A. THE CLASSIFICATION GRID FOR CATEGORIES OF POPULAR MUSIC
Thesis Statement:
B. THE ESSAY OUTLINE
a. The Introductory paragraph +3 sentences
i. Hook
1. Consider a question or find a quote
a. If you choose a quote, be sure to identify the source before, such as: According to….
ii. Tell how important music is in the world
iii. State the Thesis statement identifying the three categories of music you have chosen to give. Adapt the thesis statement in red text from page one.
b. Three Body paragraphs + 6-8 sentences each paragraph
i. Within each Body paragraph the writer will use the predetermined classification principles (as above) to develop each.
1. Follow your classification grid for paragraphing for easy writing
c. The Conclusion + 2-3 sentences each paragraph
1. Do not use In conclusion…
ii. Summarize by Restating purpose of the essay
iii. Significance suggestions:
1. Suggest that people consider listening to a category out of ‘their comfort zone.’
2. Predict one category to surge in popularity
3. Predict the influence of music to continue
a. There are so many options to end…use creativity
C. HINTS AND GRADING
• This Essay is worth 100 Points.
• The use of the Classification Chart will help in outlining Body paragraphs.
• A proper MLA heading and title are needed.
• 12 font, double spaced.
• Be aware that correspondence from you is necessary such as sending me
o Sample thesis statement
o Your grid outline
Online Module Five Classification Writing
Classification Essay Assignment
A. THE THEORY OF CLASSIFICATION
a. Page 200 defines classification as the sorting of a topic into categories (or types). In this five-paragraph essay you will identify a topic, present three categories (or types) of this larger topic, and discuss each category using common points of discussion.
i. As an example, what are types (or categories) of high school classmates you experienced?
ii. The movie The Breakfast Club gives a good example of five types of high school students. You might recognize these types. If you have time, watch it!
b. Notice the sample thesis statement on p. 200. The topic is underlined. Three categories are chosen and stated (in yellow). This thesis statement is very easy to write. Below is the thesis statement from p. 200.
i. Three types of annoying texters include emoji addicts, screamers, and abbreviators.
c. Notice the classification chart from p. 201.
i. Notice how the detail in the boxes is parallel.
d. Use the adapted version of this chart in body paragraph organization (Classification Grid document found in Module Five)
e. The Classification Grid document also gives an outline to follow.
B. THE TOPIC FOR THIS ESSAY
a. Music is very important in the lives of humans. What are the different categories of music that are popular in our world? Think about this question.
i. Visit
1. Also, to these eleven I would add this genre as the twelfth: Cultural
C. WRITING ASSIGNMENT FOR MODULE FIVE: CLASSIFICATION ESSAY
a. This assignment involves the brainstorming, outlining, writing and editing of a five paragraph essay: the topic being is to identify and describe three categories of popular music.
D. STEPS IN THIS ESSAY
a. Visit the above link from B. i.
b. Choose your three categories of music
i. At this point it might be helpful to develop a thesis statement as above (the red type). This thesis will function as your ‘map’ for the body paragraphs.
c. Using the Classification Grid Document posted in Module Five, choose classification principles to discuss each chosen music category. This grid is similar to the one on p. 204. Modifications were made.
i. Be sure the use the same points for each category to ensure parallel ideas.
d. The title of this Module Assignment is your choice; however, Categories of Popular Music is boring.
E. SAMPLE CLASSIFICATION PRINCIPLES
a. You will choose Principles/Details by which to discuss each of the three category. Be sure they are parallel, meaning the SAME details are used for each music category. Below are the suggestions you can use, with detail in italics:
i. First, begin with a transition. Then, identify and define the chosen category.
A first category involves the category cultural music. This music type is explained as music certain cultures listen to….
ii. Next, give an example of what this music involves, who might listen to it, and where. For example,
One example might be the polka, which is commonly listened to by…at parties and festivals.
iii. Furthermore, what characterizes this type of music? For example,
This music uses a lot of keyboards, horns, and even accordions.
iv. Last, give an example of a group or even a song title.
Lastly, one example of a popular song that uses a polka sound is “Ob-la-di Ob-la-da” by the Beatles.
F. DUE DATES
a. Week 12: April 7, read this message and both documents under Module Five
b. Email me your Classification Grid (last page) by Week 13, Tuesday, April 14 WORD DOCUMENT
c. The completed Classification essay is due Tuesday, April 21
i. I think this essay is a very easy to organize and to write…if you remember to use the classification principles as above for each category
d. Module 6 Argumentative will use the Discussion link on Com 090 Canvas. It is an easy opinion assignment!