Monday, January 25, 2016

Tuesday, January 26, 2016

1. Write an essay in which you use classification to put things in some sort of order.


  • Classification Essay: think about the categories we place things in everyday and the characteristics of those categories.  The topic you choose should allow you to argue that something has been misplaced.

Classification Essay Examples

To write this type of essay, we'll need to think about things that should or should not be placed in a particular category.
Example: Batman (that's our topic!) is not a superhero (category people place him in), but is simply a local vigilante(category he belongs in).
Ask yourself: Why do I think that...?
  • Does not possess super powers (powers most humans don't possess).  
  • Chooses to be a hero, rather than being "chosen" by others/other forces.
Example: Cheerleading (That's our topic!) should be considered a sport (It belongs in the category, "sports"). 
Ask yourself: Why do I think that...?

  • cheerleaders go to "practice" and must be in good physical shape
  • cheerleaders work together toward a common goal
  • cheerleaders must "try out" for their squad and often compete against other squads

Many subjects can be explored through classification: that is, identifying and illustrating different types, varieties, and methods.

Fifty Topic Suggestions: Classification


  1. On-campus jobs for students
  2. Roommates
  3. Hobbies
  4. Music on your phone or MP3 player
  5. Study habits
  6. Stand-up comedians
  7. Self-centered people
  8. Online educational resources
  1. Gardeners
  2. Drivers
  3. Reality shows on television
  4. Sales clerks
  5. Television detectives
  6. Road trips
  7. Dancing styles
  8. Video games
  9. Customers at your work place
  10. Ways of boring people
  11. Cheaters
  12. Shoppers
  13. Rides at an amusement park
  14. First dates
  15. Videos on YouTube
  16. Stores in the mall
  17. People waiting in line
  18. Churchgoers
  19. Attitudes toward exercising
  20. Reasons for attending (or not attending) college
  21. Baseball pitchers, football quarterbacks, or soccer goalies
  22. Styles of eating in the cafeteria
  23. Ways of saving money
  24. Talk-show hosts
  25. Vacations
  26. Methods of studying for a final examination
  27. Friends
  28. Comedians
  29. Ways of quitting smoking
  30. Attitudes toward money
  31. Television comedies
  32. Diets
  33. Sports fans
  34. Attitudes toward politics
  35. Ways of coping with a cold
  36. Note-taking strategies
  37. Attitudes toward tipping in restaurants
  38. Political activists
  39. Portable music players
  40. Different uses of social networking sites (such as Facebook and Twitter)
  41. High school teachers or college professors
  42. Ways of protecting the environment

No comments:

Post a Comment