purpose of classification essay

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Writers use functional paragraphs in essays to achieve a specific purpose, such as transition from one point to the next, arouse or sustain a reader’s interest or to indicate dialogue. Functional and topical paragraphs form the basis of an essay.

In most pieces of writing, writers will use an indented (five spaces from the left-hand margin) block of sentences known as a paragraph. Paragraphs can serve many purposes, but are typically used to:

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Eng 101 oer: classification.

• Reading to Write
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• Brainstorming
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• Thesis Statements
• Introductions
• Conclusions
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• 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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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.

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Classification Essay

Classification Essay - Outline, Topics & Writing Tips

Published on: Jan 2, 2022

Last updated on: Jul 21, 2023

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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

ips 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.

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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).

How to classify

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:

• nationality
• favourite colour

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.

Language for classifying

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 students in the class can be classified according to gender. [ criterion ]
• The students in the class can be classified into male and female. [ result ]

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 students in the class may be classified on the basis of gender. [ criterion ]
• The students in the class can be classified depending on gender. [ criterion ]

The following are further examples of language for classification showing the result.

• Economics consists of two kinds: micro-economics and macro-economics. [ result ]
• Economics consists of micro-economics and macro-economics. [ result ]
• Economics comprises micro-economics and macro-economics. [ 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:

• The students in the class can be classified according to whether they are Asian or not . [ criterion ]
• The students in the class can be classified into Asian and non-Asian. [ result ]

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:

• The students in the class can be classified according to gender. They can be sub-divided according to whether they are Asian or not . They can be further sub-divided according to age, into those who are below 25 years of age and those who are above 25.

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.

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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.

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Compare & contrast essays examine the similarities of two or more objects, and the differences.

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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.

How to Write a Classification Essay

High school and college students alike are likely to encounter classification essays at some stage in their education. They are commonly assigned in order to help tutors evaluate a student’s ability to categorize data based on certain properties. It can seem like a daunting prospect if you have never approached this type of assignment, but once you learn how to write a classification essay you will come to realize that it really isn’t so bad after all.

Let’s take a look at some of the tips and tricks you can use to properly structure a classification essay.

What is a Classification Essay

If you are going to learn how to write a classification essay, then you will first need to understand what it actually is! The easiest way to explain a classification essay is that it is a formal piece of writing designed to showcase your skills in categorizing and generalization.

You will be required to organize things into groups and offer up examples that fit into each. It is up to you to decide on the criteria for classification, but you must be able to explain your reasoning.

How to Structure Your Classification Essay

One of the first things to think about when learning how to write a classification essay is the structure. For the purpose of this guide we will go with the popular ‘five paragraphs’ method, but when you come to actually write your assignment you can add in additional paragraphs as appropriate.

• Introductory Paragraph – As with any type of essay, your starting point is the introduction. You will want to clearly identify your subject, so explain what you are going to be categorizing. It is also a good idea to offer readers an explanation of the purpose of your essay. Why are you categorizing these items? Finally, you will want to close your introduction with your thesis statement. This will identify your groups and perhaps offer a brief explanation of the criteria for each of them.
• Body Paragraphs – The body of your essay will be 3 or more paragraphs. Each paragraph should deal with a different category. Start by explaining the criteria for each of them and perhaps discuss the strengths or weaknesses. You should also offer relevant examples. Depending on the length of your paragraphs you may wish to break them down into shorter ones. This is fine, but you will need to make sure you have clear transitions when moving to a new category.
• Conclusion – The final paragraph is where you will pull together the various categories that you have examined in the body of your classification essay. It is usual to offer a brief summary on each of them. Depending on the subject matter, you may also decide to recommend the particular one over the others, but if you do so make sure you emphasize why you have come to that conclusion.

Planning How to Write a Classification Essay

Now that you have a grasp of how your essay is going to be structured, it is time to sit down and plan how to write a classification essay. This is not the type of assignment where you can just sit down and start writing a first draft without a clear plan of action.

