classification and division essay outline examples

How to Write a Classification Essay?

17 July, 2020

8 minutes read

Author:  Elizabeth Brown

Classification essay is comparable to painting creation - an artist works on a specific structure that holds the picture’s elements together and glues different layers to create a powerful visual effect. The same principle applies to a writing piece, in which the central role is devoted to getting things in order. In this article, we’ll discuss the main features and components of a great classification essay and share some tips and tricks on how to take your piece of writing to the next level.

Classification essay definition

We bet the first thing you want to know concerning the topic is what is a classification essay? This is the task which you’ll most likely deal with at some point in your student life. The essence of this assignment is related to categorization and generalization. Remember these two words because they form the true meaning of classification essay. Also, division and classification are those elements of this essay type which highly correlate and have equal importance for essay creation. Therefore, the main task here is to organize or sort things into categories.

How to write a classification essay 

Careful attention to planning marks the indication of quality in terms of classification essay. At this point, the main task is to learn how to structure the paper. The length of an article may vary, but the most frequently used “five paragraphs” method is typically applied for classification writing. What does this structure suggest? It has to do with a logical division of your essay into blocks and categories, every one of which should clarify a particular issue.

The first and one of the essential paragraphs is the introductory one. It’s an opening which illuminates the matter you’re going to discuss and the subject you’ll categorize. Besides, you can outline the purpose of your classification essay to readers to bring more clarity into the discussion. Answer the question of why you are categorizing the chosen items and what criteria you use for each of them. Then, you’ll need to close the introduction paragraph with a thesis. It will briefly sum up the objective of your classification and division essay, and identify the categories which you’ll be using for a paper.

The second part is the essay body. Here, a couple of paragraphs are applicable, preferably 3 and more. The most critical nuance you should remember while composing a body is that each paragraph will deal with a separate category. The best way to organize the central part of your division essay is to explain the criteria for each category and desirably, discuss strengths and weaknesses. More importantly, you should include examples that’ll back up your statements with a piece of evidence. Notably, there should be an equal amount of examples for every category to spread the evidence evenly. If your paragraphs in the main body are lengthy, you can also divide them into shorter ones to create a smooth transition between the blocks of text and improve readability.

The final paragraph of your classification essay is a conclusion. The closing statements will sum up the different categories highlighted in the body. Also, it’s advisable to restate each category and advise readers on the subject matter. However, if you choose to recommend this or that topic over the others, don’t forget to state the reason for your stance. This way, readers will take into account your well-grounded explanation, which is deprived of subjectivity, and make relevant conclusions for themselves.

Apart from the basic understanding of classification essay structure , you should also get prepared for the writing process. For many, implementing theory on practice is even more challenging than the stage of composing an essay. Nonetheless, with enough patience and endurance, this process is really not so bad after all. So, what steps do you need to make in order to prepare well for classification paper writing?

First things first, planning is everything when it comes to the assignment that implies classification. Without a clear and coherent plan, there’s no way you can write a good paper. Therefore, make sure that you have a robust scheme before writing your essay. For this, proceed with the following planning steps:

• Generate Ideas. Evidently, your essay won’t write itself. If your professor has not assigned you a specific topic, it’s time to do some brainstorming. Remember – you need to choose a group of people, things, or ideas that can be easily divided into categories and then compared.
• Choose Your Classification Method. Aim at one principle for classification for each category you describe. For example, if you write about people, you can categorize them by age, gender, appearance, or other factors. This will help you better structure your essay and make it look more organized in the eyes of readers.
• Create a Thesis Statement. As previously mentioned, the thesis statement is the element which closes the introduction of your classification essay. It should include such information as the subject matter, the categories, and the criteria used to classify each category. Besides, you can note down the purpose of your division into these categories.

Classification essay outline

The outline is a general description or plan that schematically displays the main points of your essay. The main point of an outline is to help you see the structure of your essay and use it as a useful guide for writing. Usually, a typical outline describes the essence of each point in one sentence. Also, bullet points are not uncommon, so you can use them to arrange a plan the way you feel is the most appropriate.

Classification essay topics

There is a plethora of themes and subjects for division classification essays to choose from, but most of them are hard to think of straight away. That’s why we’ve collected the list of the top used classification topics for you to facilitate the process of generating ideas or searching for ones elsewhere.

• The most popular devices students use nowadays
• Colors and their meaning in the paintings of Frida Kahlo
• The evolution of rock-music types
• Standard methods students use to prepare for exams
• Public speakers that have moved the world  
• Unique factors to determine a successful relationship  
• How to improve child-parent relationships
• Main motives to start a political career
• Learning techniques for college students
• Types of TV comedy shows
• Traveling destinations
• The main types of mobile applications
• Communication possibilities online
• Strategies for making decisions in business
• Leadership and leader types
• Conflicts at the job and ways to cope with them
• The motivation for doing sports
• Methods to reduce stress

No matter which theme you choose for your classification essay and what techniques you implement to make them elaborated, remember always to keep the structure in mind. The first step to writing this type of assignment is not just sitting and jotting down detached ideas, but planning out clear statements which can later be transmitted on paper. Hopefully, our advice will help you on the way to writing an excellent classification essay which your professor will mark with an A+ grade.

Problems with writing Your Classification Essay? Try our Online Essay Writer Service!

A life lesson in Romeo and Juliet taught by death

Due to human nature, we draw conclusions only when life gives us a lesson since the experience of others is not so effective and powerful. Therefore, when analyzing and sorting out common problems we face, we may trace a parallel with well-known book characters or real historical figures. Moreover, we often compare our situations with […]

Ethical Research Paper Topics

Writing a research paper on ethics is not an easy task, especially if you do not possess excellent writing skills and do not like to contemplate controversial questions. But an ethics course is obligatory in all higher education institutions, and students have to look for a way out and be creative. When you find an […]

Art Research Paper Topics

Students obtaining degrees in fine art and art & design programs most commonly need to write a paper on art topics. However, this subject is becoming more popular in educational institutions for expanding students’ horizons. Thus, both groups of receivers of education: those who are into arts and those who only get acquainted with art […]

Common Essay Structures / Patterns of Development

Classification and division.

Classification and Division asks you to break something down into its component parts, offering an insight or analysis into the thing you’re breaking down.  You actually use classification and division thinking a lot, perhaps without realizing it (e.g., different personality types of the people you know, different types of cars, different types of activities for your children, etc.).

In college writing, in addition to grouping and classifying, you’re also asked to make a point about the groupings that offers an analytical insight (e.g., Of all the sixteen personality types that Myers-Briggs identify, the ___ type is the best to hire in a ___ type of job, for a number of reasons.)  Your point – your main idea, angle, assertion – should be complex enough for you to develop creatively.  Division and classification thought is a way of organizing and dealing with complex and/or abundant information in order to provide additional understanding.

Essays using a classification and division pattern have topic sentences and units of support for each group or class.  The topic sentences themselves should have angles that relate back to the main angle in the thesis.

View the following video for a clear definition and multiple basic examples of the concepts of division and classification. (Note that you will be expected to apply the concepts of division and classification to more complex concepts for college essays.)

View the following video for a further explanation of classification and division pattern in essay writing.

Here’s a graphic organizer for the Classification and Division pattern.

Classification and Division in Action:

Make sure to read sample Classification and Division essays in the Sample Essays section of this text.

• Classification and Division. Authored by : Susan Oaks. Provided by : Empire State College, SUNY OER Services. Project : College Writing. License : CC BY-NC: Attribution-NonCommercial
• image of fruit divided and organized into boxes. Authored by : shnomoe. Provided by : Pixabay. Located at : https://pixabay.com/en/farmers-market-berries-fruit-1311017/ . License : CC0: No Rights Reserved
• video Division and Classification. Authored by : Clay Rooks. Provided by : City College. Located at : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DRPwPeOxWY . License : Other . License Terms : Standard YouTube License
• video Classification Essay or Paragraph. Authored by : Shaun Macleod. Provided by : Smrt English. Located at : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wm3ObvB0mLE . License : Other . License Terms : Standard YouTube License

• Essay Guides
• Main Academic Essays

Classification Essay: A Quick Guide with Examples

• Speech Topics
• Basics of Essay Writing
• Essay Topics
• Other Essays
• Research Paper Topics
• Basics of Research Paper Writing
• Miscellaneous
• Chicago/ Turabian
• Data & Statistics
• Methodology
• Admission Writing Tips
• Admission Advice
• Other Guides
• Student Life
• Studying Tips
• Understanding Plagiarism
• Academic Writing Tips
• Basics of Dissertation & Thesis Writing

• Research Paper Guides
• Formatting Guides
• Basics of Research Process
• Admission Guides
• Dissertation & Thesis Guides

Table of contents

Use our free Readability checker

A classification essay is a type of academic essay that categorizes a topic into distinct groups based on shared characteristics or criteria. The writer's purpose is to create a clear organization of information. Classification should be logical, making it easier for readers to remember the information being presented.

