Classification Essay

3: CLASSIFICATION ESSAY

ENG 101: ESSAY 3

For Essay 3, you will be writing a classification essay in which you will divide a large group into smaller, more understandable categories. The overall method of classification is to find common characteristics that unite different types of categories. For this essay, you will classify the different types of ______________. Each category should be distinct and have its own characteristics. Categories should not overlap, although the categories may share something in common. Your thesis statement should (a) clearly indicate what you will classify, (b) the names of the three categories, and (c) the controlling idea.

Possible Topics (Topics should be specific, not broad): *underline is example of controlling idea

· Types of dangerous jobs Types of unhealthy diets

· Types of video games Types of harmful drugs

· Types of alternative energy Types of annoying coworkers

My topic choice: _______________________________ Instructor’s Initials: _____________________

MAIN GOALS FOR ESSAY:

· Focus your essay with a strong thesis statement that shows the scope of the assignment as outlined above.

· Illustrative essays should show rather than tell; you your critical voice to explain (see below)

· Topic sentences for body paragraphs 1, 2, and 3 should validate & mirror the thesis statement.

· Create 3 organized body paragraphs that focus on one main point each and divide your essay into manageable sections for the reader.

· Provide specific, effective examples and explanations for your 3 topic sentences

· This essay must include at least two sources with correlating in-text citations & a works cited page

REMINDER FOR ESSAYS:

· Use multiple examples and explanations to highlight/prove the topic sentences

· Arrange categories in a logical manner with supporting information that relates to the categories with sufficient details

· Each paragraph should highlight the category’s individualism by making a meaningful point

· Each paragraph should be a minimum of 8-10 meaning sentences

· Avoid taking a stance or providing examples/explanations that contain opinions

· Complete essay should be written in 3rd person point of view (NO: I, me, you, your, we, us, our)

· DO NOT WRITE WITH CONTRACTIONS

· Use your critical voice to explain/describe your topic. HINT: Show that you have thought out each explanation by giving commentary that accurately links your examples back to your thesis statement.

ESSAY FORMAT:

· Follow MLA Guidelines

· Double Spaced w/ Info Block & Header

· Typed w/ 1-inch margins

· Avoid spelling, mechanical, and grammatical errors

· Avoid awkward or incorrect wording

· Narrow topic; clear thesis

· 5 paragraphs; all indented w/ clear structure

ESSAY TIMELINE:

You should write your essay for an educated, informed audience who is NOT in this class and may not be familiar with the terms or examples that you may use. You will need to summarize key ideas, define any terms that might not be familiar, and choose appropriate diction to help your reader understand your topic.

Transitions: