the thesis. |
Find out how to structure an essay in the next section.
Go back to the previous section about definitions .
Author: Sheldon Smith ‖ Last modified: 31 October 2019.
Sheldon Smith is the founder and editor of EAPFoundation.com. He has been teaching English for Academic Purposes since 2004. Find out more about him in the about section and connect with him on Twitter , Facebook and LinkedIn .
Compare & contrast essays examine the similarities of two or more objects, and the differences.
Cause & effect essays consider the reasons (or causes) for something, then discuss the results (or effects).
Discussion essays require you to examine both sides of a situation and to conclude by saying which side you favour.
Problem-solution essays are a sub-type of SPSE essays (Situation, Problem, Solution, Evaluation).
Transition signals are useful in achieving good cohesion and coherence in your writing.
Reporting verbs are used to link your in-text citations to the information cited.
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How to Write a Classification Essay: What Is A Classification Essay? To organize things into categories is the purpose of a Classification Essay. It can be defined as a formal piece of writing to showcase your ability to classify ideas, characters and objects with shared characteristics into groups or categories.
Before beginning a classification essay, the student must decide on what basis they want to organize or sort things. In a classification essay, the author is expected to categorize the material in a concise matter.
When writing a classification essay, the student should choose an issue that can be divided into various subcategories that all are linked to the topic’s classification.
You can also find more Essay Writing articles on events, persons, sports, technology and many more
A classification essay differs from any other essay as it requires an extensive amount of research. To classify them, you will need a detailed study to back up the grounds of the classification. It is up to the author to decide the criteria of classification, but there should be proper reasoning to support the classification.
Categories of various classifications should be thoroughly researched, to avoid the deletion of any pieces of evidence and classifications which would make the essay incomplete.
There are a few types of classification essay, out of which the most common are:
Often authors skip this step after the research and the writing, but this is the easiest step. Re-reading the passage helps in increasing the clarity of the essay.
Finally, the thesis statement should outline the purpose of the essay and summarize what the reader can expect in the passage.
Explaining Every Category In The Body Paragraph: While writing, you need to make sure that every point is elaborated in a different paragraph. Every topic mentioned in the thesis statement should be separately discussed in a separate section.
Every category should have examples backing up the grounds on which the evidence can be supported. The goal is to explain how each example fits into every class. The body paragraph of your essay should have at least three or more paragraphs; which means at least three or more points supporting the topic along with evidence.
The Clear And Proper Transition Between Introduction, Body And Conclusion: Transition is the tool of a well-crafted essay that holds the essay together. Without accurate shifts, the reader would not be able to keep up with the classifications.
Summarize the various categories that you put together in the body paragraph in the final paragraph. It would help if you emphasized why the passage came to an end. Conclude by restating the purpose of the essay and offering a summary of the key points in the passage.
Question 1. What are the few things to remember while writing a classification essay?
Answer: For writing a classification essay, here are a few quick tips:
Question 2. What is the purpose of a classification essay?
Answer: The purpose of a classification essay is to break down a subject into smaller categories to make the topic manageable. Smaller categories help in making sense of the issue and how it is affecting the world. The subcategories in a classification essay are the main part of it.
Classification Essay
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Last updated on: Jan 31, 2024
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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 studentâs 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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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.
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 essayâs 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.
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 readerâs 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.
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.
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
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.
Keep in mind the expert tips given below while writing a good classification essay. It will make your essay stand out and draw the readerâs attention.
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!
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Published on January 11, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on August 15, 2023 by Eoghan Ryan.
A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . It usually comes near the end of your introduction .
Your thesis will look a bit different depending on the type of essay you’re writing. But the thesis statement should always clearly state the main idea you want to get across. Everything else in your essay should relate back to this idea.
You can write your thesis statement by following four simple steps:
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What is a thesis statement, placement of the thesis statement, step 1: start with a question, step 2: write your initial answer, step 3: develop your answer, step 4: refine your thesis statement, types of thesis statements, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about thesis statements.
A thesis statement summarizes the central points of your essay. It is a signpost telling the reader what the essay will argue and why.
The best thesis statements are:
The thesis statement generally appears at the end of your essay introduction or research paper introduction .
The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education. The use of the internet in academic contexts and among young people more generally is hotly debated. For many who did not grow up with this technology, its effects seem alarming and potentially harmful. This concern, while understandable, is misguided. The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its many benefits for education: the internet facilitates easier access to information, exposure to different perspectives, and a flexible learning environment for both students and teachers.
You should come up with an initial thesis, sometimes called a working thesis , early in the writing process . As soon as you’ve decided on your essay topic , you need to work out what you want to say about it—a clear thesis will give your essay direction and structure.
You might already have a question in your assignment, but if not, try to come up with your own. What would you like to find out or decide about your topic?
For example, you might ask:
After some initial research, you can formulate a tentative answer to this question. At this stage it can be simple, and it should guide the research process and writing process .
Now you need to consider why this is your answer and how you will convince your reader to agree with you. As you read more about your topic and begin writing, your answer should get more detailed.
In your essay about the internet and education, the thesis states your position and sketches out the key arguments you’ll use to support it.
