How to write an Outline for the
Classification Essay
Writing a classification essay can
be made easier when you have a
clear outline because once you
have that you can easily just add
sentences and build from that.
The basic outline should include:
Introduction
A.
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Background information
Sentences that raise the reader's interest
TOPIC sentence, and do not forget to add a sentence stating the purpose of your
principle of classification.
Body paragraph (1): 1st CATEGORY
B.
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TOPIC SENTENCE : Name your 1st category.
GENERAL EXPLANATION: Describe the characteristics of the category.
SPECIFIC EXAMPLES
Body paragraph (2): 2nd CATEGORY
C.
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TOPIC SENTENCE : Name your 2nd category
GENERAL EXPLANATION: Describe the characteristics of the category.
SPECIFIC EXAMPLES
Body paragraph (3) 3rd CATEGORY
D.
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TOPIC SENTENCE : Name your 3rd category
GENERAL EXPLANATION: Describe the characteristics of the category.
SPECIFIC EXAMPLES
Conclusion
E.
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SUMMARY OF CATEGORIES
Write your opinion
Hobbies
We have to determine the purpose of our
classification essay. For example,
Outdoor Hobbies for Men
 Cool Hobbies for Teenagers
 Top four Hobbies for Girls
 Popular Hobbies for Woman

Outdoor Hobbies for Men
Introduction
A.
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Background information
Sentences that raise the reader's interest
TOPIC sentence, and do not forget to add a sentence stating the purpose of your principle of
classification. = There are several different types of outdoor hobbies to help you narrow
down what you are interested in doing with your spare time . Check out these three
types of hobbies which are …
Body paragraph (1): 1st CATEGORY= Nature Photography
B.
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TOPIC SENTENCE : Name your 1st category.
GENERAL EXPLANATION: Describe the characteristics of the category.
SPECIFIC EXAMPLES= Black and white outdoor photography
Body paragraph (2): 2nd CATEGORY= Travelling
C.
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TOPIC SENTENCE : Name your 2nd category
GENERAL EXPLANATION: Describe the characteristics of the category.
SPECIFIC EXAMPLES
Body paragraph (3) 3rd CATEGORY= Outdoor Sports/Activities
D.
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TOPIC SENTENCE : Name your 3rd category
GENERAL EXPLANATION: Describe the characteristics of the category.
SPECIFIC EXAMPLES = play golf, basketball, perfect your tennis skills…etc
Conclusion
E.
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SUMMARY OF CATEGORIES
Write your opinion
Introduction
A.
Top Three Hobbies
for Girls
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Sentences that raise the reader's interest
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TOPIC sentence, and do not forget to add a sentence stating the purpose of your principle of
classification. = There are several different types of hobbies to help you narrow down what
you are interested in doing with your spare time . Check out these three types of
hobbies which are reading, cooking and Jewelry Making
Reading
B.
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TOPIC SENTENCE :The first category is reading .It is acquisition of a language,
developing communication skills, and refining your language
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GENERAL EXPLANATION: Reading is something that relaxes you after a long hectic day.
Developing this as a hobby will never make you feel lonely; as you will always have a
good companion in a "book“.
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SPECIFIC EXAMPLES= poetry , novel, magazine …etc
Cooking
C.
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TOPIC SENTENCE : Name your 2nd category
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GENERAL EXPLANATION: Describe the characteristics of the category.
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SPECIFIC EXAMPLES= baking, decorating a certain dish, topping or garnishing…etc
Jewelry Making
D.
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TOPIC SENTENCE : Name your 3rd category
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GENERAL EXPLANATION: Describe the characteristics of the category.
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SPECIFIC EXAMPLES = stones, shells, clay, and so on, into attractive neck pieces, earnings,
bracelets, etc
Conclusion
E.
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SUMMARY OF CATEGORIES
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Write your opinion
Class Activity 1
Writ a classification essay about :
“Types of Books”
Also, write your OUTLINE
A.
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B.
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C.
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D.
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E.
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Introduction
Reading stories with children introduces them to the complex nature of language and helps them in
acquiring important language skills.
TOPIC sentence= Following is a brief discussion of various genre and types of books that
should be offered to young children which are Picture Storybooks, Rhyming Books and
Alphabet Books
Picture Storybooks
TOPIC SENTENCE :The first type of books is the picture books which text and illustrations
tell the story in picture story books
GENERAL EXPLANATION: This type of book is especially appropriate for young children because the
colorful and clear illustrations and artwork support a simple story line.
SPECIFIC EXAMPLES= Flower Garden by Eve Bunting
Rhyming Books
TOPIC SENTENCE : the second type of books is the Rhyming storybooks which are a great
choice for young children.
GENERAL EXPLANATION: They benefit from hearing rhyming language and repetitive sounds. Hearing
stories that contain rhymes prepare children for reading by helping them focus on the sounds in words
SPECIFIC EXAMPLES= Is Your Mama a Llama? by Deborah
Alphabet Books
TOPIC SENTENCE : The third category is Alphabet or ABC books are used to help children
recognize letters and realize that letters are used in language
GENERAL EXPLANATION: There are a wide range of alphabet books from the most bacis that show the
letter and objects beginning with the letter to very sophisticated books that tell a story using the
alphabet format.
SPECIFIC EXAMPLES = So Many Bunnies by Rick Walton
Conclusion
SUMMARY OF CATEGORIES= Different types of genre books such as are Picture Storybooks,
Rhyming Books and Alphabet Books are associated with different amounts and types of language
and each will encourage a different dialog or conversation with children.
Write your opinion= Parents should try to include a variety of books in their read aloud experience