Classification

The word classification means arranging things according to their attributes or characteristics; in other words, like-items are grouped into categories by specific criteria. To navigate this page, you likely had to filter through a system classified first by subject, then particular topics (like rhetoric), and finally came to the classification.

You can see how useful classification is in everyday life. Also, it is an effective way to organize a thought or argument, which is why it’s a commonly used rhetorical mode.

What Is the Definition of Classification as a Rhetorical Mode?

First, what is a rhetorical mode? These are a way of organizing communication—whether spoken or written—so the audience is impacted most effectively.

As a rhetorical mode, classification provides a framework for thought or discussion by organizing concepts based on shared characteristics.

One of the main strengths of classification as a rhetorical mode is that it categorizes items by things they all have in common but express differently. This often leads to a conversation of comparison and/or contrast, which can help further develop a concept.

Classification is a basic rhetorical mode, which means it does not require a deep analysis of the subject to be used effectively. For example, you could classify the works of authors based on when they were written, and you wouldn’t need to expound on the different genres or any other characteristics unless you wanted to.

Fig. 1 - Classification is also known as division, categorization, or ranking.

Synonyms for Classification

Classification takes one large category and divides it into smaller, more manageable categories. For this reason, the rhetorical mode that refers to this process is also often called division.

Some other synonyms for classification include categorization, ranking, and grading. All these words indicate the act of dividing something into smaller segments based on their attributes. No matter what you choose to call it, the classification process is still the same.

Classification Techniques

Your goal in any rhetorical situation is to express your thought to your audience in the most effective way possible. In a classification essay, the true aim is to explain a complex topic by breaking it down into digestible parts for your audience.

The first step is to analyze your topic and look for ways to break it down into subtopics for clarification and explanation. A subtopic is one of the parts or divisions of the main topic of discussion.

After you have subdivided your topic into subtopics, look for ways to group these smaller categories by looking for a classification principle.

Be sure the classification principle is clear. If it’s not obvious to the reader what it is, you might consider an explanation. It is important to use an accurate classification principle to create your smaller groups. In other words, make sure the commonality between each item in the group is true in every instance and that the subtopics don’t overlap.

The Winter Olympic Games can be classified in the following way:

In the above example, the main topic is the Winter Olympic Games, and there are three major subtopics (Ice Sports, Alpine, Skiing, and Snowboarding events, and Nordic events). Inside each subtopic is a commonality between each sport: The ice sports are all played on top of a body of ice (typically on skates), the Alpine, Snowboarding, and Skiing events are all downhill, and the Nordic events are the cross-country and ski jumping events.

What Is the Purpose of Classification in Academic Writing?

The purpose of classification is to break up complex subjects into smaller, more specific parts to be examined more thoroughly. It connects a single thing or idea and how it relates to the whole subject. It is a useful skill that tests the writer's ability to group related words and ideas.

Fig. 2 - Classification is used in the natural sciences to establish a hierarchical system.

Imagine taking an anatomy class that spent the entire year covering parts of the human body without any way to categorize them all. You might go from studying the brain to teeth, to the cardiovascular system, to diseases without any overarching system to organize them all. You would likely forget or miss many details about each topic because it would simply be a blur of information.

Now imagine the same anatomy class but with the content segmented into groups (i.e., one month to study organs, one month to study the skeleton, etc.). Not only does it make the content more manageable for memory, but it also allows the class to study the interaction between things in the same subtopics. This could be a study of how the categories are similar, how they are different, or a combination of the two.

Here's a snapshot of a properly organized Anatomy 101 syllabus using a system of classification:

The skeletal system and nervous systems are both subtopics of the larger topic, the human body. Each item following that is a smaller category that can be discussed alone and in relation to the other subtopic categories (i.e., how do bones function differently in the skeletal system than joints?).

Classification can be used in academic writing to illuminate the message or meaning inside of a topic. The following example breaks down the topic of book genres and points out that everyone can find something interesting; they just might need to try a new genre.

Writing a Classification Essay with Examples

Classification can be used in a single paragraph or section of writing to explain a concept, and it can also be assigned as a way to organize an entire essay.

As with all essays, a classification essay should begin with an introduction to the topic and mention your thesis statement. In a classification essay, the thesis statement follows this basic formula:

Topic + subtopics + rationale for the subtopics = thesis.

Consider the following possible thesis for a classification essay:

The method of organizing a classification essay is based on the main topic, which is modern technology and education, and the subsequent subtopics (online, in-person, and hybrid classes) and their categories.

Each body paragraph is dedicated to fully developing the subtopics. Here are possible body paragraph topics based on the subcategories from the above example:

Be sure to use strong details, examples, and explanations for each subcategory, always pointing back to your thesis statement (which should include why you’re dividing the topic the way you are).

Do not simply state all the information you know about each of the subtopics in the body paragraphs. The topics of each body paragraph should be developed with examples and further details, always linking back to the thesis or main idea behind the classification.

The conclusion should link all the subcategories together again, illustrating your rationale for your classification. Restate this rationale in the form of your thesis. Your conclusion should successfully wrap up your essay by connecting everything to the topic you mentioned in your introduction.

Classification Essay Outline Example

Title: The Use of Ethos, Pathos, and Logos in Marketing

• Thesis: Consumers can mitigate the controlling impact of advertising by actively evaluating the messages and understanding how companies use the three modes of persuasion—ethos, pathos, and logos—to push products.

  • Ethos: An appeal to the credibility of the author, speaker, or some other important figure who has authority on the topic.

    • Example: Celebrity endorsements

    • Explanation: Ethos works because a recommendation on a product from someone they trust goes a long way

  • Pathos: An appeal that utilizes the emotions of the audience.

    • Example: Commercials that show videos of soldiers returning home to family after deployment.

    • Explanation: The emotional videos and images shown in advertisements can move a consumer to take action to support a cause.

  • Logos: Facts presented in a logical manner to convince an audience of something.

    • Example: Cleaning product commercials present a problem using a common cleaning product—say, a traditional feather duster. The company presents their product, a solution to the dust problem!

    • Explanation: Companies seek to convince the audience that they need their product to replace whatever product they are currently using (or not using).