Classification Essay

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Monday 3/25

Today we are going to look at strategies to attack the multiple choice questions.

We will also do part of the 1996 (or 1991) AP multiple choice test.

Classification

DIVISION AND CLASSIFICATION

 Points to Remember

1. Determine whether you want to (a) explain an existing system of classification of (b) create your own system.
2. Divide your subject into smaller categories by applying the same principle of selection to each category.
3. Make sure that your division is complete by establishing separate and consistent types of categories.
4. Arrange your categories (and the examples you use to illustrate each category) in a logical and emphatic sequence.
5. Demonstrate the significance of your system by calling your readers’ attention to its significance.

Regionals Homework

Turn in Definition Essays.  Begin Persuasion/Argumentation Essays.


ARGUMENT AND PERSUASION Points to Remember
1. Remember that in order to argue well, you must understand your audience and know your purpose.
2. Understand the three principal kinds of appeal emotional appeal, the appeal to intelligence and reason; and ethical appeal, the appeal from the character and competence of the author. The most effective arguments combine all three.
3. Construct an argument as a lawyer would construct a case to present to a jury; state your assertions and back them up with evidence and reason, appealing to your readers’ intellect and feelings.
4. Always assume your audience is intelligent, although some members of it may be uninformed on a particular issue.
5. Avoid three common pitfalls: (a) don’t overstate your claims, (b) be careful not to oversimplify complex issues; and (c) support your arguments with concrete evidence, not generalizations.

Definition

DEFINITION Points to Remember

1. Remember that you are obligated to define key terms that you use in your writing— such as Marxism, alternative medicine, nontraditional student.
   
2. Understand your purpose in defining: to explain, to entertain, to persuade, to set boundaries, or to establish a standard.
   
3. Understand how writers construct an argument from a definition. For example, by defining the good life or good government, they argue for that kind of life or government.
   
4. Know the several ways of defining: giving examples, analyzing qualities, attributing characteristics, defining negatively, using analogies, and showing function.
   
5. Learn to use definition in combination with other strategies, as a basis on which to build an argument, or as supporting evidence. 
   

Modes Project Update

Dates to mark:

3/1 - Definition essay turned in!

3/13 - Persuasion essay due!

3/29 - Classification essay due!

4/5 - All revisions turned in!

Compare and Contrast

COMPARISON AND CONTRAST
Points to Remember

1. Decide whether you want the pattern of your comparison to focus on the complete units (divided) or specific features (alternating).

2. Consider the possibility of combining the two patterns.

3. Determine which subject should be placed in the first position and why.

4. Arrange the points of your comparison in a logical balanced, and dramatic sequence.

5. Make sure you introduce and clarify the reasons for making your comparison.