Classification/Division

Classification
Classification and division essays are similar in that both break a topic into sub-topics. Classification essays aim at organizing a subject into categories or groups as a way of distinguishing elements within the subject. Classification is common in science. For instance, scientists group living things into various categories of organisms based on common characteristics and group rocks into categories based on how the rocks were formed. The introductions and conclusions of classification essays often focus on the usefulness of sorting the subject into the categories being explained.

Division
Division essays aim at understanding the elements that make up a subject and usually aim at understanding how the various parts contribute to the whole. Division essays are also common in science and technology. For instance, a mechanic may look at a car as interrelated mechanical systems. Understanding the various systems and their functions allows the mechanic to diagnose and fix problems. A physicist might look at the same car as interrelated systems of energy: mechanical, electrical, chemical, potential, and so on. The purpose of the division essay is to understand how each part contributes to the whole. The introductions and conclusions of division essays typically focus on how the various divisions of the topic contribute to an understanding of the topic.

Method of Support
Much like the writer uses division to understand how certain parts make up the whole, the writer can use the classification or division mode as a piece to finish a larger puzzle. For example, a writer arguing in favor of gun control might want to classify different types of firearms in order to clarify the type of controls needed. In other words, writers might use classification or division in order to clarify or restrict a discussion in order to qualify and limit a topic or argument.

ENGL1010 Composition I