Let us guess: your professor asked you to write a classification essay. But they didn't explain how to even write one, did they? They often drop students like that as a part of self-learning. That's exactly why you're here! Writing a classification essay requires research. And making sure you've got enough information, you must double check what you've already gathered. Besides, classifying may sound simple, but it takes discipline and logical thinking. Putting thoughts into words and all that… What a task! But we heard a little rumor that those who continue reading would master classification papers. It's time for you to see if this rumor is true!  

What Is a Classification Essay: Definition

Classification essay doesn’t want to hide its essence, considering its name. But the primary goal of this type of article is to classify. Now, what you want to rank is up to you or your professor. Your main goal is to select topics and later put them into categories. The primary purpose of this type of essay is to show your skills in categorisation and generalization. We can take food as a good and tasty example. For instance, apples and oranges belong to the fruit category, while cucumbers will definitely be vegetables. As for avocado, you have to do the research and classify this type of food. Nevertheless, you’ll definitely need to write one of those essays during your college. So to master academic and classification writing, keep reading!  

How to Write a Classification Essay

We will start by teaching you how to write a classification essay. In this case, preparation is our little saving grace. So before you begin the actual writing, typing, or scribbling, it’s a good idea to think about the overall essence of your article. For starters, here are several valuable tips worth remembering:

• Select a type of organization (you can use tables, documents, or anything that will help you in organizing your work).
• Choose your categories for classification.
• Make sure that each category is distinct and clear.
• Include different examples for visualization.

These several steps will be handy for writing a thesis and starting your introduction. Buy essay papers online once you want good results with as little time spent as possible.

Developing an Effective Classification Essay Thesis Statement

Like with other articles, the classification essay thesis is one of the most vital parts of your work. A good thing worth keeping in mind is that your thesis is the last statement of your introduction. It also determines whether your audience will continue reading your article. Here are several things you should follow to write a good thesis:

• Summarize your work.
• Identify your main topic, objective, or goal of your essay.
• Above all, make readers understand what point you’re making and what your paper is gonna be about.
• Mention the categories you have chosen.

If you can nail our list given above, congratulations, you’ve got yourself an outstanding thesis.

Classification Essay Outline

Creating a classification essay outline is one of the easiest ways to approach an excellent classification paper. It’s true that it requires a lot of research and remembering. You will not only have to write about a single subject but group topics into categories. In order to do it correctly and understandably for the reader, it’s best if you use an outline. First and foremost, your essay should follow a traditional five paragraph essay format structure. It should have a minimum of three paragraphs. But typically, professors prefer around five. So your introduction must initially include an introduction, several body paragraphs depending on the length of your article, and a conclusion. In your body paragraphs outline, it’s a good idea to describe the groups you will include in your article. So your first paragraph will group fruits according to their color, while the second one can use nutrition for a classification. This will help you to remember your points before writing.  

How to Start a Classification Essay: Introduction

Classification essay introduction is very similar to any other introduction you have probably written. You should never forget that you are writing for an audience. Doesn’t really matter if your reader is your professor or some person online. The rules of good writing apply to any kind of paper. The first thing worth doing is introducing your overall concept. There is no need to give all the information at once. Just start with something more general and narrow it down later to a thesis we’ve talked about. Make sure that you also include the relevant information. Using our previous metaphor, if you’re talking about fruits, maybe mentioning vegetables will not be a good idea. Besides, staying on one topic will help you to write more clearly. And that’s our final requirement for your introduction.  

Body Paragraphs of a Classification Essay

Classification essay's main body commonly has around 1-3 paragraphs. But don't forget to ask your professor about the length. The important thing to remember is that you are classifying items in your work. In order to achieve precise and successful organization, your body paragraphs must be concise. Each body paragraph should focus on a certain group. You're not making mashed potatoes. So stacking all of your ideas in one section would create a mess. Keep it simple in terms of structure:  

• Paragraph 1 — fruits organized by their color
• Paragraph 2 — fruits arranged by expert location
• Paragraph 3 — fruits ordered by size or shape

A simple and understandable organization will make your writing sharp. And your readers will definitely say thank you!

Classification Essay Conclusion

A classification essay conclusion is, just like always, crème de la crème of any article. At this point, your reader knows everything you were telling them. They know all your data, issues, and ideas. Thus, quickly summarizing what they’ve read in your body paragraphs will help a lot. But the last thing to do is organize your conclusion while leaving an impression. Now, their impressions can be different. However, your readers must think about your work for at least some time. So your conclusion must end with something intriguing like the possible future of your topic or piece of mind for the readers. Just don’t include any new information, and you’ll do fantastically!  

Classification Essay Writing: Useful Tips

Even with our help, classification essay writing is challenging. So we prepared for you several good tips that will help you improve and ease your academic life. Check them out:  

• Define the purpose of the article before you start writing.
• Avoid popular and often used topics.
• Write down a number of topics before picking one. (We have a list of classification essay topics at your disposal.)
• Choose a subject that will be personally interesting for you.
• Remember that you are also writing for someone else who might not know everything about your topic.
• Edit and proofread your work.
• Take a break from writing once in a while and come back with a fresh mind and new look.
• Don’t try writing about everything simultaneously. Instead, focus on one category and lead with it.

With these steps, we can definitely say that you’re ready.

Classification Essay Examples

How could we leave you without classification essay samples? You’re right; we couldn’t. Check out this example. Keep in mind that our examples always have characteristics that we talked about. So you can read the sample and return back for this article or do some revision. It will help you a lot. What are you waiting for? You can find the example right here. Or simply buy essay for college to avoid any hard work this evening. 

Classification Essay: Bottom Line

Who knew that  writing a classification essay  wasn’t that hard? We did, and now you know that, too. You have everything it takes to create an excellent paper. You know that:  

• Your thesis is the most essential part of the essay.
• The introduction must contain general information on the subject.
• Body paragraphs must be carefully organized.
• A conclusion should leave an impression without including new information.

But if you’re still looking for proficient help, our academic writing services got you covered. Our writers do excellent research before writing a paper and deliver high-quality results. We are also proud of our timely delivery of the papers.

FAQ about Classification Essays

1. what is the purpose of a classification essay.

The purpose of a classification essay is to organize and classify. In the beginning, you have several unique items. They indeed have some things in common. So your job is to identify in what categories they fit best. After doing the research and careful learning, you must put everything you have gathered into words. But still, keep in mind that the second purpose is to make your essay and classification clear to the reader.

2. How long is a classification essay?

There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to classification essay length. Everything will depend on the guidelines. Usually, such articles are 3 to 5 paragraphs long. Their minimum is always an introduction, one body paragraph, and conclusion. However, professors definitely enjoy 5 paragraphs as a standard length. But you always need to remember that the essay should be long enough to provide necessary information for the reader. Or it must be short enough not to drag it out.

3. What is the difference between a division and classification essay?

Division and classification essays are only slightly different. The items you choose for classification essays must belong to strict and certain categories. They cannot overlap or belong to two different groups. On the other hand, division essays allow the subjects to move from one group to another. They might be divided into different groups or categories and thus overlap.

4. What are different types of classification?

There are several types of classification. Depending on the particular topic, you can choose a specific type that fits the best. Here’s what you can choose from:

• Spatial classification (location, place and so on).
• Chronological (you must take time and dates into consideration).
• Classification by attributes (qualitative).
• Classification by size (quantitative with numbers and statistics).

Daniel Howard is an Essay Writing guru. He helps students create essays that will strike a chord with the readers.

You may also like

Classification and Division Essay

Classification and division is a rhetorical style that, in essay format, takes a whole and splits it up into parts and then places the divided information into various categories. While you may see this rhetorical style used within a single paragraph, it’s not uncommon to write an entire essay using a classification and division format.

A classification and division essay combines two different techniques. First, you would divide a complex and difficult topic into subtopics for clarity and explanation purposes. Next, you would determine what categories are needed and what information fits into those categories. Think of a newspaper. All of the information is divided into different parts: news, advertisements, and classifieds. Then the information is classified into different categories. For example, news may be categorized as sports, international, local, lifestyle, etc.

NOTE:  You have to be very clear in a classification and division essay. Your reader needs to understand how you came up with your categories and why information fits into these categories. Therefore, be sure that you make the guidelines for your categories clear to the reader and that you don’t merge, confuse, or have superficial categories.

