Classification and Division Paper
MsT
ClassificationandDivision.docxClassification and Division
Classification is the method of separating items into individual categories. Division is the process of breaking something down into parts. Therefore, when classifying and dividing something you can make sense of apparently random lists of things (Kirszner and Mandell 433).
People classify and divide items all the time without even realizing it. When you got dressed this morning, you likely had your clothes dividing into tops (shirts, blouses, etc.) and bottoms (pants, jeans, etc.) You may have further classified your clothes into things you wear around the house, items you wear out, and other articles you wear when dressing up, like when going to church or a fancy restaurant. You may also divide you music play lists into genres such as hip hop, rock, and country, or you may divide music play lists into when they are listened to, such as music to listen to while studying, music to listen to while working out, and music to listen to while working around the house.
You will find classification and division in all of your other college courses. In biology, for example, life is divided into plants, animals, fungi, bacteria, etc. Chemistry divides elements into gases, liquids, and solids. History divides time into eras, such as the Classical period, the Middle Ages, and Modern history. And finally, art and literature divides periods such as Neo-Classical, Romantic, and Victorian.
Finally, popular culture divides items all the time as well. Movies are divided into action movies, comedies, romance, and dramas. Television shows are divided into sit-coms, dramas, reality TV, etc. Of course none of these lists are comprehensive, but just a short list of a few of the popular classifications for each item.
Organizing a Classification and Division Paper
To organize a classification and division paper, one must first decide on a principle of classification, or how to classify them. Then select how the categories are going to be arranged (Kirszner and Mandell 435).
The introduction should provide a little information about what you classifying and dividing, and how they will be divided. Then the thesis statement should name the subject and introduce the categories it will be divided into.
The body sections should discuss each category the subject was divided into. Each category should also have examples. Much like the definition paper, examples for each category is paramount to bring the ideas home to the reader.
Finally, the conclusion should summarize the paper, restate the thesis, and most importantly, make the reader consider the implications of how the writer divided the subject (437).
Sample Papers
The first sample essay is by Martin Luther King, Jr., who writes about three ways people can fight against oppression.
MLK 3 Ways of Fighting Oppression.pdf
The second paper, "Hispanics on Campus," is a student paper, and divides how Latinos can be divided into several groups by how many generations they have been living in the United States and politically active they are.
My topic is reasons for attending (or not attending) college
It should be typed, double spaced, with one inch margins on the paper, and each paragraph should be indented one half inch. Don't forget a proper heading with your name, the instructor's name, the course title, and the date. The paper should be at least 600 to 1000 words in length, and written in a clear, easy to read font, such as Times New Roman.