There is some initial planning that has to be done in order to produce a coherent classification essay. Here are a few of the essential planning steps you will need to consider:

Brainstorming Ideas

If you haven’t been allocated a topic then your first step is going to be to brainstorm a few potential ideas. You need to settle on a group of people, things or ideas that can be logically divided up and brought together into groups. You will want to come up with something that has definite categories to allow for comparison, but you will also want to avoid topics with too many categories.

As a general rule of thumb, you should aim for 3 to 5 categories depending on the word count requirement of your assignment. This would be enough to make comparisons, but not so many that you can’t go into depth with your criteria for classification.

Choosing Your Categories

Once you have your topic chosen, you will need to think about what categories they will be split into. Some topics may have multiple options, so you will need to decide which angle you are approaching it from.

For example, if it is about a group of people, would you sort them by age, appearance, job or something else entirely. Each of your categories should have a single basis of classification.

Getting Things in Order

It is important to consider which order you are going to place the categories in when it comes to discussing them. It can be helpful to make bullet point notes on points you wish to discuss for each category as this may highlight similarities which will help you to write linking sentences and transitions to make your essay flow smoothly.

It is good to refer back to previously discussed paragraphs for comparison, so it makes sense to order categories in a way that best suits this approach. Within each discussion itself you will also want to order your points appropriately. A common choice is to go from most important to least important or vice versa.

Develop a Thesis

Your thesis is going to form part of your introductory paragraph and it will shape the entire approach of your essay. It is important to develop this at an early stage as it can help keep your writing on track. Start off by stating what you are dividing into classes, list the different categories and explain what properties or criteria are used to classify them.

Your thesis may also explain the purpose of classifying these items or ideas. Are you going to determine if one group is superior? Start with a basic thesis statement to guide you, but be aware that you may have to refine it as your essay begins to take shape.

Only once you have gone through these initial pre-planning steps are you ready to crack on with actually writing your classification essay. Don’t expect to knock it out in one sitting, you will likely need several drafts to get it right and your plans may change slightly along the way.

General Tips for How to Write a Classification Essay

So, now that you have the structure down and have come up with a plan of how to approach your essay it is time to get started. Here are a few quick tips that will also help with how to write a classification essay.

• Make sure you describe or define each of your categories. Start by making a list of their main characteristics and then discuss them.
• You will need to provide several illustrative examples. Look for examples which offer a typical representation of the class. Have an equal number of examples in each of them.
• Use the comparison and contrast technique you will have developed in other essay formats to point out the various similarities or differences between each of your categories.

These are just a few guidelines to help you get started with how to write a classification essay. The key to succeeding with this type of assignment certainly comes down to preparation. Spend time planning your essay and figuring out your categories and you will find that the rest of the assignment falls into place much more easily.

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Chapter 4: What Are You Writing, to Whom, and How?

4.5 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 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 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 British Columbia, they often think of only Vancouver. However, British Columbia is actually a diverse province with a full range of activities to do, sights to see, and cultures to explore.  In order to better understand the diversity of the province of British Columbia, it is helpful to break it into seven separate regions : the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, the North and Central Coast, Northern British Columbia, Canyons and the Cariboo, the Thompson-Okanagan, and the Kootenays.

The underlined thesis in this example explains not only the category and subcategories but also the rationale for breaking it into those categories. In this classification essay, the writer hopes to show readers a different way of considering the province.

Each body paragraph of a classification essay is dedicated to fully illustrating each of the subcategories. In the previous example, then, each of the seven regions of British Columbia would have its own paragraph.

The conclusion should bring all the categories and subcategories 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 British Columbia add to its diversity and complexity.

Self-Practice Exercise 4.4

H5P: Classification Writing Practice

Exercise Preamble

Pick one of the following categories to use for this practice exercise (or pick something else that interests you more):

• Colleges and universities

Give three options for how you might classify items within this category. Consider classification strategies that think a little bit “outside the box.” For example, breakfast cereals could be classified by target market, or by mascots and spokespeople, or by sugar content.

Once you’ve found three options, choose the one you think will make for the most interesting essay and break your category into its classifications.

