Classification and

Definition
 Classification is the act of sorting items
into categories.
◦ For example, in a history class, you might be
asked to discuss the types of people who
fought in the Revolutionary War
 The answer would be: colonists, British soldiers,
and British sympathizers (Tories: people who
weren’t British, but wanted the British to maintain
control of the colonies).

Classification
 Categories should be distinct.
◦ Nothing in one category should fit in another
◦ The categories should be arranged in a logical
order.
 For example, least to most important, or smallest
to largest.

Categories
 This picture shows a
person eating a hot
dog. Look at the photo,
and in your group,
think about all the
foods you eat in a
typical week. Then,
classify the food
according to category
and outline a
paragraph discussing
your eating habits.

Activity
 Definition tells us what something means.
◦ In classes, you might be asked to define
vocabulary terms, like mitosis in Biology or
communism in a history class.
◦ Both of these ideas require a bit of explanation
for someone to understand what they mean
completely.
◦ Often, a single sentence isn’t enough to get the
idea across.

Definition
 Formal definitions have a three part
structure.
◦ 1. The term to be defined
◦ 2. the general class (or category) to which the
term belongs
◦ 3. the things that make the term different from
all other items in that category

Formal Definition Structure

 When writing a definition paragraph or
essay, you are providing an expanded
definition of a term or topic.
◦ This definition may be carried out through
comparison and contrast
◦ It may also explain a concept through giving
examples
◦ You can also define a term by saying what it is
not.

Definition Paragraphs and Essays

 Spend a few minutes brainstorming on
what the word FREEDOM means to you.
◦ Be prepared to share your ideas with the class.

Brainstorming
Class Brainstorm
 Let’s say that we’re going to put together
a paragraph about the definition of
Freedom.
◦ What would be a good topic sentence?

Paragraph Organization
 Topic Sentence:

 Primary Support 1

 Primary Support 2

 Primary Support 3

Developing Support
 In your groups, take one of the primary
supports and develop the secondary
supports for it.
 Write your ideas down, and I will compile
everything into an outline.

Group Activity
 definition paragraph outline.docx

Class Outline
 Please review the definition essay
assignment that I’ve handed out.
 1st draft due Tuesday April 26 (bring 2
copies)
 Final draft due Tuesday May 10: revision
draft with revision memo.

Essay Assignment