The classification essay places people or things in groups or categories, the na

The classification essay places people or things in groups or categories, the names of which that the writer makes for himself. Do not use formal or professional names. For example, if classifying police officers, do not us ranks such as captains, detectives, chiefs, or undercover officers. Rather, names are given according to the actions of the participants in the categories. The support sentences in the body, therefore, demonstrate actions performed. Below is an example of an outline for a classification paper. Note that the topic sentence of each paragraph defines the category given and that examples in the body paragraph are actions performed.
I. For the thesis, list the three groups or categories. You may choose any names
you wish, but none that are profane or disrespectful. You may be as creative
or inventive as you choose.
II. A. Each topic sentence in each body paragraph should be a definition of the term, since you are the person naming the category and your definition may not be a common one.
B. Each body paragraph should end with a clincher.
III. End with a suitable conclusion.
A. Restate the thesis in different words.
B. Offer solutions, predictions, or condemnations.
Topics
Men/Women Parents
Doctors Drivers
Lawyers Sales People
Ministers Waiters/Waitresses
Police Officers Entertainers
Teachers Coaches
Politicians Children
Sample Classification Outline
I. Dangerous doctors can be classified as inept, crooked, or murderous.
II. The inept doctor is one who does not have the knowledge to treat patients.
A. Cannot read x-rays
B. Cannot diagnose diseases
C. Recommends wrong treatment
Clincher: The inept doctor probably cheated or paid his way through medical
school.
III. The crooked doctor is one who will do illegal things to make money.
A. Makes phony insurance claims
B. Prescribes narcotics to patients
C. Schedules unnecessary tests and procedures
Clincher: The crooked doctor is probably the one who has caused medical costs
to rise.
IV. Finally, the murderous doctor is the one carelessly who risks or takes a patient’s
life.
A. Performs sloppy surgeries or removes healthy body parts
B. Leaves instruments inside the patient
C. Fails to control infections or sterilize himself or his materials
Clincher: A patient who has a murderous doctor may as well kiss his life
goodbye.
V. Conclusion:
A. Inept, crooked, or murderous doctors are the bane of society.
B. Patients should carefully study the background and education of doctors
they choose before allowing them to treat them. They should consult
with the American Medical Association or medical agencies to make sure
that the doctors they choose have had no major medical lawsuits or mishaps.