Classification Essay

Writing a classification essay is as simple as filing files into a filing system.  The only difference between writing a classification essay and filing is that filing is generally done alphabetically and a classification essay can be written to classify, or file, in many different ways.

Classification essays contain the exact same components that other college articles contain.  Classification reports should have an introduction, a body, and a conclusion.  And the introduction of every classification report should have a thesis statement.  The thesis statement for a classification essay generally encompasses the items, or topics, being classified.

For instance, if a classification essay is about various dogs, the thesis statement might mention something such as "Great Danes, German Shepherds, and Toy Poodles are all types of AKC recognized dog breeds."   If the classification essay is about sports, the thesis statement might indicate that "football, basketball, and baseball are all popular U.S. sports."   In essence, the thesis statement should indicate what is being classified and how they fall into the same classification.

The body of the classification essay can be divided in two ways.  The student can elect to use one paragraph to discuss or evaluate each classified item or topic separately, or he or she can use each paragraph to compare and contrast various aspects of the items or topics being classified.  Some instructors will indicate which style they prefer and students should always follow the guidelines set forth by the instructor.

The conclusion is used to restate the thesis and summarize the facts and information presented with the classification article.  The conclusion should wrap everything up.  The reader should feel as if the report has been concluded, not necessarily that everything possible that can be said has been stated on the subject.  

Just as with any assignment, classification reports should be well-written reports with well-presented and well-researched arguments and facts.  Students should pay attention to grammar and spelling, sentence structure and punctuation, and should follow any formatting and citation guidelines given to them by the instructor.  When the instructor has not presented any specific formatting guidelines to the students, it is always safe to use one inch margins and double-spaced text.  And, as with any assignment, students are expected to present original work.

Classification essays are not particularly difficult to write and most students do well on them.  Classification essays are basic writing assignments designed to test students' critical thinking and writing abilities.  And, the student who puts thought and effort into the work is the student who receives a satisfactory grade.

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