LICENSES AND ATTRIBUTIONS

Excelsior Online Writing Lab (OWL). Located at:  https://owl.excelsior.edu/  . This site is licensed under a  https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/  .

ENG102 Contextualized for Health Sciences - OpenSkill Fellowship Copyright © 2022 by Compiled by Lori Walk. All Rights Reserved.

Share This Book

Want to create or adapt books like this? Learn more about how Pressbooks supports open publishing practices.

Writing a Classification/Division Essay

22 Outline: Division Essay

Completing and following an outline before you write allows you to:

• divide the process of thinking and writing into two steps
• keep your focus on the academic structure you need for formal writing
• see where punctuation needs to be; if you’re moving to a new line in the outline, you need a period!
• check to make sure you’re ready to write so you don’t get “trapped” in the middle or at the end with nothing to say

OUTLINE FOR DIVISION ESSAY

Prewriting – before you write (not part of the essay, but essential for planning!)

Audience : Who are you writing for? Choose a specific target group, not just “people” or “my teacher.” This will allow you to give examples that are meaningful and connected to your purpose.

Purpose : What do you want your audience to learn? Why?

Introduction paragraph:

Hook : Catch the attention of your audience (quote, question, interesting statement)

Background information: Describe the situation, problem, or idea that led you to divide this topic; identify your audience by naming them instead of using YOU

Thesis statement: Preview the main points and contains the divisions you will discuss in the order you will discuss them

Body Paragraph #1:

Division Part 1: Name – connect to the key word in your thesis statement

     Explain – describe the traits of the subgroup

     Illustrate – give a specific example of the subgroup relevant to your audience

Body Paragraph #2:

Division Part 2: Name – connect to the key word in your thesis statement

Body Paragraph #3:

Division Part 3: Name – connect to the key word in your thesis statement

Concluding paragraph:

Restatement : Restate the parts 1, 2, and 3 with synonyms/similar phrases

Final idea: Connects to your audience and purpose; tells them what you want them to know, remember or learn from the division you’ve discussed.

Pre-College Composition for English Language Learners Copyright © by Breana Bayraktar; Jacqueline Weaver; and Martha Wheeler. All Rights Reserved.

Share This Book

• How It Works
• United States
• View all categories

How to Write a Classification Essay: Outline, Format, and Examples

A classification essay assignment can easily make students feel a bit confused. What can you classify in an academic paper ? Well, that’s a common question that students ask quite frequently, even despite all the short and long explanations from their professors.

By the way, the problem with classification essay writing can be there for students of any level, from high schools to universities. Just like any other essay , classification papers work as perfect evaluation tools. When speaking of the discussed type of academic assignments, they are called to make you show your skill in data categorizing (aka classification) regarding some particular features of the chosen topical subject.

Does that sound too complicated? Well, there is no wonder, especially if you are facing the classification essay writing assignment for the very first time in your life. However, you’ll feel it much simpler after you read this expert guide.

Good news first suit as the most suitable ones to close up an article’s intro: a classification essay is just another essay. Below, you’ll see a lot of familiar points. Though, it’s never too bad to reread some common guidelines to improve your writing skills even more.  

So, here we go! Let’s proceed with a close-up look at the classification essay. What’s that? How to write it? And how to complete it to get a good grade? Find all the answers further in this article.  

To Clarify: What Is a Classification Essay?

When it comes to explaining anything connected with the academic experience or activity, the first thing to give is a clear definition. Let’s keep up with that usual approach. It offers effectiveness tested with time and millions of students.

Keeping that in mind, before you find out how to write a classification essay, you should have a picture of what it is in your mind. So, the simplest way to define a classification paper is to call it a writing assignment requiring a student to demonstrate their ability to generalize and categorize things.

Consequently, to craft a worthy classification essay, one needs to:

• pick a suitable topic (generalization);
• come up with the suitable division criteria (categorization);
• provide examples to illustrate and explain each category;
• wrap up the topic with a sound conclusion .

The topic may depend either on you or your professor. Some profs prefer assigning topics on their own, while others like to give students more freedom. But what depends on you all the time is the decision on classification criteria and the explanation of your reasons to divide things exactly the way you do. Make sure to come up with understandable and full-scale explanations before you start specifying the features and examples of your categories.

Writing a Classification Essay: Structure

As always, it is crucial to understand the structure of a paper before you even start building an outline. Moreover, even checking samples of classification essays online after you find out more details about the required structure will surely bring you more benefits. Like, you’ll know what to look for in an example.

Just as we said above, a classification paper is nothing but another essay. Consequently, a classical five-paragraph approach would cut it to serve as an example. Keep in mind the requirements given by your professor. The actual word count extension may be the reason to come up with more categories and examples. Some profs may even specify the number of paragraphs they want you to write.

The standard scheme of any essay includes three parts: introduction, main body, and conclusion. When speaking of five paragraphs, the distribution of the essay’s inner space should look like this:

• 1 paragraph – intro;
• 3 paragraphs – body;
• 1 paragraph – conclusion.

Here goes another critical tip you should read before we proceed with the main part of this chapter. When your professor specifies more than 5 paragraphs, 2 pages, or 500 words as a requirement, they don’t want you to make your intro or conclusion wordier. They need to see more categories, examples, and explanations from you.

Consequently, to craft a classification essay worth the best grade, you need to think about the topic to discuss (if you can pick it), your thesis, categories to introduce, explanations to provide, examples to illustrate categories, and a conclusion to wrap things up. Let’s proceed with even more details to give you even more chances to get the top grade you surely want.

A suitable introduction is the entry point of any essay, and your classification paper is not an exception. To compose it well, you might want to provide your professor with a clearly visible subject identification. That means you should write an explanation of your categorization ideas and choices. Stating the essay’s purpose can play for you well enough here, too. What’s the reason for you to categorize the chosen items?

The last but not least important intro element is the thesis statement. Pay attention to the identification of groups and explain criteria briefly to make it look perfect.

As we said above already, the body of the classical five-paragraph classification essay consists of three paragraphs. The space distribution is simple: one paragraph per one chosen category.

To begin a paragraph, explain the category’s criteria. Maybe, you might want to mention weaknesses or strengths. Additionally, it would be nice to come up with relevant and illustrative examples explaining the category and features.

It is okay to cut your paragraphs to make them shorter when necessary. However, double-check your transitioning sentences and logical connections when you proceed with the next category.

The summary is obviously the last paragraph of an essay. Here, you need to tie all the categories displayed and investigated in the main essay body and to make the paper look finished.

A commonly suitable solution is to come up with a short conclusion on each category. Regarding the topic and thesis statement, you may want to highlight certain advantages or features of one category, making it stand out among other ones. Still, if you decide to go that way, it is critical to provide clear explanations for that solution.

Now, when you know more about the structure of your future classification assignment, you are ready to compose an effective and helpful outline. Continue reading the guide to improve your knowledge on the topic and increase your chance of getting a perfect grade as a result.

Classification Essay Outline: Sample

You can check examples of classification essay outlines online with no problem, though it would be better for you to see one instantly. Keep in mind the key elements and tips stated above to understand the outline perfectly. So, here it is.

Note: this is a sample outline that may not suit your assignment when taken “as is”. If you decide to come up with the same topic, check all the requirements and contents twice before accepting an outline as your primary classification essay writing plan .

Topic: Video Games

Category: Genres

Video games have become a great cultural phenomenon in recent years.

The worldwide community of gamers formed stable demand for different gaming genres.

Thesis: three most wanted video game genres are action, role-playing games, and simulators.

• Category 1: Action Games
• First-Person Shooter (example: Counter-Strike)
• Third-Person Shooter (example: Gears of War)
• Hack and Slash (example: Devil May Cry)
• Category 2: Role-Playing Games (RPG)
• Isometric (example: Baldur’s Gate)
• First-Person (example: Kingdom Come: Deliverance)
• Third-Person (example: The Witcher)
• Category 3: Simulators
• Sports (example: NBA 2K21)
• Fighting (example: Street Fighter)
• Racing (example: Need for Speed)

Action, role-playing, and simulator video games are the most wanted by the public.

To Conclude on Classification Essays

As you might understand already, a classification essay is not too challenging to complete well. If you want to do that, your first need is to know and understand the definition of that type of academic assignment and to keep in mind its structure. Then, come up with a suitable and interesting topic, and think about a thesis statement and categories you are going to introduce.

After that, you are ready to come up with an outline. An outline can serve as a perfect plan to expand step by step and finally receive a completed paper worth the top grade .

Remember that the classification essay is the professor’s tool to test and estimate your abilities to categorize and generalize things. That should be your point of focus.

