Chapter 12 Classification and Division

In Chapter 12, Classification and Division, Kirszner and Mandell examine the process of breaking a whole into individual parts, known as division, and the process of sorting individual items into categories, or classification. Classification and division are processes which can aid in putting a variety of ideas into a coherent and effective order. Through these processes, one can recognize relationships between parts as well as use these relationships to categorize them. Although the processes are related to one another and may require similar steps, they are two separate processes. Classifying items begins with individual parts and sorts them into categories based upon their attributes. The quality items have in common is known as the principle of classification and is decided based on the individual categorizing them. Contrastingly, division is the opposite of classifying that is division starts with a whole and breaks it into individual parts or categories. The principle of classification also plays a role in division because it is needed to identify how to assign the parts of the whole into separate categories. These processes can be used when brainstorming an essay as they can narrow down what to include in the essay or shape how the essay should be structured. When selecting what principle of classification to use, one must consider factors including the assignment, the purpose, the audience and other knowledge of writing.

This chapter was a bit surprising to me as I did not previously know that classification or division could be categorized as essay types. Although I had heard of the usual ones such as compare and contrast or cause and effect, this one was unfamiliar to me previous knowledge. For this reason, I was very interested in the sections including how to apply classification and division to my own writing. One part which stood out to me was the reminder in the checklist which stated that all categories should be at the same level. I never thought of the idea that categories could be viewed in terms of level and that this was a significant issue to consider. Also, I viewed these processes in a much more on the surface perspective and never considered that classifying and dividing items could be used to explain significance and relevance of these items. This chapter educated me of the importance of these processes as they can help recognize relationships between different ideas and they can also aid in structuring an essay.