The Classification Essay
To classify is to divide something into groups or categories according to one or more criteria. A classification essay shows understanding of a topic by sorting it into clear categories and describing them.
Choosing criteria: the same set of things can be classified different ways — students could be grouped by gender, age, nationality, etc. Choose the criteria that make most sense for your purpose.
Language for classifying — note the difference between naming the criterion and naming the result:
Criterion: Students can be classified according to gender (also on the basis of, depending on).
Result: Students can be classified into male and female (also consists of, comprises).
When there is no name for the criterion, use according to whether … or not (classified according to whether they are Asian or not).
To divide again, use sub-divided and further sub-divided.
Two structures: a single-criterion essay (background gives the criterion, thesis lists the categories, each body paragraph describes one category) or a multiple-criteria essay (thesis lists the criteria, each paragraph shows the groupings a criterion produces).
Model essay — careers in psychology: classifies psychology into three categories — counseling/clinical psychology, psychiatry, and neuroscience — devoting one body paragraph to each, then concluding that students should research each path.
Tip: Use according to when you name the criterion and into when you name the resulting groups: classified according to age vs. classified into three age groups.
Common mistake: Using overlapping or inconsistent categories. Pick a single clear criterion per level so the groups don't overlap (you can then sub-divide).
✏️ Test Yourself
1. To divide something into groups by a criterion is to ___ .
2. The standard used to divide things is the ___ .
3. "Classified ___ gender" names the criterion.
4. "Classified ___ male and female" names the result.
📒 Words to learn
Meaning — to arrange things into groups or categories
“A classification essay classifies a topic into types.”
Meaning — a standard used to judge or divide things
“Choose the criterion that fits your purpose.”
Meaning — a class or group of similar things
“Each body paragraph describes one category.”
Meaning — to divide something that is already divided
“A group can be sub-divided by a second criterion.”
Meaning — to consist of; to be made up of
“Economics comprises micro- and macro-economics.”