The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its many benefits for education because it facilitates easier access to information.
In your essay about braille, the thesis statement summarizes the key historical development that you’ll explain.
The invention of braille in the 19th century transformed the lives of blind people, allowing them to participate more actively in public life.
A strong thesis statement should tell the reader:
The final thesis statement doesn’t just state your position, but summarizes your overall argument or the entire topic you’re going to explain. To strengthen a weak thesis statement, it can help to consider the broader context of your topic.
These examples are more specific and show that you’ll explore your topic in depth.
Your thesis statement should match the goals of your essay, which vary depending on the type of essay you’re writing:
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A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . Everything else you write should relate to this key idea.
The thesis statement is essential in any academic essay or research paper for two main reasons:
Without a clear thesis statement, an essay can end up rambling and unfocused, leaving your reader unsure of exactly what you want to say.
Follow these four steps to come up with a thesis statement :
The thesis statement should be placed at the end of your essay introduction .
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After establishing your thesis statement, you can proceed to creating an outline for your essay. Your outline should include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each body paragraph should focus on a different category and provide supporting evidence and examples to justify the classification.
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.
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.
Here is a thesis statement for a classification paper written for a Health and Human Fitness class that includes all three of the above elements, underlined: Our last five U.S. presidents have practiced physical fitness regimens that varied from the very formal to the informal .
Use the following classification equation to craft your thesis statement: topic + subtopics + rationale for the subtopics = thesis. (4.6.1) (4.6.1) topic + subtopics + rationale for the subtopics = thesis. The organizing strategy of a classification essay is dictated by the initial topic and the subsequent subtopics.
The elements of a classification essay include a clear thesis statement, organized categories, examples and evidence to support each category, and transitional words and phrases to connect each paragraph. ... A classification essay thesis is the main idea or argument that you will be exploring in your essay. It should be clear,concise, and ...
Step 4: Develop a Thesis Statement. A thesis statement establishes the writer's stance on the topic and their central argument. It is important to draft a strong thesis statement for an effective and persuasive classification essay. ... A classification essay is a unique and interesting kind of writing with a few special requirements. Having ...
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 ...
A working thesis statement must be meaningful and clear. Start writing an introduction. Open your classification essay by explaining the importance and purpose of writing, evaluate your role in the research, and explain which classification method you use and why. Write topic sentences and body paragraphs of a classification essay.
The thesis statement in a classification essay often identifies the classified groups. Further, it should make an assertion about the relevance or importance of the groups. Students will need to develop clear and concise thesis statements that identify the point and purpose of the essay while breaking the subjects down into logically developed ...
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 ...
Thesis Statement: Crafting a thesis statement for a classification essay is like setting a guiding light for your readers. It should clearly state the topic the criterion of classification, and usually include the categories you plan to discuss. Think of it as a roadmap that indicates the direction of your essay and what the readers should expect.
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
Thesis Statement of a Classification Essay: The thesis statement usually includes the topic and how it is classified. Sometimes the categories are named. (topic) (how classified) (category)(category)(category) Ex: Tourists in Hawaii can enjoy three water sports: snorkeling, surfing, and sailing. How to Write an Effective Classification Essay: ...
The classification essay is a type of academic writing that requires students to demonstrate their ability to organize things into different categories. It can be anything from objects, events, or groups of people; this includes everything! ... Finally, state the thesis statement that you defined earlier to give the reader an idea about what to ...
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.
Classification Essay Conclusion. In a classification essay, the conclusion is the final part of the paper where the writer provides a summary of the sub-topics discussed in the body paragraphs and reiterates the thesis statement. The conclusion serves to bring closure to the essay by reinforcing the main points and restating the central argument.
Expand/collapse global location. 11.2: The Structure of a Classification Essay. Page ID. Amber Kinonen, Jennifer McCann, Todd McCann, & Erica Mead. Bay College Library. 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.
Here is a guide on classification essay outline, with tips and examples to help you write an excelling essay outline. Our Writers; Reviews; Services ... This will help in developing the context of your essay. Thesis Statement: A thesis statement is a two-three sentence statement. It tells your viewpoint or main claim of the essay to the reader.
For the multiple-criteria classification essay, the thesis statement should list the criteria which are described in the main body. Each body paragraph will usually describe the criteria and the groups it leads to. Depending on the level of detail, the examples might be broken down into separate paragraphs.
Construct the Thesis Statement: In a classification essay, the thesis statement is the foundation of the essay. In this writing, a thesis statement should briefly give an idea about the approaches to your writing. ... In short, the thesis statement of an essay says not only the subject of the essay and what it is based on but also lets the ...
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. Draft the Body Section. The body section of the classification essay comprises three or more paragraphs depending on the categories.
Step 2: Write your initial answer. After some initial research, you can formulate a tentative answer to this question. At this stage it can be simple, and it should guide the research process and writing process. The internet has had more of a positive than a negative effect on education.
mer home a thesis. (If the essay is complex or long, its structure may be briefly announced or hinted at after the thesis, in a road-map or plan sentence—or even in the thesis statement itself, if you're clever enough.) 7. Stitching: words that tie together the parts of an argument, most commonly (a) by using transition (link-