Classification/Distinction
Essay Objectives:
1. Expand on the basic compare and contrast perspectives by discussing a specific topic as it relates to broader categorization and/or clarify the classification system that can be applied to a large group of topics.
2. Write an essay with a clearly stated thesis and purpose by reaching conclusions about the way subjects and their categorization exist in relation to each other. Justify exactly how, why, and to what end a subject or group of subjects are classified, and how we can reach conclusions based on the comparative quality of groups.
3. Support points regarding issues and solutions with examples and evidence by using information, testimonial, data , and other evidence from informed sources while providing succinct and direct reasoning to justify conclusive thoughts.
The propose of a Classification Essay is to draw conclusions about the ways in which we classify a group or groups of subjects based on quality. This is done by analyzing the unifying qualities that make up a group or sets of groups, and clarifying how and why these groups are defined based on these qualities.
For example, you can draw conclusions about how a film genre and sub-genres are defined by analyzing their unifying qualities, or how specific American generations are defined by political and cultural events.
By analyzing classifications of groups and the way we classify subjects, we can reach conclusive thoughts about how and why groups and subgroups are organized and defined into their respective categories.
**NOTE** time can be a particularly useful way to group and distinguish your topic. How has a certain topic changed throughout time? How can we break these changes down into specific eras or generations by quality?
