Classification Paragraphs
Purpose:A classification paragraph categorises ideas into specific groups according
to some basis or rule.
Uses: A classification paragraph can be used to do the following:
- show the different types or categories of something.
- differentiate between the parts of something.
NOTE: The topic sentence of a classification paragraph has two parts: the topic and
the basis of classification. This is also the controlling idea. It controls how the writer
approaches the subject.
1
Think about two or three of your friends and discuss the questions with a partner.
- Do they all have anything in common? What is it?
- How are your friends different from each other?
2
Read the sample classification paragraph and complete the table on the next page.
I can categorise my friends into three groups: optimistic, pessimistic and realistic. The
first type is optimistic friends. They have a very positive outlook on life and they believe
that all situations will have a happy ending. They are also very good at seeing the best in
people. For instance, while others are criticising someone, my friend Samira always finds
one great characteristic that person has. The second type of my friends are pessimistic.
They are always worried about the worst case scenario for every situation. For example,
my friend Leyla is always stressed out because of her pessimistic outlook. She believes
that she will fail her exams or will never find a job in the future. The last group is realistic
friends. They look at each situation logically. If they are studying for an exam, they will
predict their success based on how much they were able to study. Realistic friends also
view friendships very logically. For instance, my best friend Nigar loves asking different
questions to the people she wants to make friends with. Based on that person’s answers,
she can decide if that person will be a good friend or not. All in all, these are the types of
friends I have.