Of course, don’t forget about professional writers available online. You can call them for help whenever you need it.

How to Write a Division Classification Essay

Mar 15, 2019 | Classification Essay

Essay writing is a broad aspect that most students have to dealwith in school. In other words, college writing has different aspects that the student must learn to do in order to become an all-around writer. Essay ring involves persuasive essays, expository essays, argumentative essays, admission essays division classification essays , and so on. Thewriting skills of a student must be good enough to write top-notch assignments. Most importantly, the perspective from which the student approaches to essaywriting ought to be different. Most students have a negative attitude especially when it comes to essay writing,but that has tochange.

Now, when dealing with a division and classification essay, a student has to follow the requirement of the assignment. First, he must understand the definition of division and classification essay, which brings us to the next important point here. A division and classification essay is defined as the breakdown of a largesubject into smaller ones to enhance the understanding of the subject in a more clear manner.  With classification, you have to take items and put them in different categories. The classification hinges other writer’s decision o classifies the items. You have to pay attention to the most significant elements of the subject and how they can be classified.

all assignments relating to classification division essays are not as hard as they seem, even though sometimes students force essays into unprecedented divisions as they try to create three divisions. If you are writing a three-part structure of your division classification essay, you have several advantages. One, the two-part classification is usuallyvery simple. Secondly, classification and division essays going beyond five paragraphs give the student expandedparameters of discussing the topic as opposed to the typical essay. Since division classification essays have two aspects, it is goodfirst to break them down.

When writing a classification essay, you have to organise the details in three or more categories. Every category must have characteristics that stand out. More so, classification essays will use description and examples as evidence and supporting details.  When you describe in division classification essays, you give the means to identify the distinct traits and examples that illustrate the members of each category. They also use anecdotes as well as short narratives as evidence to back up and illustrate a category.

• The set of things or items under the classification
• The principle of selection or the scheme that classifies the set.
• The classes  into which the sets are divided

In your division, classification essays, any set that is under classification must share similar traits or be differentiated from other things outside that set. For instance, living organisms are classified in biology. Non-living organisms fall outside the set. More so, generic nouns like the student, vacation spots, or pets can fall in a classifiable set.

The principle of selection or the scheme

This standard type, quality, or function is the criteria for selecting the elements for every class, which is why it is referred to as the principle of selection. For instance, biology classifies living organisms on the premise of life process and qualities. In geology, roc is classified into ingenious, sedimentary as well as metamorphic classifications. The classification anchorson how the rocks were formed. When you want to come up with an effective classification scheme, it must have relevance, importance and a valuable way to understand the set of thing under consideration. Thisis what makes division classification essays easy to write.

In your quest of knowing how to write division and classification essays , you have to understand all these elements of classification. Now, when it comes to the classes, you start with the explanation of the descriptor, the characteristics that identify the members of a given class and what makes them stand out from the members of other classes.Provide representative examples of that class and in your discussion, evaluate the worth of this class. On the other hand, you can compare and contact this class with other classes within the same scheme. For instance, in biology, there are frequent references made on how class members are different from the member of other classes. The methods you use in your classification can be description, narration, definition, examples as well as compare and contrast.

When writing your division classification essays, try to come up with a lead that identifies the set that you are classing. It should provide general significance, importance or relevance and the value of the applicable scheme. Your thesis statement must identify the classes in which the set will be identified.

The body paragraphs of your division classification essay have to identify the class that is in consideration. When writing this essay, you need to show the relation of the class to the scheme. Everal classifies re available,but it depends on the reason why you are classifyingthe set and what you want to gain from the scheme of classification. One important aspect to understand is that if you are writing a classification essay separately, you ought to deal with one scheme of set classification.

The conclusion ought to reiterate the importance, relevance, or value of the scheme that has a classified set.

When classification division essays, students must produce examples that illustrate a class. Do not fail to explain and define the class first, and thenfollow it with examples. If you want your division, classification essays to be effective, you need to identify each class by describing its unique characteristics.  Every member or item should belong to a single class,and each class must have several members. Every paragraph must have a topic sentence that identifies the class under consideration. Use the supporting sentence to describe the class members. Give examples of the members that fit theclass and show their connection to the class.

When it comes to division, the writer is supposed to break down the subject into parts to get a better understanding of the subject. In your division classification essays, you ought to explainthe relations; of these parts. In this type of writing, you deal with systems and subsystems. The breakdown transcends list of items and focuses on the individual aspects of the subsystem and how they relate to the whole system.

As part of creating an understanding of how to write division and classification essays, you have to know the elements of the division.  They include the system, the principle of analysis and the subsystem. For instance, if you are dealing with a car, it is the system; its functionality is the principle of analysis. For a mechanic, it is easy to divide the car into subsystems of transmission, engine, and exhaust and so on. For you to understand the entire system, explain the entire functionality of every subsystem, and the other subsystems as well as the entire system.

The subtle difference between classification and division is that embers of a class in classification must be strictly different from those of other classes. They can also not belong to two classes at the same time. In the division, members can belong to two or more classes at sometime. However, the evaluation is based on individual members to identify their relationship with regard to other members of the subsystem.

For instance, the human boy can be subdivided into circulatory, respiratory, and excretory subsystems. Since the blood is the universal element of each system, its function can be interpreted differently with regard to the subsystem under discussion. Division essays use method since they examine functionality. Process essay and division essays are different in that the former focuses on the interdependence of processes of subsystems and the entire system.

With the understanding of the elements of division classification essays, it is time to delve into the planning process and how to write division and classification essays.

Those who know how to write division and classification essaysunderstand that there are two approaches or steps involved in planning for these essays. They include the following:

Deciding on what to classify

Imperatively, choose a topic that sparks interest in you. Just like any other essay, the division classification essays that you write must revolve around an interesting topic not only to the audience but also to you as a writer. Whatever the topic that you choose, you should have a distinct category when you are presenting it.

Divide the topic into three different items within the category that you would have chosen in step one. This will allow for three body paragraphs that culminate in a good and ideal organisation.

Outlining your division classification essay

The d ivision and classification essays take the same standard format of a typical essay. The outline that you formulate must have the following sections:

• Generic topic
• Subtopics to be used
• Definition of subtopics
• Examples for illustrating each subtopic

Writing the classification and division essay

It is important to understand the categories in division and classification essays because they will help you in revealing the theme of the essay. Even though some categories are seemingly separate hey must follow a logical principle and every category must incorporate examples. These aspects make the writing process of division classification essays easier.

Creating your thesis statement

If you know and understand how to write division and classification essays, it is good to mention that you must have a topic that shows its classification. Your thesis statement must be written in a manner that reveals the topic and how it is going to be classified. As such, you must follow a logical and meticulous structure.

The introduction

This is the first paragraph of yourclassification division essay.  When writing your introduction, you have to identify the classification that you have selected. It should also house your thesis statement and a description of what it means. Your thesis statement usually comes at the end of your introduction,only that this time around it has a simple description.

The body paragraphs

The paragraphs that you write in your classification division essays must discuss your thesis statement exhaustively. To achieve this, every paragraph should have a topic sentence is discusses. The topic sentence is explained through the description and illustration using details. The body paragraphs of your division classification essays must be arranged in a manner that achieves a logicalsequence of items in every category as you mentioned it in your thesis statement.

Comparative analysis is essential in division and classification essays in that it helps in creating smooth transitions between the paragraphs. It also reveals the sympathies for the writer.

The conclusion

This paragraph ends the discussion of your topic. The conclusion of your division and classification essays is anchored on the existing set and class of data and statistics. You can give a final moment and each item or provide a summary of the values and limitations of each item. This conclusion must augment the reason that led to the investigation and justifies the classification. The writer can divide what was made initially before he started writing the division classification essay.

When writing your division classification essays, you can divide three items by mentioning in each of the body paragraphs the specific number that is assigned to it. For instance, you canuse phrases like “the first type,” “the second type,” “the third type” and so on. Onething you should always remember when it comes to writing division and classification essay is that you should organise things into useful categories, use a very distinct organisingprinciple, and illustrate the categories well by providing good examples.

After you are done with your essay, do your proofreading and editing toensure everything is in line with the assignment requirements, after that submit your paper where relevant.