Write a paragraph explaining why you chose this classification and why it helps the reader understand the category. For example, classifying breakfast cereals by sugar content can help consumers make healthier choices. If you were developing this into a full essay, this exercise would help you develop a thesis statement.

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 near 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  Appendix 1: Readings: Examples of Essays  to read a sample classification essay.

Key Takeaways

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

Writing for Success - 1st Canadian H5P Edition by Tara Horkoff is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

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How to Write a Classification Essay

31 July 2023

last updated

A classification essay provides the necessary classification of ideas, concepts, and objects, among other applicable cases. Basically, the set, scheme, and classes are essential benchmarks that learners must consider in writing. Then, the criteria for writing academic papers bring together covered ideas and improve the ability to understand topics. Choosing themes, classifying facts, and gathering evidence lead to compelling papers. In this case, 10 steps on how to write a classification essay include writing an introduction, creating a strong thesis statement, organizing body paragraphs, developing a conclusion, and proofreading. Additional tips include clear definitions, balanced illustrative cases, unified methods of classification, and proper sentence structures.

General Explanations of a Classification Essay

Classification papers contain detailed explanations of objects and ideas. In particular, outstanding writers must observe academic standards to unify written works for having a unique flow of information and leading to a better understanding of academic writing . Then, some of the 10 steps include selecting essay topics , classifying information, and collecting evidence. In this case, a high level of originality improves overall outcomes. Moreover, outstanding works follow an essay structure with opening, body, and closing paragraphs. In turn, editing improves the overall quality of academic papers. Peers can help to identify common mistakes that lower the quality. Besides, students should provide flawless descriptions, balanced illustrative examples, and proper sentence structures.

Definition of a Classification Essay

A classification paper categorizes ideas, characters, or objects having shared features into specific groups. For example, a well-written paper includes all the categories that pertain to the main item under classification. In this case, writers must organize ideas in an acceptable academic format. Moreover, including exciting ways to classify ideas and objects improves the overall quality of papers. In turn, scholars may use single or multiple criteria when following the rules on how to write a classification essay.

A classification essay contains a detailed explanation of objects or ideas. For instance, one criterion method provides adequate information for every class. Besides. multiple categories present subsequent groupings and supporting evidence. In turn, the presentation makes papers informative and appropriate.

Criteria for Writing a Classification Essay

A classification essay must have three characteristics, namely the set, scheme, and classes. Basically, these standards unify good academic papers to have a unique flow.

A set considered for class must have unique features. For example. one must distinguish the grouping from immediate objects by considering how to write a classification essay. A good example includes living organisms as classified sets that are different from non-living things.

A scheme entails principles of selection and follows conditions of the quality, standard, category, or purpose. Basically, the system of choice centers on significance, importance, applicability, and valuable way to appreciate the set of things under consideration.

A class begins with a description, identification features of the members, and significant differences. In particular, including representative examples of the grouping makes written papers compelling. Other essential elements include a discussion of the category, its worth, comparison, and contrast with different clusters in the scheme. These components require writers to use description, narration, definition, examples, and appraisal methods of sorting.

10 Steps for Writing Classification Essays

Step 1. choosing a topic.

The first step includes deciding the object or idea to classify. For instance, the necessary steps to consider in topic selection include:

• choosing an appropriate number of classifications;
• considering apparent groupings;
• including important classes only;
• picking significant points in every cluster because readers should learn valuable information from clusters established;
• evaluating the significance of groups in supporting the topic.

Step 2. Organizing Ideas

One must gather adequate information to complete essays. For instance, writers carry out preliminary research. In this case, various scholarly materials contain sufficient evidence to support the topic. Other significant sources include:

• Internet – Credible websites may have valuable ideas and facts to complete papers.
• Focus Groups – Discussions with peers are effective ways to gather the required details for written works.
• Brainstorming – Students should come up with many points. Noting down the thoughts makes the organization process easier.
• Mind Mapping – Tree-diagrams, charts, tables, and flow-charts enhances the grouping point of view.

