Classification
Essays

If you have been assigned a classification essay, you probably think that it is one of the most boring academic assignments possible.  After all, how can you make an essay that basically describes categories interesting for you as a writer or for the intended readers? 

Well, unfortunately, you are right.  Classification essays are a relatively boring type of academic writing.  They simply involve organizing things into categories, then giving examples of things that fit into the category.  They are not fascinating to write or to read, but they can be really important in demonstrating full knowledge of a topic or helping the audience understand the difference between similar things that belong in different categories.

One of the upsides of writing a classification essay is that they are relatively easy to write.  The structure is simple.  In your introduction, you introduce the broader topic and briefly describe the categories.  Each of your supporting paragraphs will focus in-depth on one of the categories and provide examples of items that fall into the categories.

Clarity is probably the most important part of a classification essay.  Therefore, you want to use consistent criteria to define each of your categories, and then give examples of things that clearly fall into those categories.  If there are exceptions to your classification rules, which is always a possibility, do not address them until after you have established your categories.

Our examples can provide you with a great template to follow in writing your own classification essays.  Feel free to browse them for ideas and inspiration for your own writing!