Recent Posts

• Writing an essay on a book
• Case studies: everything you need to know
• Tips to help you make your essay longer
• Writing sociology essays: Sociology essay tips and topics to consider
• The best way to formulate an interesting research paper introduction

Recent Comments

• December 2019
• November 2019
• October 2019
• September 2019
• August 2019
• February 2019
• January 2019
• December 2018
• November 2018
• October 2018
• September 2018
• August 2018
• Abstract Writing
• Annotated Bibliography
• application essay
• Argumentative Essays
• Article Writing
• assignment writing
• book review
• business plan
• business proposal
• chicago style format
• Citing A Research Paper
• Classification Essay
• communication skills
• coursework writing
• critical thinking paper
• Descriptive Essay
• Descriptive Essay Topics
• Dissertation Proposal Writing
• Dissertation writing
• Essay Editing
• Essay on leadership
• Essay Writing
• essay writing skills
• exam preparation
• Homework writing
• Journal Writing
• literature review
• movie review
• Online Writing
• Online Writing Services
• paper writing
• persuasive writing
• philosophy paper
• poem writing
• Presentation writing
• psychology paper
• Report Writing
• research design
• research methods
• research paper
• review writing
• Scholarship essay
• sociology essay
• speech writing
• thematic essays
• thesis paper
• Thesis paper writing
• thesis writing
• thesis writing services
• Uncategorized
• Writing guide

Classification Essay

A Beginner’s Guide to Classification Essay + Examples, Topics, & Tips

10 min read

People also read

Classification Essay Outline - A Step By Step Guide

A List of 270+ Classification Essay Topics for Your Next Assignment

Have you ever tried organizing your wardrobe, and separating clothes by color or style to make your mornings smoother? Well, imagine doing the same with your thoughts and ideas.

This is what a classification essay does. It offers a way to understand a topic or idea by categorizing and classifying it.

This type of essay is assigned to evaluate students’ critical thinking skills and their ability to define and categorize things on a specific basis. 

In this guide, we will learn how to write a classification essay step by step. Plus, you will also get to read some good essay examples and interesting topics to write about. 

Let’s read on!

• 1. What is a Classification Essay?
• 2. How to Write a Classification Essay?
• 3. Classification Essay Examples 
• 4. Classification Essay Topics
• 5. Tips for Writing an Effective Classification Essay

What is a Classification Essay?

A classification essay can be defined as an essay that aims to arrange its subjects in categories based on their characteristics. In other words, it's about grouping things together that share common traits.

For example, imagine you're at a library, and each book is a unique idea. The classification essay is your way of creating distinct shelves and arranging those books in an orderly fashion. It is a mixture of expository and analytical essays, as it seeks to establish, discuss, and analyze a subject’s properties and characteristics. 

Moreover, it is also related to definition essays. Things are defined by their characteristics and categories to which they belong, and so the boundaries between a classification and definition essays are often blurred.

How to Write a Classification Essay?

Here are the steps you need to follow to write an excellent classification essay.

Following are the steps that should be taken to start an impressive classification essay:

Step 1: Choose a Topic

The first crucial step is selecting a topic that provides an opportunity for useful classification. Whether it's types of movies, learning styles, or modes of transportation, your topic sets the stage for a well-organized exploration.

Here's how to navigate this crucial first step:

• Breadth and Relevance: Select for a topic that is broad enough to offer multiple categories but specific enough to maintain focus. For instance, instead of "sports," consider "types of outdoor recreational activities."
• Consider Your Audience: Think about who will be reading your essay. Tailor your topic to their interests and knowledge level. A topic that resonates with your audience ensures that your classifications have a meaningful impact.
• Room for Exploration: Look for a topic with room for exploration. A good classification essay not only categorizes but also highlights nuances within each category. This adds depth to your writing and keeps your readers engaged.

Step 2: Conduct Research 

Now that you've chosen a compelling topic, it's time to delve into the world of research. Gather information to ensure you have a comprehensive understanding of the categories you plan to explore. With good research, you will have solid foundations for your classifications.

Here's how to gather the necessary information to enrich your classification essay:

• Consult Reliable Sources: Start by consulting reputable sources such as books, academic journals, and credible websites. The information you gather should be accurate and up-to-date.
• Diversify Your Sources: Get a well-rounded understanding by exploring a variety of sources. The more perspectives you study, the more comprehensive your classifications will be.
• Take Detailed Notes: As you conduct your research, take detailed notes on relevant information, examples, and any noteworthy details. This will help in outlining and drafting your essay later.
• Stay Organized: Keep your research organized. A systematic approach will save you time when you start outlining your essay.

Step 3: Brainstorm Ideas About Your Subject

To start writing a classification essay, it is important to first decide on a clear and specific criteria for classification. With credible information in hand, let your creativity flow. 

Jot down all the possible categories related to your chosen topic. This brainstorming phase is about exploring various angles and finding the most meaningful ways to categorize your subject matter.

This essay’s purpose is to define and discriminate between subjects, so make sure that the categories are well-defined and clear. 

Step 4: Develop a Thesis Statement

A thesis statement establishes the writer’s stance on the topic and their central argument. It is important to draft a strong thesis statement for an effective and persuasive classification essay. 

Once you’ve researched and established your categories, it's time to distill your focus into a concise thesis statement. Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Your thesis should clearly state the main categories you will explore in your essay. Avoid vague or overly broad statements. The reader should have a precise understanding of what to expect.
• The thesis statement is the central idea around which your entire essay revolves. It should convey the main point or purpose of your classification. 
• It should also provide a roadmap, indicating the organization of your upcoming arguments.

Step 5: Draft an Outline

Now that you have a well-crafted thesis statement, it's time to organize your thoughts and create a roadmap for your classification essay. A classification essay outline should include these points:

Step 6: Write Your First Draft

Once you have the necessary information and an organized plan, it is time to start writing your classification essay. To draft an effective and flawless essay, follow the writing steps given below:

• Write an Essay Introduction

The introduction is the first part of the essay. In this part, you need to catch the reader’s attention and introduce them to your topic. To make your introduction appealing,

• Start with a catchy hook statement. A hook statement is the opening line of the introductory paragraph that attempts to draw the reader’s attention. 
• Provide sufficient background and context for your topic.
• Close your introduction with a strong thesis statement that highlights your central point. 
• Draft the Body Paragraphs

The body section will contain three or more paragraphs depending on your arguments. The body paragraphs follow and justify the thesis statement made earlier in the introduction. Here’s how to write your body paragraphs:

• Start each body paragraph with a topic sentence that presents the main point of that paragraph.
• Provide examples, arguments, and relevant information in each paragraph to establish your argument. 
• Provide a detailed analysis of your subject to justify your categorizations.
• Connect body paragraphs to each other through transition words and phrases. This is important for maintaining a logical flow.
• Write a Strong Conclusion

The conclusion is the last paragraph, where you put together all the arguments made in the body paragraphs. Follow these tips to write a good conclusion:

• Summarize the main categories without introducing new information.
• Reiterate the significance of your classifications and their impact on understanding the topic.
• End with a memorable closing statement that leaves a lasting impression.

Step 7: Revise, Edit, & Improve Your Draft

Congratulations on completing your first draft! However, your work is not done just yet. Your first draft could be full of mistakes and weaknesses, so you need to elevate it through the revision, editing, and improvement process. Here’s what you should do to ensure that your final draft is perfect:

• Review the Overall Structure: Ensure that your introduction sets the stage effectively, each body paragraph is coherent, and the conclusion ties everything together without introducing new information.
• Check for Clarity and Consistency: See that your language is clear and your ideas are presented logically. Check for consistency in tone and style throughout.
• Refine Thesis Statement: Revisit your thesis statement. Does it accurately reflect the content of your essay? Make adjustments if needed to ensure it aligns with the final draft.
• Trim Unnecessary Details: Trim any redundant or unnecessary details. Keep your writing concise and focused on the defining characteristics of each category.
• Proofread for Errors: Thoroughly proofread your essay for grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors. A polished essay enhances your credibility as a writer.
• Get Feedback: Consider seeking feedback from peers, professors, or writing professionals. Fresh perspectives can identify areas for improvement that you might have overlooked.
• Final Polish: Give your essay a final polish. Ensure that it aligns with your original vision and effectively communicates your ideas.

Classification Essay Examples 

Before starting the writing process, it is better to look at some of the classification essay examples. This way, you will get a better understanding of how these essays are written. 

Here are some classification essay examples to help you get started.

Classification Essay Sample

Division and Classification Essay Example

Exemplification and Classification Essay Example

Types of Friends Classification Essay

Classification Essay on Relationships

Classification Essay Topics

Choosing the right topic is the cornerstone of creating a captivating classification essay. Here's a short but diverse list of classification essay ideas to spark your imagination.

• Types of Social Media Users
• Genres of Music
• Learning Styles
• Forms of Government
• Types of Movie Endings
• Modes of Transportation
• Gaming Genres
• Personality Types in a Workplace
• Human Responses to Stress
• Various Kinds of Study Habits

Need more ideas? Head to our classification essay topics blog and get a list of interesting ideas to choose from!

