Division and Classification

DS 014 WritingWeston

Today's Agenda Sign-In Turn in Cause and Effect paragraphs

with rough draft and feedback What is Classification? How do topic sentences, transitions and

organization work in classification? Example Paragraph Brainstorming session Coming Up...

What is Classification? Basically, this type of writing

involves the breaking down into component parts and explaining those parts.

In process analysis, we broke a process down into parts to explain it as a series of steps.

In classification, we're breaking it down into parts or types to better explain different facets.

Topic Sentences Just like any other paragraph, the topic

sentence in a classification paragraph will make it clear what the overall topic is and that you're breaking it down into parts or types.

“We can classify any rock into one of three groups according to the way in which it was formed: igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic.”

“From his work in the 1950's through the 1970's, Perry established four types of epistemological beliefs—duality, multiplicity, relativism, and relativism with commitment.”

Transitions Transitions in this type of writing

are used to make sure that the reader knows where you are drawing the line between your groups or elements.

Use phrases like... “This can be

categorized/classified as...” “This can be divided into...” “The first (or second or third)

type/kind/set...” “Finally, the last category/type...”

Breaking Things Apart There is no hard, fast rule on how

to break something apart for classification.

Just remember your reader—what do they need to know to understand?

Choose divisions or categories that are commonly used and/or would better be understood by your reader.

Examples... Easy types of WSYISYG websites

Google Sites Blogs Wikis

Methods of real time chat online Bulletin boards Chat rooms VoIP (Skype and TalkShoe) Virtual Worlds

My Paragraph ExampleTypes of SimulationsStasia Weston

A simulation is generally thought of as an imitation of a real object, process, or event. According to simulation expert, Clark Aldrich in his book Learning by Doing, there are four distinct types of “formal” simulations—virtual labs and products, branching stories, game-based learning, and interactive spreadsheets. With a virtual labs or products scenario, learners are presented with a descriptive scenario that may have a problem within it—the learner then must use the information given to come up with a solution or series of solutions. In a branching stories simulation, learners are given a series of decisions to make. Their choices determines what comes next in the simulation. With game-based learning, learners are immersed in familiar games (such as Wheel of Fortune or Memory) but the items used in the game are related back in some way to the topic of study. In an interactive spreadsheets type simulation, learners use resource allocation to plug into spreadsheets which then change to show the effects of their choices. While there are other types of simulations (such as role-play), Aldrich makes the argument that most in a formal learning or training setting will fall into one of these four types.

Another Example...

Paraphrasing is used for different purposes. Some paraphrases will be designated to support already existing evidence. Others will reinforce argumentation against evidence. Still others will help to develop existing arguments and provide back-up for any conclusion drawn in the course of writing. Depending on the function, paraphrases will be introduced in accordance with their unique context. Quotations require yet another approach. They are not self-expressive because every quotation can signify a number of different things in various contexts. It is both the introduction and the commentary that follows it which decides about its context and the ultimate meaning of a given citation in an essay. Paraphrasing quotations - changing the original words or sense is not allowed.

Read more at Suite101: Example of a Classification Paragraph: Definitions and Examples of Different Kind of Paragraphs http://www.suite101.com/content/example-of-a-classification-paragraph-a106765#ixzz13Jnfvqup

Student Example 1Rock Music

There are three different types of rock music, alternative rock, classic rock, and hard rock, also known as metal. Alternative rock features a steady bass drum laying down the beat, with easy flowing guitar riffs over the top. The bass line is toned town, and the lyrics are sung with intensity an authority. Depending on the song, the guitars can either be acoustic guitars or electric guitars. Classic rock combines a steady driving bass drum sound, with high snare overtones, steady and often repeating guitar riffs, and an intensive bass line. The guitars are more often than not all electric guitars, and distortion is rarely used. The lyrics are sung with style and enthusiasm. Hard rock, or metal, features a hard rolling bass drum with an abundant amount of cymbal work. This style of rock uses several electric guitars with heavy distortion to bring a very intense sound. A hard, intense, driving bass line rounds out the style. The lyrics aren’t really sung so much as screamed. It doesn’t matter what your preference is, each different style of rock music is unique on its own.

~© 2005 Kristian Anderson~

Student Example 2Daters Beware

Men can be categorized by the way they treat women while dating into three groups: a social addict, a content lover, or a keeper. The first type, a social addict, is the type of man who is constantly late and everything is on his time. Social addicts are particularly self absorbed. For your birthday this type of dater will give you a gift such as a necklace, so that everybody can notice it. When it comes down to emotions and feelings, a social addict will say whatever he assume you want to hear at any given moment. The second type of dater, a content lover, is a guy who will come and go as he pleases. These men just seem to be in attendance but not involved. When he is with you, he will not open up and share his thoughts. A content lover will forget your birthday all together. Lastly there is the keeper who will not keep you waiting; in fact, he always plans ahead and involves you in the decision making. To them, your birthday is tremendously important. They will give you time for your friends and family; in addition, they always make unique plans for the two of you later that evening. Unlike the other types of daters, the keeper will attempt to be 100% in touch with their feelings towards you and are willing to talk about them. Men’s dating styles differ; nonetheless, it all comes down to what behavior you are in the mood for.

~© 2005 Kayla Maire Anfinson~

Brainstorming... On a piece of paper, quickly write 20

activities, events or subjects about which you either are familiar with or are an “expert.”

What of these might there be categories or types of that could be further explained? (Write the types or categories next to them.)

In small groups, discuss and select your “top three” potentials.

One of these will be the topic for the upcoming paragraph.

Coming Up...

Wednesday More on

Classification Consistency Distinct

Groupings

Friday Checklist Grading

Rubric Peer Review