Division and Classification Concepts

Questions and Answers

What are division and classification?

Mental processes that often work together.

What does it mean to divide?

To separate something into sections or to move downward from a concept to its subunits.

What does it mean to classify?

To place examples into categories or classes based on shared characteristics.

Give an example of dividing and classifying.

Dividing a television news program into segments such as news, features, and sports. Signup and view all the answers

What is a classification essay?

An essay that uses division and classification to organize information. Signup and view all the answers

What is the chief purpose of a classification essay?

To explain. Signup and view all the answers

Can a classification essay also entertain or persuade?

Yes. Signup and view all the answers

What should you consider about your audience when writing?

What your readers already know and what they need to get from your writing. Signup and view all the answers

When writing about a new topic, what do readers need?

Precise definitions and plenty of illustrations for each subcategory. Signup and view all the answers

If your readers already understand your subject, how should you approach your writing?

Sketch the system briefly and then use specific examples to analyze it. Signup and view all the answers

What should readers get out of your classification writing?

An understanding of how they might use the classification system. Signup and view all the answers

How should you approach classification that readers won't use in everyday lives?

Use an informal approach and divide your subject into interesting subcategories. Signup and view all the answers

What is the basic strategy for organization in writing a classification essay?

Divide your subject into major categories, arrange them logically, and define each category. Signup and view all the answers

What must you ensure for your classification system to be significant?

That your classification is consistent, complete, emphatic, and significant. Signup and view all the answers

What should you avoid in your classification divisions?

Overlapping and inconsistent categories. Signup and view all the answers

Who is the author discussed in 'The Extendable Fork'?

Calvin Trillin. Signup and view all the answers

What are the three categories Baker uses to classify inanimate objects?

Objects that don't work, those that break down, and those that get lost. Signup and view all the answers

What does Chance II refer to in Austin's four kinds of chance?

An energetic motor activity that brings about new ideas through interaction. Signup and view all the answers

According to Austin, what does Chance III involve?

Special receptivity and discernment unique to the individual. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Division and Classification

Division and classification are cognitive processes that often work cohesively.
Dividing separates entities into distinct sections; for example, a city can be divided into neighborhoods.
Classifying involves categorizing examples into classes based on shared characteristics, such as job types (unskilled, semiskilled, skilled).

Examples of Division and Classification

A television news program can be divided into segments like news, sports, and weather.
The editorial commentator on a news program can be classified based on style and trustworthiness.

Classification Essay

A classification essay combines division and classification to explain a topic.
Example: Identifying and classifying college sports programs based on budget allocations.

Purpose of Classification Essays

The main objective is to explain systems or methods of organizing information, such as the Library of Congress system.
Classification essays can also aim to entertain, allowing for creativity, or to persuade, presenting convincing arguments.

Audience Considerations

Identify readers’ prior knowledge and what they need from the writing.
If discussing a familiar topic, provide a brief overview and use specific examples for analysis.
For less familiar topics, ensure clear definitions and numerous illustrations for clarity.

Engagement and Relevance

Classification that readers may not use in daily life can adopt an informal approach with interesting examples.
When readers may apply the classification system, maintain a careful and structured approach to ensure thoroughness.

Writing Strategy for Classification Essays

Begin by dividing the topic into major categories based on common traits, then further divide into smaller units.
Arrange categories logically, highlighting differences and providing vivid examples for better understanding.

Consistency and Completeness

Apply the same classification principles to all categories to avoid confusion.
Seek to create distinct categories that comprehensively cover the topic without being overly simplistic.

Example Essays

"The Extendable Fork" by Calvin Trillin: Classifies eaters by their behavior at the dinner table for entertainment, employing strategies to maintain consistency.
"The Plot Against People" by Russell Baker: Uses humor to categorize inanimate objects based on their resistance to human expectations, dividing them into three groups.

Four Kinds of Chance

Explores how humans interact creatively with chance and their environment, leading to four types:
- Chance I: Pure blind luck without effort, such as random favorable outcomes.
- Chance II: Results from active engagement and creativity, leading to unexpected discoveries.
- Chance III: Involves preparedness and discernment to recognize and capitalize on opportunities.
- Chance IV: Individual actions lead to unique, serendipitous events, characterized by personal initiative and experiences.

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Description

Explore the cognitive processes of division and classification through various examples and applications. This quiz covers how to separate and categorize entities effectively, including real-world illustrations such as news program segments and classification essays. Test your understanding of these concepts and their purposes in organizing information.