Tips for Writing an Effective Classification Essay

Mastering the art of classification essays requires more than just following a set of steps. Consider these tips to enhance the quality and impact of your classification essays:

• Choose a Niche Topic: Opt for a topic that allows for meaningful categorization. A focused and specific subject ensures a more in-depth exploration of categories.
• Provide Clear Criteria: Clearly define the criteria used to categorize items. Whether it's characteristics, functions, or behaviors, explicit criteria add depth and clarity to your classifications.
• Ensure Balanced Categories: Strive for balance in the depth and coverage of each category. Avoid spending disproportionate time on one category, as it can disrupt the overall equilibrium of your essay.
• Use Consistent Characteristics: Maintain consistency in the characteristics you use to define each category. This ensures a coherent and logical progression throughout your essay.
• Think About Your Audience: Consider your audience's interests and knowledge level. Tailor your classifications to resonate with your readers, making the essay more engaging and relevant to them.
• Include Vivid Examples: Illustrate each category with vivid and relevant examples. Concrete examples provide a clearer understanding and make your classifications more compelling.
• Stay Objective: Maintain objectivity in your classifications. Avoid biases and ensure that your categories are based on observable and verifiable characteristics.
• Read Widely: Expose yourself to a variety of classification essays. Knowing other points of views can provide inspiration, insights, and a deeper understanding of effective categorization.

In conclusion,

A classification essay is a unique and interesting kind of writing with a few special requirements. Having read its definition and writing steps above, you now know what they are: It requires you to categorize your subject based on its features and argue for its validity. 

Following the steps and tips above will allow you to craft an A-worthy classification essay. The key to success comes down to pre-writing preparation and meticulous editing and revisions . Start early, plan your essay, figure out the categories, write, and rewrite until you’re satisfied.

Still need expert help? No worries! We fully understand your writing challenges. 

At MyPerfectWords.com, you can get assistance from professional writers for any type of essay, regardless of your topic. Our experienced and expert writers write amazing essays for you according to your needs and requirements. Hire our online essay writing service today!

Write Essay Within 60 Seconds!

Caleb S. has been providing writing services for over five years and has a Masters degree from Oxford University. He is an expert in his craft and takes great pride in helping students achieve their academic goals. Caleb is a dedicated professional who always puts his clients first.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That’s our Job!

Keep reading

• Words with Friends Cheat
• Wordle Solver
• Word Unscrambler
• Scrabble Dictionary
• Anagram Solver
• Wordscapes Answers

Make Our Dictionary Yours

Sign up for our weekly newsletters and get:

• Grammar and writing tips
• Fun language articles
• #WordOfTheDay and quizzes

By signing in, you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy .

We'll see you in your inbox soon.

30 Creative Classification & Division Essay Topics

• DESCRIPTION Essay topic list for types of gardens
• SOURCE Alekseyliss / iStock / Getty Images Plus

A standard part of essay writing for most students is breaking down your points in an essay outline . This idea is the main concept behind classification and division essays. Choose one of these interesting topics and explain the categories it can be broken into or how something has been categorized wrong in the general population.

Classification Essay Topics

A good classification essay describes in detail how the parts relate to the whole in a given category. Some educators suggest classification essay topics should be things you can argue have been placed in the wrong category. This type of essay would fall into the persuasive essay category.

Classification essay topics that ask you to show how something has been categorized incorrectly include:

• Bowling categorized as an Olympic sport
• Women playing on men’s sports teams
• Illustrated chapter books: comic books vs. graphic novels
• The enforcers of sports rules: referee vs. umpire vs. official
• Modern outdoor sports (ultimate Frisbee, Frisbee golf, etc.)
• Elements of the U.S. constitution that are antiquated/outdated
• Youth protests
• Rules about teens trick-or-treating
• Holistic medicine covered by health insurance
• Teasing categorized as bullying
• Types of snacks called “chips” that aren’t actually chips
• Caffeinated drinks categorized as energy drinks
• Earbuds categorized as a type of headphones
• Movies with a lot of CGI graphics are animated movies
• Reality shows that should be considered scripted

Division Essay Topics

While many consider division and classification essays the same thing, some educators suggest division essays are an opportunity to divide a topic into important categories as a way to explain the complexity of a seemingly simple subject. This type of essay is meant as more of an informative essay .

Classification and division essay topics that allow you to divide a subject into categories include:

• Types of social media posts
• Types of memes
• Healthy breakfast foods
• The Democratic party factions
• The Republican party factions
• Modern parenting styles
• Elementary teaching styles
• Calming techniques that work
• Types of gamers
• Places that haven’t been explored by humans
• Best inventions since sliced bread
• Extracurricular activities colleges care about most
• Types of gardens
• Teenage spending habits
• Occupational fields that can never be remote

Classify and Divide Your Essay

As you choose a classification and division essay topic, look for those you would categorize as appropriate for your grade level and skip over topics you know you should avoid . Then, divide your essay into the standard parts of an essay. From sports topics to psychology topics, look for a classification essay topic you can back with personal experience.

Classification Essay

Classification Essay Outline

Classification Essay Outline - A Step-by-Step Guide

Published on: Jan 8, 2022

Last updated on: Jan 31, 2024

People also read

Classification Essay - Outline, Topics & Writing Tips

Share this article

Have you ever found yourself overwhelmed by a mountain of information, desperately seeking a way to make sense of it all? 

Whether you're a student grappling with a research project or a writer struggling to organize your thoughts, the challenge of structuring and presenting complex ideas can be a daunting task.

Without a clear roadmap, your ideas may get lost in a sea of confusion, leaving your audience bewildered and unengaged.

In this blog, we will teach you how to create an engaging outline for your classification essay. 

By understanding the basics of categorizing information, you'll be able to present your ideas with precision and clarity. 

So, let's dive right into it!

Tough Essay Due? Hire Tough Writers!

On This Page On This Page -->

What is a Classification Essay? 

A classification essay is where the writer categorizes different topics into specific groups based on shared characteristics or traits. 

This type of essay requires the writer to carefully analyze the subjects they are writing about and then separate them into distinct categories.

For example, a writer may choose to classify different types of dogs based on their breed, size, or temperament. 

They would need to research the various dog breeds, identify the traits that distinguish each one, and then group them into categories based on those traits.

How to Write a Classification Essay Outline?

A good outline can help you organize your thoughts and present them in the best possible way. Also, every piece of writing requires a proper representation of ideas and concepts to persuade an audience.

The 5 paragraph structure is the basic essay outline that is used in all types of essays . Here it is divided into the following sections:

• Introduction
• Body Paragraph 1
• Body Paragraph 2
• Body Paragraph 3

How to Write a Classification Essay Introduction?

The first section of a classification essay introduces the topic and captures the reader's attention. To make the audience read something, it is essential that they feel a personal connection.

You can ensure maximum readership by making your writing engaging and interesting for the audience.

An exciting essay introduction is the best way to keep your readers engaged. A good introduction will motivate the readers to read the complete essay.

Include the following information in the introductory paragraphs for an effective classification beginning.

It can take any form, depending on your topic or subject matter. You should always come up with a catchy and interesting hook. It is important to engage your reader in what you're saying before listing all the information.

• Subject -  In this next part, you'll have to present the object or topic being categorized. This will help your audience become more familiar with the topic at hand.
• Purpose -  The best way to write an essay is by first understanding the purpose. Explain the purpose of your essay after giving away the subject's idea.

A classification essay's thesis statement should identify the groups and explain each one.

How to Write Classification Essay Body Paragraphs?

Are you done writing your introduction? Once you've completed it, start with the first body paragraph. According to the basic structure, there are three. However, you can increase or decrease this number depending on what categories fit best into one of these groups.

When it comes to the essay's body, there should be at least one topic sentence in each paragraph. This will help transition between different points and clarify the general idea of what you're writing about.

The body paragraphs are written as follows:

• Category -  The body paragraph’s topic sentence should state which category is described. The criteria for choosing a type can also be given here and explain why one is picked over another.
• Explanation -  A good way to summarize the content is by explaining what classification or category it fits into. Mention any strengths and weaknesses as well as other important details.
• Example -  Closing body paragraphs with examples that perfectly describe the category is an excellent way to show your skills.

How to Write a Classification Essay Conclusion

A conclusion is the last chance to wrap up all your thoughts in one neat package. You can summarize, express how it applies, or compare it with other information sources on similar topics.

The conclusion is the one thing that needs to be crystal clear. A classification essay's concluding paragraph is written as:

• Composing a summary -  In the last section of your paper, summarize what you discussed by restating a thesis statement. Your summary should be concise and include all relevant points from every paragraph.

