Classification Essay

The purpose of a classification paragraph is to sort ideas (persons, places, things, or events) according
to some basis or common shared characteristics.
The same information can be classified into more than one category, but the classification paragraph
sticks to one basis of classification. The topic sentence has two parts: the topic, and the basis of classification,
which is the controlling idea; it controls how the writer approaches the subject.
We use categories or types to understand a larger concept by breaking down an idea into smaller
concepts.
Some transitional expressions:

can be divided can be classified can be categorized

the first type the second kind the last category

In a classification essay, we organize things into categories and give examples of things that fit into each
category. For example, if you choose to write about types of computers (PCs and servers), each of your
developmental paragraphs will define the characteristics of a different computer type.

Classification criteria:
Before writing, it is necessary to decide on the classification criteria. We should think according to what
properties we are going to classify things. The criteria must be discriminating and the emerging classes
should be non-overlapping.

Organization:
Develops a general statement--the topic sentence--with one or more specific examples. Not only do
these examples illustrate and explain the topic sentence, but they also make your writing more
interesting and more convincing

Sample classification essay:

Types of Computers

There are a lot of terms used to describe computers. Most of these words imply the size, expected use
or capability of the computer. While the term “computer” can apply to virtually any device that has
a microprocessor in it, most people think of a computer as a device that receives input from the user through
a mouse or keyboard processes it in some fashion and displays the result on a screen. Computers can be
divided into five according to the purpose they are used for and their capabilities.

The most familiar type of microprocessor is the personal computer (PC). It designed for general use by
a single person. While a Mac is also a PC, most people relate the term with systems that run the
Windows operating system. PCs were first known as microcomputers because they were a complete computer
but built on a smaller scale than the huge systems in use by most businesses. A PC can come in two types
(three if we include the Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) that differ from PCs not by the working policy but in
appearance as well.): Desktop and laptop. The former is not designed for portability. The expectation with
desktop systems is that you will set the computer up in a permanent location. Most desktops offer more
power, storage and versatility for less cost than their portable brethren. On the other hand, the laptops - also
called notebooks - are portable computers that integrate the display, keyboard, a pointing device or trackball,
processor, memory and hard drive all in a battery-operated package slightly larger than an average hardcover
book.

Another purpose for using a microprocessor is as a workstation. The computers used for this purpose
have a more powerful processor, additional memory and enhanced capabilities for performing a special group
of task, such as 3D Graphics or game development. A computer can also be used as a server. For this, it needs

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to be optimized to provide services to other computers over a network. Servers usually have powerful
processors, lots of memory and large hard drives. A fourth type, a main frame is the heart of a network of
computers or terminals which allows hundreds of people to work at the same time on the same data. It is
indispensable for the business world.

Sometimes, computers can be used for specialized fields as well. The supercomputer is the top of the
heap in power and expense. It is used for jobs that take massive amounts of calculating, like weather forecasting,
engineering design and testing, serious decryption, and economic forecasting.

With the increasing demand in different specialties, new adjustments are being made to microprocessors
and new types of computers that serve different purposes emerge. In this ongoing process, it would not possible
to put a full stop here. What we suggest is that it is better to keep an eye on the development of science in this
field and keep updating our knowledge in order not to be out-of-date like the computers of old times that were
as big as a room.
Retrieved from:
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Essay Analysis:
In the sample essay about computers, the computers are classified according to their functions and capabilities
as:

Topic: 5 types of
Criteria: their functions Capabilities
computers

desktop: permanent
1. PC general use by a single person
laptop: portable

powerful microprocessor,
used for 3D graphics, game
2. Workstation additional memory and
development
enhanced capabilities

used to provide services to other have powerful processors, lots of

3. Server
computers memory and large hard drives

enables hundreds of people to

4. Main frame used in business
work together

used for jobs that take massive

5. Super computer very powerful
amounts of calculating

Exemplification/Illustration

Making use of examples to illustrate a point; it means, to explain a general statement by means of more
narrowed details or specific examples. Detailed and well-chosen examples add interest, liveliness, and power to
your writing. It makes what we say more vivid and more exact. Writers often use illustration to develop a

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paragraph. To write an effective exemplification essay, we need to employ a variety of examples which relate
to the readers and help them understand your main point.
Transitional expressions:

for instance for example an illustration of this

a case in point is another instance of another example of
to illustrate another illustration of here are a few examples

Retrieved from: http://content.nroc.org/DevelopmentalEnglish/unit04/Foundations/using-transitional-words-and-phrases.html

Sample exemplification essay:

Can You Be a Gardener?

One of the most common misconceptions about gardening is that you must have a "green thumb,"
meaning that you have the ability to grow anything and that you know everything there is to know about plants,
soil, fertilizer, and so forth. However, this is not true. Many people enjoy gardening and can grow their own
flowers, fruits, and vegetables in almost any setting. To get started, new gardeners should consider three
elements that are essential to beginning a successful garden.

First, novice gardeners need to think about what space they have to grow items. Is yard space available?
If so, how much? If no yard is available, what kind of structures or pots could be used? Different types of flowers
and foods grow best in certain soil conditions, so identifying what space is available is key. For example, flowers
can work well in traditional gardens or in pots, so they are pretty versatile. However, pumpkins and zucchini need
space to grow and spread, so they rely on a larger piece of land.

Second, inexperienced gardeners should think about how much time they have to devote to their produce
or flowers. Some items require a lot of attention, especially when they start producing fruits or vegetables.
Growing potatoes doesn't require a lot of time or attention because they grow underground and do not need to
be harvested until later in the season. Green beans, on the other hand, need to be picked often once they start
producing. Likewise, flowers usually require less effort, so these can be a good option for the busy gardener.

Finally, another essential element to consider is what the gardeners want to get out of the gardening
experience. If they want to eat what they grow, then produce such as radishes, potatoes, lettuce, carrots, and
many others are great options. However, if beauty is what the gardener has in mind, then choosing colorful
flowers is probably the better option.

In the end, almost anyone can be a gardener, and planning ahead is one of the best ways to ensure a
successful garden. Who knows? In time, we all may get the chance to show off our success!