Classification

1
Classification

• Chapter 14 in Reasoning Writing Well, 3rd Ed.
  Dietsch
• ENG 101

2
Purpose of Classification

• Allows us to establish order in our lives
• Linear measurement follows the U.S. Customary
  System
• Division of distance into miles, furlongs, rods,
  yards, feet and inches allows specificity
• The Gregorian calendar is divided into twelve
  months, each month into weeks, each week into
  days, each day into hours, each hour into
  minutes, and each minute into seconds.

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Purpose of Classification

• Everything on this planet can be classified in
  some way
• Estimated 5 million species of life are divided
  into 5 formal classifications or kingdoms
• Animals,Plants, Fungi, Bacteria, molds, etc.
• Vehicles are classified as
• Sports cars, sedans, trucks, vans, SUVs and the
  like

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The Basis of Classification

• Classification is a method of grouping and
  dividing items and ideas logically.
• To classify, you look for common features that
  certain elements or items have a principle of
  selection that sets them off as a group.
• All members of the group must have this
  similarity.

5
Writing a Paper of Classification

• A paper of classification not only groups and
  divides but also analyzes, describes, and
  explains.
• The purpose and the topic determine the order.

6
Guidelines Classification

• Classify items according to the purpose and
  audience.
• Avoid overlapping parts or categories.
• Make each part or category large enough to
  contain a significant number.
• Make all parts parallel all items in a category
  should be similar, having a common principle of
  selection
• Organize all parts or categories to fit into one
  logical system.
• Arrange in a logical order.

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Ideas for Classification Papers

• Students in this Hybrid Learning Community
• Classification and evaluation of different pieces
  of literature
• Kinds of literature
• Classification and evaluation the historical and
  cultural background of the major periods in
  African-American literary history

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Summary

• Classification helps us to organize our lives.
• Classification is the grouping and subdividing of
  various items or ideas into categories that form
  one system.
• Each category is regulated by a principle of
  selection.