Although this is an optional step, provide a recommendation or a CTA (call-to-action).

Every part of your outline is important to maintain the logical flow and organization. However, be sure not to confuse readers by mixing up ideas, explanations, or facts in a way that makes it difficult for them to understand what you are saying.

Every section equally matters when making an effective essay- make sure there's no confusion about where something should go!

For a better understanding, you can refer to our guide on classification essay .

Classification Essay Outline Examples 

Take a look at these examples to gain an understanding of how to write your own classification essay.

Classification Essay Outline Template

Classification And Division Essay Example

Outline for Classification Essay Thesis - Example

Advantages of Creating a Classification Essay Outline

Developing an outline for your classification essay is a great way to ensure that you are staying organized. Some students are hesitant to develop an outline for their classification essays.

Here are the advantages of creating a classification essay structure: 

Focus:  The purpose of an outline is to help writers stay focused on relevant and important information. It also helps them avoid wandering off track, which can happen when you just start writing something new.

Ensure a Smooth Flow:  Organizing content in an outline provides a logical structure that will make it easier for readers to follow. The concrete way of organizing information makes finding specific points or concepts much quicker.

The Correct Content Order:  When you’re outlining, the right content order and logical progression ensure that your readers follow along with ease.

If an outline is provided, the reader proceeds through the work step-by-step.

Organization: The main reason to create an outline is that it organizes all of your raw thoughts and brainstorm ideas in a structured manner.

So there you have it!

When a writer is assigned an essay, the initial step is to craft an outline. This helps ensure that there isn’t anything vital missing from the content, which will lead them to need more time or frustration.

Coming up with a proper outline can be challenging, but our AI essay generator can make this process easier!

However, if you are having issues with the essay, it is best to hire a professional, instead of risking your grades. 

At CollegeEssay.org, our classification essay writing service provides solutions to all your essay writing problems. Our team of skilled writers focuses on creating well-researched and plagiarism-free essays. 

We have expert writers who have been providing customized writing for many years now.

Don't worry if you're in a crunch of time and need some help. Our reliable essay help service can help you with original content for all types of assignments at the most affordable rates! 

So place your order now!

Caleb S. (Literature)

Caleb S. has extensive experience in writing and holds a Masters from Oxford University. He takes great satisfaction in helping students exceed their academic goals. Caleb always puts the needs of his clients first and is dedicated to providing quality service.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That’s our Job!

Keep reading

Legal & Policies

• Privacy Policy
• Cookies Policy
• Terms of Use
• Refunds & Cancellations
• Our Writers
• Success Stories
• Our Guarantees
• Affiliate Program
• Referral Program
• AI Essay Writer

Disclaimer: All client orders are completed by our team of highly qualified human writers. The essays and papers provided by us are not to be used for submission but rather as learning models only.

• Essay Topic Generator
• Summary Generator
• Thesis Maker Academic
• Sentence Rephraser
• Read My Paper
• Hypothesis Generator
• Cover Page Generator
• Text Compactor
• Essay Scrambler
• Essay Plagiarism Checker
• Hook Generator
• AI Writing Checker
• Notes Maker
• Overnight Essay Writing
• Topic Ideas
• Writing Tips
• Essay Writing (by Genre)
• Essay Writing (by Topic)

168 Classification Essay Topics & Analysis by Division Essay Ideas

If you are ready to discover genuinely fresh classification essay topics, this article is for you! We will introduce 168 inspirational classification essay ideas that will make your papers rock. We will explain what a classification essay is, and also describe some features of classification essay structure and format! Now is the time to choose your favorite idea from the following essay topics list. Enjoy your excellent grades and the envy of your classmates.

❓ What Is a Classification Essay?

• 🔑 How to Write a Classification Essay?
• For College Students
• For a Descriptive Essay
• About Yourself
• About Friends
• Other Topics

👀 Classification Essay Example

🔥 top 13 classification and division essay topics 2024.

• Types of self-care.
• Ways to earn easy money.
• Eco-friendly activities.
• Ways to stay productive.
• Best learning techniques.
• Types of social media.
• Forms of political activism.
• Ways of coping with stress.
• Types of fashion brands.
• Language learning techniques
• Types of travelers.
• Types of cyber attacks.
• Marketing strategies.

A division or classification essay is an essay that aims to evaluate one’s skills of categorizing and generalizing. The task is to organize things into categories . Before doing this, you’ll need to choose and describe the criteria for classification. You’ll also need to provide several examples of things from each category. For instance, when writing an essay on mobile platforms, you might distinguish the following categories: iOS, Android, Blackberry, and Windows Phone.

🔑 How to Write a Classification Essay? Key Principles & Steps

A classification essay divides objects into groups according to a particular system, depending on the subject.

Writing a Classification/Division Essay: 5 Steps

Below are the five steps that will help you write a successful classification essay .

Step #1: Choose a Classification & Division Essay Topic

This idea is the central concept behind classification and division essays. Unlike other essay types , a good classification essay usually describes how the parts relate to the whole in a given category. When choosing a topic for a division essay, keep in mind that you should divide the topic into important categories. In the article, we will suggest various classification essay topics. They may inspire you and give you the overall idea of what one should look like. Remember, a good classification and division essay topic needs to be easily divided into categories.

Step #2: Define the Categories of your Classification Essay

A classification essay combines two different techniques:

• Firstly, you need to divide a complex and difficult topic into subtopics
• Next, you need to determine what categories are needed and what information fits into those specific categories

For example, a newspaper. All the information inside is divided into different parts. There are news, advertisements, and classifieds. Then the information is also classified into different categories. The news may, for example, be categorized as sports, international, local, lifestyle, etc.

Before starting an essay, make sure you have chosen an organizing principle. Information can be organized chronologically, logically, etc. You also need enough examples and supporting details for each category of your classification and division essay.

Step #3: Create a Thesis Statement

Developing the correct thesis statement is crucial. The main idea of the essay is summarized and expressed in a thesis. Once you have decided on the purpose, group, and categories, develop a thesis statement.

• describe the basis of the classification
• name what group of people or things you intend to classify
• label the categories you have developed

For example:

“The last five U.S. presidents have practiced physical fitness regimens that varied from the formal to the informal. They have been either disciplined public joggers, regular private gym-goers, or casual, active sports enthusiasts.”

Step #4: Make a Classification Essay Outline

Outlining your classification essay is an essential step if you want to get a great essay. It helps you keep your paper organized and flow from point to point naturally. It also allows you to be more flexible. An outline provides a structure for what you will articulate in every section and every paragraph of your essay. Take a look at the table below!

Step #5: Remember Classification Essay Structure

It is essential always to remember the basic essay structure.

📇 Classification Essay Topics

We have introduced some of the main principles of classification/division papers. Now, we will write about and introduce some good topics for the classification essay. This classification essay list can help you to tackle this unique type of essay creatively.

• Facebook users
• YouTube videos
• Search engines
• Computer users
• Dormitory rooms
• Friends in need
• People queuing at the dentist
• People in the street when it rains cats and dogs
• Most annoying songs
• Dancing styles
• Movie endings
• Cinema-goers
• Extracurricular activities
• College athletes
• College fraternities
• Parenting styles
• Child-parent relationships
• Students and their study habits
• Students during an exam
• Students during a class discussion
• Television shows
• Shop assistants
• First dates
• Ways to apologize
• Happy couples
• Reasons (not) to get married
• Ways (not) to resolve a personal conflict
• Christmas gifts
• New Year’s parties
• Halloween costumes
• Attitudes to sports
• Ways to quit smoking
• Sports fans
• Sports coaches
• Ways to spend a dinner break
• Sales representatives
• Advertisements
• Shopping behaviors
• Types of restaurant decor
• Family dinners
• Public speakers
• World religions
• Political regimes
• International organizations
• Stereotypes
• Decision-making strategies
• Types of motivation
• Change management strategies
• Clients’ behaviors in conflictual situations
• Sources of energy
• Evolution theories
• Debating strategies
• Stress-coping strategies
• Responses to jokes
• Laughter sounds
• Compliments

📋 10 Classification Essay Topics with Categories

Here are the top 10 topics and category examples!

🖌️ Classification Topics for a Descriptive Essay

In case you might want to consider writing a descriptive or exemplification essay, we are introducing 12 extra topics that may help you.

First, you have to remember that the descriptive essay asks the student to describe something—object, person, place, experience, emotion, situation, etc. This kind of writing encourages the student’s ability to create a written account of a particular occasion or experience. While working on a descriptive essay, try to use vivid and clear language, use your senses, and leave an impression on the reader.

