CLASSIFICATION ESSAYS

A classification essay organizes or sorts things into categories.

For example:

Cars can be classified into price categories:

a. Expensive

b. Moderate

c. Inexpensive
PRINCIPLE OF ORGANIZATION
The principle of organization is the method by which the writer analyzes the
information in the essay
Types of movies?
● Genre/film types: action, romance, horror…
● Period in which the movie was made: WW2, future…
● Audience type: children, teenagers, female/male…
● Character roles: the protagonist, the antagonist…
ORGANIZATION OF A CLASSIFICATION
ESSAY
4 types of movies => 4 body paragraphs

3 main types of computers => 3 body paragraphs

Make sure that each body paragraph contains the same types of
supporting details; in other words, the body paragraphs must be
parallel.
Make sure that:
1. Your introductory paragraph has:
• a hook
• connecting information
• your thesis statement
2. Each body paragraph contains the same types of supporting details
3. Your conclusion:
• restates the thesis statement
• summarizes main points briefly
• offers a suggestion, a prediction or an opinion.
Example:
I. Introduction:
A. Hook
B. Connecting information
C. Thesis statement: Most people, at some time in their lives, experience three
main types of writing: writing for pleasure, academic writing, and writing in the
workplace.
II. Body paragraph 1: Writing for pleasure

A. Detail 1: Who does it

B. Detail 2: When it is done
C. Detail 3: What writing tasks are included

III. Body paragraph 2: Academic writing

A. Detail 1: Who does it

B. Detail 2: When it is done
C. Detail 3: What writing tasks are included
IV. Body paragraph 3: Writing in the workplace

A. Detail 1: Who does it

B. Detail 2: When it is done
C. Detail 3: What writing tasks are include

V. Conclusion
Supporting Details
II. Body paragraph 1: Writing for pleasure

A. Detail 1: Who does it

B. Detail 2: When it is done
C. Detail 3: What writing tasks are include
II. Body paragraph 1: Writing for pleasure

A. Detail 1: Who does it

1. Adults
2. Teenagers
3. Children
B. Detail 2: When it is done
1. During free time (weekends, holidays)
2. Late at night
3. Early in the morning
C. Detail 3: What writing tasks are include
1. Letters
2. Poems
3. Short stories
4. Personal journals
THE WRITING PROCESS
Step 1: Choose a topic

Step 2: Brainstorm ideas

a. List ideas: write down everything about the topic that comes to mind.
b. Make a cluster diagram:
Step 3: Select a purpose and outline

Ex: Types of pollution

Purpose: The purpose of this essay is to describe three types of pollution and
ways to reduce each.

Three points of development: fossil fuel emissions, animal farming, landfills/waste

Step 4: Write the first draft

Step 5: Get feedback

Step 6: Reread, rethink, rewrite

Step 7: Proofread the final draft