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Classification and Division Papers: Organization

Author: Sydney Bauer

The purpose or the point of the essay will decide how the categories are organized. The order in which a writer lists the categories or characteristics can easily imply a relationship, connection, or meaning to the reader.

 

The most common format is as follows:

·         Introduction (which includes a thesis that explains the point or purpose for the essay as well as the subject being classified or divided. The introduction will also outline the criteria used to classify or divide the subject).

·         Type 1, or subclass, or characteristic

·         Type 2, or subclass, or characteristic (each type, subclass, or characteristic listed should receive its own paragraph to make sure it is sufficiently developed).

·         Conclusion (summarizes the categories discussed and reinforces the purpose of the essay, leaving the reader with something more to consider after reading (a clincher sentence)).

 

As you can tell, the pattern is able to list types of subjects within a category, subclasses within a class or genus, as well as characteristics of a type or subclass. What you include will entirely depend on how broad your topic is or how in depth you choose to go with your topic.

 

This pattern is easy to change to suit the needs of any chosen topic. Just make sure that the paper goes beyond dissecting a subject to make some sort of meaningful statement about the divisions.

 

When creating an outline for a Classification and Division paper it is a good idea to write your reasoning for categorization on a note card and keep it close by. Refer to it whenever you create a section of your paper. Make sure that your paper presents a sense of logic to the ordering. 

 

Example: Classification of Baking Apples

Apples appropriate for use in pastries and baking have the following characteristics: 

A) Holds shape under heat

B) Tart taste

C) Crisp texture

D) Acidic

 

But the writer could have chosen to list apples that are generally used for baking and then listed their characteristics and then noted the similarities or differences. 

 

Remember that the order in which you list characteristics or details should also have a purpose. You could start or end with the most important distinction, but the middle wouldn't be a good location for it. 

 

Classification and Division Papers: Organization