Step 3. Writing an Introduction

The opening paragraph contains an overview of the main ideas presented in written works. For example, one should write an introduction after other items. In this case, this approach helps to capture all the main points. Essential conditions to consider for the preliminary section:

• should not exceed 10% of the entire paper;
• must contain a hook to attract the reader’s attention;
• does not include in-text citations to support information;
• does not cover specific examples or data.

Step 4. Creating a Thesis Statement

A thesis statement acts as the foundation of an essay. Basically, a first central claim should allow readers to understand the composition to meet recommendations on how to write a classification essay. In this case, writers should state the main approaches examined in academic works. Important points to consider include:

• setting certain expectations for readers;
• making an arguable claim;
• affirming focal arguments concisely.

Step 5. Choosing Categories

Writers should use classes identified in Step 1 to develop several groups. In particular, an adequate number of groupings make written works clear. Important points to consider include:

• combining classifications with similar traits to avoid vague information;
• sufficient classes that make written papers clear.

Step 6. Classification Essays with Good Paragraphs in a Body

The categories identified earlier guide the number of paragraphs that one must include in the body section. In this case, each paragraph contains adequate details and evidence to support the main ideas. Moreover, students must be specific when presenting significant ideas. Other essential factors include:

• Paragraphs start with a topic sentence.
• Real-life examples validate the claims made in the opening statement.
• Two or three explanation sentences make academic papers compelling.
• Every section ends with a linking statement.

The body of a classification essay must have a logical flow of ideas. Basically, writers must arrange paragraphs to ensure that their ideas connect effectively. For example, starting from the known to less familiar information makes papers compelling. As a result, these strategies lead to a logical progression of ideas.

Step 7. Developing a Conclusion

The closing paragraph summarizes the main points of an academic paper. In particular, mentioning classes considered in papers makes the ending valid. Other essential factors that one should consider must:

• including final comments for each classification;
• avoiding repetitive information;
• excluding new evidence in the ending section;
• reaffirming the thesis statement.

Step 8. Revising a Thesis Statement

Reviewing central claims improves the quality of knowledge of classification essays. For instance, students must ensure that the thesis statement captures the main ideas presented in the body. In turn, overlooking thoughts makes academic papers weak and less compelling.

Step 9. Writing Second or Final Drafts and Proofreading

Reviewing the first draft helps to remove possible flaws. Basically, presenting unrevised papers leads to a poor reader’s response due to grammatical and spelling errors. In this case, students may use several steps when going through academic papers.

• Beginning with a broader view – reading the entire essay to identify probable gaps in the logical flow. Learners must include missing gaps.
• Lengthy paragraphs – editing down longer sections makes the work readable.
• Wordy sentences – rewriting longwinded sentences makes papers clear and logical.
• Classifying the message – removing complex words and phrases improves the overall quality of academic papers.
• Proofreading – rereading all words and sentences to examine their correctness and relevance.

Learners should make the necessary changes to the first draft of an essay. In this case, writing a fair copy of the composition helps to meet the required standards. Moreover, using a rubric makes the process easier and more effective.

Step 10. Peer Reviewing

The last step includes presenting papers to classmates or friends for reading and critique. Basically, this method helps to identify the relevance of written essays to the intended audience. Furthermore, one should consider making corrections that may arise from this step.

Additional Tips on How to Write Classification Essays

Defining Categories

Defining every category helps to make papers compelling. Listing of the main characteristics and discussing them is an appropriate approach.

Classification Essays with Examples

Illustrative examples make the main arguments compelling. For instance, one should use cases that offer a typical representation of classes. Besides, having an equal number of examples in each category is important.

The comparison and contrast technique points out different similarities and differences between various categories. Basically, this method ensures that writers evaluate all ideas and concepts exhaustively.

The tree-diagram method supports the generation of adequate ideas and concepts. In this case, students organize themes and subtopics. Besides. writing all categories under every subcategory helps to identify essential facts. In turn, the approach reduces the chances of omitting critical ideas.