Here are some classification essay topics samples:

• The influence of literature on daily life. Consider some examples and thoroughly describe how they affected people in certain situations.
• Behavior in critical situations. Exemplify typical and atypical behavior of people you know (or yourself) in different extreme situations or imagine how you would react.
• Most influential phenomena in the 21st century. Draw a few examples from modern history and chose one of them explaining your selection.
• Conflict of generations. Describe how sides of the conflict react to the same situations and draw a conclusion stating what can be done to fix the issue.
• Creativity in daily life. Explore the meaning of creativity and explain how it affects our lives on a daily basis.
• Circumstantial wisdom. Describe some situations from your life and what wisdom you have gained from them.
• Car ownership in a future city. Give some examples of how cars would look like 50 years from now.
• The Second World War lessons. Exemplify the modern-day life aspects that might have formed under the influence of WWII.
• Physics in daily life. Identify real-life situations where the knowledge of physics could be a game-changer.
• Importance of physical education . State your opinion on why PE is so important in life, mentioning examples of famous people.
• Everyday moral choices. Describe what moral decisions you have to take every day and whether you think you choose right.
• Daily heroism . Think about the people whose work we do not notice but who have great importance in our lives.

🙋 Easy Classification Essay Topics about Yourself

Essays about yourself are usually one of the simplest topics. It is always easier to write about yourself rather than an abstract object.

If you want to write about yourself, here is a bunch of simple essay topics to consider:

• My sources of inspiration. You may describe what keeps you going every day.
• Inspiring stories that changed my life. Here you may remember an inspiring story from your childhood that someone told you or you read yourself.
• My favorite personality from real life. You could write a descriptive essay about a modern person you know or read about.
• My favorite book character. The narration might provide an explanation of why you chose this particular character.
• My favorite success story. You can choose a real-life person who achieved success and describe his or her path.
• Modern cultural trends in my country. Describe one or two significant cultural trends and elaborate how they are influential on different groups of people.
• My personal life goals. In this essay, you might critically and retrospectively think about what you wanted to achieve in the past and now. Also, tell about how your goals have changed and what the present motivation behind them is.
• My modern role model. Describe who you are inspired by and what is so special about him or her.
• Role models of the past and their relevance to me. This is one of the essays on people where you can review some books or internet sources to find role models of the previous 50 years and discuss their relevance to you personally.
• A motivational speech I admire. Choose one example of a motivational speech, describe its relevance and how it has changed you.
• Leisure activities I would rather do. Write an essay about the things you would prefer to occupy your free time with. Mention why you would consider changing your present activities.
• Motivational quotes that give me strength. A motivational essay on life that sheds light on the words that have special meaning for you. Mention a few examples of how the chosen quotes inspired you to do something.
• The teacher that inspired me. You might choose this topic if you have such a teacher and write about the things he or she inspired you to do.
• The most influential person in my life. A descriptive essay that gives the reader an understanding of a personality of a person you chose to write about and how he or she influences you.
• Essay for a scholarship. A typical scholarship essay where you build your arguments on why you need it and what you will achieve with it.
• Who am I? A written answer to this existential question lets you enhance your qualities as an essay maker.
• My place in a world. Another interesting essay where you can write about how you are going to contribute to society as a human being.
• My culture and ancestry. Here you may elaborate on what your parents’ and grandparents’ culture is and whether you associate yourself with it. If yes, then to what extent.
• Minimum and maximum of things you need for a living. Describe what you need to live the life you picture for yourself in your worst and sweetest dreams.
• Internet habits at different times. Here you might research into what people usually did on the internet when it first became available to the masses as compared to what people do there now.
• Internet behaviors of different social groups. An example of a classifying and divisive essay where you need to identify and tie behaviors to a specific social group .
• Internet habits in different cultures. Another essay on differences in Internet use. You can ask representatives of other cultures how they usually surf the Internet and write about it.
• Internet hobbies. Write about how you can productively spend your time online.
• Influence of games on health . A popular topic where you can express your opinion and cite reputable sources.
• Gaming habits of boys and girls. An analysis by division where you identify gender differences in gaming habits.
• Problems of a modern-day social media . Describe a few problems, name their source, and how they influence internet users.
• My favorite website. State your opinion on why you like this website and describe its contribution to society.
• Practical ways of searching information on the Internet. Enumerate several techniques and describe how they make the search more productive or easy.
• Online vs. offline games. A division paper where you need to describe features of online or offline games, stating your opinion on which is best.
• Online learning techniques. Research sources and create a list of the most useful and practical techniques for learning on the Internet.
• Online teaching. Imagine yourself in the role of a teacher and describe how you would organize the learning process for your students.
• Best websites for e-learning . Name a few examples and state their advantages in comparison to others.
• Internet commerce. A college essay where you can describe ways people sell and buy goods on the Internet.
• Internet of things. This is one of the essay kinds where you have you be specific about the terms. Give an explanation of the Internet of things and state how it affects today’s world.
• Big data. Define reputable sources and describe the term’s influence.
• Future of the Internet technology. Try to imagine what would become of our experience on the Internet in 10-30-50 years.
• The emergence of the Internet. In a story-telling mode, narrate about the internet was created.
• Classification of online businesses. Write a categorical essay on the types of online enterprises and their characteristic features.

🤝 Classification and Division Essay Topics about Friends

Here are some classification paper topics for college students about friends:

• Types of friendship pointed out by Aristotle . Explain the three types of friendships pointed out by Aristotle. What were the reasons for his classification?
• Importance of friendship in your life. Think about the importance of friendship. What types of friends exist? What importance do they have in your life?
• The characteristics of friendship. Think of the main characteristics of friendship. What kind of people can you call friends?
• The major differences between a good friendship and the bad one. Think of some qualities that make up a good or a bad friendship.
• The effects of friendship. What kind of effects does friendship have on a person? Think about the ways friendship influences a person.
• Love and friendship. What are the differences between love and friendship? You can come up with the types of characteristics that define friendship and love.
• The purpose of friendship. What kind of purpose can a friendship have?
• Friendship and enmity. The difference between friendship and enmity. Think of the qualities that distinguish friendship and enmity.
• Major qualities of a true friend. What the qualities of a true friend?
• Friendship and its effect on the person. Think of ways friends can influence one’s character or life.

🎁 Other Analysis by Division Essay Topics

Below you’ll find some extra classification essay topics for various fields and levels of study.

🤽 Classification Essay Topics on Sports

Here are some examples of classification essay topics you can use while writing a division essay about sport:

• Winter Paralympic sports . Introduce Paralympic games to the reader. Talk about the kinds of sports that people compete in during the games.
• Changes in Olympic sports. Think of the changes that were introduced to the Olympic games.
• Challenges associated with team sports. Talk about challenges that team sports deal with. Why is it hard to be a team player?
• The most expensive sports. List the most expensive sports. Explain why.
• Extreme Sports. What kinds of sports are considered extreme? Why?

Classification Essay Topics on Music

There are the topics you can use while writing about music:

• Types of musical instruments.
• Greatest classical musicians.
• Major types of music .
• History of national music .
• Modern art music.

🎒 Classification Essay Topics for 6 th Graders

Below are some perfect division essay topics for the 6 th Graders:

• School game sports in your country.
• Unusual school subjects.
• Weekend activities in your country.
• Different political beliefs.
• Describe different personality types.

Learning how to write good essays may take time and practice; however, it is not impossible. In this article, we have introduced 168 topics for your essay. Don’t hesitate and start writing now – practice makes perfect! Please leave comments and suggest your ideas for the classification essay topics!

That is so helpful thanks!

tnx it is very good

an Excelsior University site

Classification & Division Essay - Techniques

Your aim in a classification and division essay is to help explain to your reader a complex topic. Following these basic steps will help you develop a strong essay:

Take a complex topic and divide it.

 To begin, first you need to take the topic and divide it into more manageable parts or subtopics to help your reader comprehend the topic.

Be sure that you have found a principle of classification. 

Once you have divided your topic, you need to decide on a principle of classification. What do these items have in common?  If you are picking a commonality that may not be very clear to the reader, be sure to take the time to explain your categories in detail and how each item fits.

Make sure that your categories are distinct.

 While you may need to explain your choice of categories or principle of classification, avoid confusing the reader by using categories that overlap. Make sure that each category is distinct. Your information will be clear to the reader, and you will have a much stronger essay.

Make sure that your categories support your thesis.

 Lastly, make sure that your categories support your thesis. If you find that they don’t, adjust your thesis to accommodate the change.

Write  |  Read  |  Educators

Grumble... Applaud... Please give us your feedback!

• Rhetorical Styles »
• Classification & Division Essay »
• Techniques »