5The Disorganized Student
  
 


Classification Essay Format

With this format we analyze topics. When a writer classifies, he divides the members of a group into categories whose members share similar characteristics. To do this he needs a classifying principle--just ONE classifying principle. This principle, which must be complete leaving out no members of the group being considered, becomes the thesis of his essay. This thesis will be fact rather than opinion.
 
To organize a classification essay, the writer should

1. Identify each group.    
2. Describe or define each particular category. List the general characteristics and discuss them.
3. GIVE EXAMPLES! An example should be a typical member of the category.   
4. Distinguish each category from the other categories. Using comparison-contrast show how the categories are similar or different.

You can see that a classification essay uses the skills the writer may have already been developing in both the example and comparison/contrast formats.

Possible Topics:                                         

1. programs on TV

2. your college's freshmen  

3. attitudes on a particular topic                           

4. your friends                                                           

5. lies people tell                             

6. books you have read                                          

7. male athletes at your college

8. female athletes at your college

9. shoppers

 
 

 
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© 1999, 2000, 2002 Virginia Bower (Mars Hill College), Charlene Kiser (Milligan College), Kim McMurtry (Montreat College), Ellen Millsaps (Carson-Newman College), Katherine Vande Brake (King College). All rights reserved. This manual was made possible by a Culpeper grant from the Appalachian College Association; click here for information. If you encounter difficulties with these web pages, please notify kmcmurtry@montreat.edu.