Unified Criterion of Classification

Relying on governing principles of class promotes clarity in the essay. In particular, setting standards before beginning the writing process improves the applicability of the written piece.

Sentence Structure

Incomplete phrases make academic papers vague and confusing. In this case, deep proofreading leads to easier identification of careless mistakes. Hence, students must pay close attention to revision procedures.

Summing Up on Classification Essay

A classification essay categorizes ideas, characters, or objects that have common traits by considering specific groups. Basically, writers must observe three characteristics of classification essays, namely the set, scheme, and classes. Then, the criteria unify written works to have a unique flow of information, leading to a better understanding. In this case, choosing the topic, classifying the data, and gathering evidence are essential steps toward writing a compelling paper. Moreover, a high level of creativity improves the outcome of these steps. Outstanding works contain an introduction with a strong thesis statement, a detailed body section, and a summative conclusion. In turn, proofreading improves the overall quality of academic papers. As a result, clear definitions, balanced illustrative cases, unified groups of classes, and proper sentence structure are essential guidelines.

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Classification Essay

Classification Essay: An Ultimate Guide & Example

Published on: May 9, 2019

Last updated on: Dec 19, 2022

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High school and college students are most likely to deal with classification essay assignments at some stage in their education.

Professors assign classification essays to evaluate a student's skills and ability to categorize things on a particular basis. It may seem difficult at first, but using basic techniques will make the writing process easier.

If you are assigned this academic paper type, continue reading the blog to learn how a classification essay is drafted correctly.

What is a Classification Essay?

A classification essay is defined as a writing piece that aims to arrange several objects or subjects with similar characteristics. Therefore, a simple classification essay deals with the arrangement of several ideas sharing common properties.

What is the Purpose of a Classification Essay?

The basic purpose of writing this essay is to:

• Categorize and classify the topics
• Ensure a single categorizing approach is followed throughout the content
• Provide examples of things under each category

When writing this type of essay, the writer chooses specific traits to categorize or classify the selected objects. The entire process for writing a classification essay is not very different from any other essay. But this essay type specifically requires in-depth research and analysis. All the other principles of essay writing are the same.

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How to Start a Classification Essay

To start writing a classification essay, it is important to first decide on the classification criteria. A writer cannot just start writing without having clear properties on which the objects’ categorization will occur.

This essay’s purpose is to discriminate between subjects, so make sure none of the categories are overlapping.

Following are the steps that should be taken to start an impressive classification essay:

If you are not assigned a topic, come up with an exciting topic. The first step is to brainstorm ideas and settle on a group of things that can be logically divided into groups. You will have to come up with something interesting that must have definitive categories for comparison.

Once you have decided on the topic, think about the categories in which the topic can split up. Some topics may have several options, so you will have to determine the angle you approach the essay theme from.

A thesis statement is the writer’s stance on the topic on which the entire essay stands. All of the information in the body of the essay supports this central argument and provides strong evidence for that.

Develop your claim about the topic to continue writing your classification essay. It is important to draft a strong  thesis statement  if you want your essay to be effective and persuasive.

After choosing a topic and a thesis, conduct research to gather interesting information for the readers. When researching, make sure to take data and information from credible sources. Make sure to not blur your classification by adding too much information from multiple sources.

Credible and authentic information will strengthen the content of your essay, making it convincing and logical for the audience.

Think of ways to structure your essay content. Write down the main ideas and show the logical connection between them. Eliminate the unnecessary points and group ideas to come up with an outline.

Have a look at the following template that you can use for your classification and division essay.

• Introductory paragraph
• Body paragraph 1
• Body paragraph 2
• Body paragraph 3

How to Write a Classification Essay?

Once you have a plan and a basic structure, it is time to start writing your classification essay. To draft an effective and flawless essay, follow the writing steps given below:

1. Write an Essay Introduction

The introduction is the first part of the essay. Here, the writer identifies the subject and mentions the things to be categorized. To make your introduction appealing, draft a catchy hook statement. A hook statement is the opening line of the introductory paragraph, written to draw the reader’s attention towards the essay.

