Writing a Classification Essay

Classification Essay

A Classification Essay or Division Essay takes a complex subject area and breaks it down into smaller parts so it is easily understood. What this means is you take a broad subject area and break it down into separate categories based on a single principle. A classification essay relies on a single principle of organization. The principle of organization is the method by which the writer analyzes or breaks down the information in the essay. 

When classifying topics into subcategories the most common classification types are:

• Degree: Breaks the subject area from lower to higher or value
• Types: Breaks the subject in the type or kind.
• Parts: Breaks topic down into component parts that make up the subject as a whole
• Characteristics: Breaks topic down based on features or characteristics of the subject
• Chronology: breaks subject down into time periods

Amy Tan describes relationship with her heritage, her mother, and her languages in " Mother Tongue ". The essay is located at https://tinyurl.com/y7gbr9hs.

Types of Higher Education Programs essay example: https://open.lib.umn.edu/writingforsuccess/chapter/15-5-classification-essay/