This document discusses how classification works and provides examples of classifying different groups mentioned in the article "The Migration of the Talented Tenth" by Carter G. Woodson. Classification involves dividing a larger subject into smaller categories. The document outlines the basics of informative and personal classification essays and issues to consider, such as comparison/contrast of groups. It also discusses language level and choosing topics for classification. Politicians, businessmen, educators, and intelligent labor groups are classified from Woodson's article. Background on the author Carter G. Woodson is also provided.
2. How does Classification work?How does Classification work?
Classification is a powerful option that allows a writer
to make sense of a larger subject by dividing it into
smaller categories, each one consisting of smaller items
3. Basics of ClassificationBasics of Classification
Informative classification essay- is about a factual
subject, such as; a report classifying moths or word-
processing software. Just have a clear picture of the
subject as possible.
Personal classification essay- Purpose is to enlighten
and entertain. For example; blood relatives, breaks
down to genetic proximity into siblings, parents, and
then extended relatives.
4. Issues to keep in mindIssues to keep in mind
Comparison/contrast- examine each group carefully.
Classification may seem like a dry, almost boring
rhetorical option.
The method you use to identify a category within a
paragraph or section.
Your purpose for writing a classification essay
Your language level
5. Informative vs. personalInformative vs. personal
Informative-informs, gains nothing by being boring or
dry, audience-different expectations, reader assume
that the writer knows more about the subject than they
do.
Personal- also informs, two things to keep in mind;
how much can the reader be expected to know about
this subject and if certain terms need to be defined
6. Language levelLanguage level
Self-conscious, artificially formal language is never
appropriate
Use concrete language and active verbs to describe
your categories
Don’t say I and classify
7. Choosing a topicChoosing a topic
Informative classification-thinking of a topic with
which you are already familiar with, explain the topic
to the reader, and gain a better understanding.
Consider doing some online and library research to
look for new ideas/info. Consider your audience and
your purpose.
Personal classification- personal doesn’t mean private.
Can you develop the essay to engage your audience?
15. Carter G. WoodsonCarter G. Woodson
Born December 19, 1875
Founder of the Association for the Study of African
American Life and History
One of the 1st
scholars to value and study Black History
He is known as the Father of Black History
16. Carter G. WoodsonCarter G. Woodson
The son of former slaves James and Elizabeth Riddle
Woodson
Woodson taught and mastered the fundamentals of
common school subjects by age 17.
Began publication of the Journal of Negro History in
1916. It has never missed an issue
17. Carter G. WoodsonCarter G. Woodson
He was at one time the Dean of the College of Arts
and Sciences at Howard University
He was affiliated with the Washington, D.C. branch of
the NAACP, and its Chairman Archibald Grimké
He left Howard University because of his differences
with its president
Dr. Woodson devoted the rest of his life to historical
research.
18. Carter G. WoodsonCarter G. Woodson
In 1926, Woodson single-handedly pioneered the
celebration of "Negro History Week", for the second
week in February, marking the birthdays of Abraham
Lincoln and Frederick Douglass
The week was later extended to the full month of
February and renamed Black History Month.