After an interesting opening line, provide the purpose of your essay and explain the reason for categorizing the items.

Close your introduction with a strong thesis statement that will highlight the subject matter in the discussion. Craft this statement early as this will help you stay on the right track throughout the writing process.

2. Draft the Body Paragraphs

The body section will contain three or more paragraphs depending upon the categories. The body paragraphs are drafted to justify the thesis statement made earlier in the introduction section.

Start each body paragraph with a topic sentence and provide relevant information and examples to get into specifics. The right approach is to discuss the most important category in the last body paragraph with detailed elaboration.

Make sure the information logically flows from one paragraph to another. For that, use  transition words  and ensure one thing logically leads to another. Besides, provide an equal number of examples to help the reader better understand the way you classified things.

3. Write a Strong Conclusion

The conclusion is the last paragraph where you put together all the categories mentioned in the body paragraphs. In the classification essay conclusion, summarize the critical point and restate the thesis statement to provide a good final impression.

4. Proofreading and Editing

You might end up with the first draft full of mistakes. But you can fix it up by carefully proofreading and revising it. Read your essay a number of times and make sure it includes all the points highlighted in the outline. Additionally, ensure it is free from any kind of language mistakes before you hand it in.

Classification Essay Example

Before starting the wiring process, it is better to look at some of the classification essay examples. In this way, you will better understand how the professional essay looks like. For that, look at the following classification division essay example from one of our expert writers.

Classification Essay Sample

Classification Essay Topics

To help the students, here are a few  classification essay topics  gathered by professional writers of MyPerfectWords.com:

• Types of human relationships
• Various political systems
• Dancing styles
• Alternative sources of energy
• School systems
• Vacation destinations
• High school and college students
• Psychological disorders
• Common phobias
• Weight loss diets
• Smart devices
• Educational mobile apps

Feel free to choose from the above ideas and turn them into your classification paper. Observe the topic from different angles and categorize it into different classes to write a compelling essay.

Tips for Writing a Classification Essay

To make your classification essay stand out, pay attention to the content’s small yet important things. Taking care of a few things can make your writing exceptional. Follow the professional tips provided below while writing a classification essay:

• Avoiding choosing complex topics. Topics that are extremely broad or narrow are harder to deal with.
• Conduct detailed research to gather factual and impactful information for the essay content.
• Provide strong evidence and examples for each classification.
• Use credible sources of information.
• Draft a perfect  classification essay outline  to stay on track and not miss any important information.
• Proofread your essay a couple of times to ensure perfection

Following this guide will let you draft an A-worthy classification essay. The key to success in this type of essay assignment comes down to preparation. Start early, plan your essay, and figure out the categories.

Like any other paper, classification essay writing can pose difficulties for students. Especially for those who lack the time or good writing skills. If you are one of them, you can get assistance from our expert  essay writer  at  MyPerfectWords.com .

MyPerfectWords.com  is a  legitimate essay writing service  that prides itself in providing original and quality content. So if you require writing help, hire a professional writer right now.

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Caleb S. has been providing writing services for over five years and has a Masters degree from Oxford University. He is an expert in his craft and takes great pride in helping students achieve their academic goals. Caleb is a dedicated professional who always puts his clients first.

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What is Classification in Grammar?

A definition of grammatical classification with examples

• An Introduction to Punctuation
• 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

In rhetoric and composition , classification is a method of paragraph or essay development in which a writer arranges people, objects, or ideas with shared characteristics into classes or groups. A classification essay often includes examples and other supporting details that are organized according to types, kinds, segments, categories, or parts of a whole.

