Essay Assignment #1: The Classification/Division Essay
Due:
Length: 800 words
The function of an expository essay is to “explain” an idea/concept/subject/argument, etc. For our expository essay, we will be writing a classification/division essay, which is a type of expository writing.
Your assignment is to write an 800 word classification or division essay. For information on how to write each type of essay, consult the handout. For information on how the paper will be evaluated, take a look at the rubric on Blackboard.
Your essay is to be typed, double-spaced, in 12-point Times New Romans font. Your essay should also follow MLA or APA format. Refer to A Canadian Writer’s Reference for information on formatting a paper in MLA or APA format. Research is not a requirement for this paper; however, if you want to include research, include proper in-text citations and a works cited page. Please refer to your “Integrating Quotations” hand-out and the MLA or APA tab in A Canadian Writer’s Reference.
The topics below are broad in scope. In order to write a focused paper, you may have to narrow your chosen topic to a specific subject of exploration. Keep in mind that 800 words come fast, so consider exploring two to four classifications/divisions of your chosen subject.
The Classification and Division Essay
Classification and Division:
– Classification is “the organization of items with similar features into a group or groups” such as types of roommates (Flachmann 217).
– Division is “the separation of an idea or item into its basic parts, such as a home into rooms, or a course into assignments” (Flachmann 217).
– Both are used to organize a large amount of information or material into smaller, more compacted units.
– The organization into smaller units helps us make better sense of the overall topic/subject and each unit or category.
Before You Write Your Essay:
– “Look at your subject from all possible angles and see what patterns and relationships emerge” (Flachmann 218)
– List any groups/types/parts you see of the subject. List characteristics of that group in point form.
– Focus on a particular subject and the breakdown of that subject into groups or types. Decide on a purpose for your essay. For example, you may divide types of friends into best friends, casual friends, and acquaintances so that your reader will have a better understanding of what makes someone a friend (see Reader’s Choice, pg. 218). Consider your audience: are you writing for ‘everyone’ or for a specific group (ex. students).
– Make sure that your classification system makes sense – that it is clear and logical. For instance, you may separate friends into casual, close, and acquaintances. However, it would be illogical to separate friends into best friends, boyfriends, and your friend, Doug. Make sure that your categories follow a similar frame of logic. For example, you could divide “friends” into real friends and fake friends.
– “Make sure that your categories do not overlap and that all topics fall into their proper place” (Flachmann 211). For instance, someone may classify the types of jobs students have into indoor work and outdoor work. However, this classification system is too limited, as most delivery jobs (eg. Pizza or flowers delivery) are both indoor and outdoor jobs. To account for this, you will have to create a third category: a combination of indoor and outdoor work.
Writing the Classification/Division Essay:
Delivery:
– How do you want to explore your topic in your essay? Identify the tone you want to use; for example, it may observational, conversational, humorous, informative, serious, educational, emotional, etc. Consider delivery. For example, if you are writing about your favorite foods, you may want to write a descriptive classification essay so your writing comes alive. If you are writing about different types of birds of prey, for instance, you may want to write an objective/academic paper that includes research.
– Given the shorter word limit of the paper, spend some time crafting your voice/establishing the tone of the paper. Choose your words and details carefully.
Introduction:
1. Start with an introduction that either discusses your topic, something related to your topic, or the situation around the topic. Then narrow towards your topic.
2. Identify what topic you will be classifying or dividing into parts
3. Optional: “Divide the item or concept you are dealing with into categories” (Flachmann 211).
4. Offer a reason for classification or division. Explain why it may be worth reading or what your audience will learn from it in one or two lines. For example, you may encourage your readers to become involved at the Edmonton Humane Society by exploring different volunteer roles.
• Your thesis statement will consist of your subject of classification or division and your reason. It may also include the breakdown of categories.
Body Paragraphs:
5. Each category or part should be in its own paragraph.
6. “Arrange these categories [and paragraphs] into a logical sequence” (Flachmann 211).
7. Define each category/part and explore it in detail. Consider including specific examples.
8. Optional: you may want to provide an analysis/extended discussion stemming from your categories (ex. “In Defense of Graffiti”).
Conclusion:
9. Restate the thesis – the subject and reason for classification or division – in different words than in the first paragraph.
10. Provide a final focus for your paper and/or wrap up the essay in a way that is creative/engaging.
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