This document discusses classification essays, which divide a main subject into categories to help readers understand it better. There are two main types: informational classification aims to inform about a familiar subject, while personal classification also aims to excite readers. Some tips for writing classification essays are to choose an appropriate topic for the type, define clear categories with examples, and use an engaging writing style. The essay should have an introduction, categorized body paragraphs, and conclusion.

2.  A way of organizing material to make better sense
of it.
 An essay writing style that divides one main subject
into different parts so the audience can
comprehend the essay topic better.

3.  Informational Classification
 Personal Classification

4. Informational Classification is the type of essay whose
purpose is to inform readers about a subject that the
writer is familiar with.

5. Personal Classification is the type of essay, whose
purpose is not only to inform readers, but to excite
and give interest to the reader about a subject.

6.  What are examples of a personal
classification essay?
 What are examples of an informational
essay?

7. The following are some pertinent issues to keep in mind while writing the
classification essay with a Reader’s eye:
 Decide whether the type of classification used is going to be PERSONAL or
INFORMATIVE.
 Ensure that each class or category is DEFINED so that the reader is never
confused about your meaning.
› E.g.. ‘The lecturer does just what the label indicates: lectures, usually from
notes.” (WM 358)
 Ensure that the level of vocabulary used in the essay is inviting to the reader
and not too technical that the reader will lose interest
 Make sure that your categories are clear and distinct.
› E.g.. ‘I will classify breakfast foods in the following three categories: foods
that are nutritious, foods that take little time to prepare and foods that
taste good.” (WM 360)

8.  Make sure the topic that you choose is appropriate for the TYPE of
classification essay you are writing (personal or informative).
 Prewrite: select the categories you will use, come up with examples or a
preliminary thesis etc. This stage of the writing process is very informal.
 Organize your essay: work up an outline, how will your categories be
ordered in the essay?
 Keep in mind the general structure of a body paragraph of a classification
essay:
› Category name
› Define or explain the category
› Examples of items within the category
 Finally, compose a draft of the essay and revise it thoroughly.

9.  Some classification
essays may be
boring.
 Make it come alive.
› Give good
description.
› Use rhetorical
devices.
 Keep the essay
interesting.

11. Identify the thesis.
Thesis: “Many masters as well as slaves got the reputation of being
‘bad’, which contributed to the tension that seemed to be
mounting everywhere as the institution developed.”
Identify the topic sentences.
Q. What is this Slave Resistance classifying and what are the different
parts?
A. The essay is classifying slavery and what happened during the time
period of slavery.
 The masters were beating the slaves brutally.
 Slaves started to kill themselves.
 Slaves started to kill their masters and mistress.
 Slaves started to REVOLT.

12. Q. Is this an informational or a personal essay?
A. Informational Essay

13. Franklin, John Hope. “Slave Resistance.” From Slavery
to Freedom: A History of Black Americans, 8th Ed.
(2000). Rpt. in Revelations: An Anthology of
Expository Essays by and About Blacks. Eds.
Teresa M. Redd and Caroyln E. Shuttlesworth.
Boston: Pearson, 2010. 27-32. Print.
Maimon, Elaine P, ed. Writing Matters: A Howard
University Student Handbook. 2nd Ed. Boston:
McGraw Hill, 2010. Print.