Observations on Classification

"The primary support in classification consists of the categories that serve the purpose of the classification...The categories in classification are the 'piles' into which the writer sorts a topic (the items to be classified). These categories will become the topic sentences for the body paragraphs of the essay...The supporting details in classification are examples or explanations of what is in each category. The examples in classification are the various items that fall within each category. These are important because readers may not be familiar with your categories." —From "Real Essays With Readings" by Susan Anker

Using Classification in an Introductory Paragraph

"Americans can be divided into three groups—smokers, nonsmokers and that expanding pack of us who have quit. Those who have never smoked don't know what they're missing, but former smokers, ex-smokers, reformed smokers can never forget. We are veterans of a personal war, linked by that watershed experience of ceasing to smoke and by the temptation to have just one more cigarette. For almost all of us ex-smokers, smoking continues to play an important role in our lives. And now that it is being restricted in restaurants around the country and will be banned in almost all indoor public places in New York State starting next month, it is vital that everyone understand the different emotional states cessation of smoking can cause. I have observed four of them; and in the interest of science I have classified them as those of the zealot, the evangelist, the elect and the serene. Each day, each category gains new recruits." —From "Confessions of an Ex-Smoker" by Franklin Zimring

Using Classification to Establish Place

"Each of Jamaica's four great gardens, although established along similar principles, has acquired its own distinctive aura. Hope Gardens, in the heart of Kingston, evokes postcard pictures from the 1950s of public parks, gracious and vaguely suburban and filled with familiar favorites—lantana and marigolds—as well as exotics. Bath has retained its Old World character; it is the easiest to conjure as it must have looked in Bligh's time . Cinchona of the clouds is otherworldly. And Castleton, the garden established to replace Bath, fleetingly evokes that golden age of Jamaican tourism, when visitors arrived in their own yachts—the era of Ian Fleming and Noel Coward, before commercial air travel unloaded ordinary mortals all over the island." —From "Captain Bligh's Cursed Breadfruit" by Caroline Alexander

Using Classification to Establish Character: Example 1

"Local TV interviewers come in two varieties. One is a bulimic blond person with a deviated septum and a severe cognitive disorder who went into broadcasting because he or she was too emotionally disturbed for telephone sales work. The other variety is suave, sagacious, grossly overqualified for the job, and too depressed to talk to you. Good local TV people are always depressed because their field is so crowded." —From "Book Tour" by P.J. O'Rourke

Using Classification to Establish Character: Example 2

"The English-speaking world may be divided into (1) those who neither know nor care what a split infinitive is; (2) those who do not know, but care very much; (3) those who know and condemn; (4) those who know and approve; (5) those who know and distinguish." —From "A Dictionary of Modern Usage" by H.W. Fowler and Ernest Gowers

Famous Classification Paragraphs and Essays for Study

• "Conversation" by Samuel Johnson
• "Here is New York" by E.B. White
• "Give Her a Pattern" by D.H. Lawrence
• "The Man Who Interrupts" by Bill Nye
• "Of Studies" by Francis Bacon
• "On Various Kinds of Thinking" by James Harvey Robinson
• "The Pleasure of Quarreling" by H.G. Wells
• "Shaking Hands" by Edward Everett
• Anker, Susan. "Real Essays With Readings," Third Edition. Bedford/St. Martin's. 2009
• Zimring, Franklin. "Confessions of an Ex-Smoker." Newsweek . April 20, 1987
• Alexander, Caroline. "Captain Bligh's Cursed Breadfruit." The Smithsonian . September 2009
• O'Rourke, P.J. "Book Tour," in "Age and Guile, Beat Youth, Innocence, and a Bad Haircut." Atlantic Monthly Press. 1995
• Fowler, H.W.; Gowers, Ernest. " A Dictionary of Modern English Usage ," Second Edition. Oxford University Press. 1965
• How to Develop and Organize a Classification Essay
• Development in Composition: Building an Essay
• What Is Expository Writing?
• Unity in Composition
• Conclusion in Compositions
• Topic In Composition and Speech
• Definition and Examples of Analysis in Composition
• Presenting Data in Graphic Form
• Supporting Detail in Composition and Speech
• How to Structure an Essay
• Understanding Organization in Composition and Speech
• Definition and Examples of Transitional Paragraphs
• Writers on Writing: The Art of Paragraphing
• Practice in Making a Simple Outline for a Cause & Effect Paragraph
• Exploring Minor Planets
• What an Essay Is and How to Write One

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