Which statement best describes a classification essay?

• A. Presents a sequence of steps
• B. Sorts information into categories
• C. Argues a claim to persuade readers
• D. Explains a cause-and-effect chain

Answer: (B)

The key idea here is organizing writing by grouping items into categories that share features. A classification essay does exactly that: it sorts information into distinct categories and then explains what characterizes each one, often with examples. This helps readers see how things relate within a larger topic and how the categories differ from one another. It’s different from a step-by-step process, which shows a sequence of actions; from a persuasive piece, which argues a claim to influence readers; and from a cause-and-effect explanation, which traces why things happen and what results follow. In a classification essay, you’d typically introduce the broader topic, define the criteria you’ll use to divide it into categories, discuss each category with defining traits and examples, and usually end with a summary that ties the categories together.