Classification paragraph exercise

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1 Introduction to classification paragraphs

For classification paragraphs, there are different ways of organizing them. As a writer, you can choose existing criteria that readers will recognize and accept; or you can choose your own criteria that provide a useful insight into the topic. For example, as an exercise, think about how you could classify different languages of the world (next page), or fictional alien religions in a science fiction universe (next section). Discuss these as a group, and create an informal outline. You can follow the pattern below (but with whatever numbers or levels that you find appropriate).


Main idea (thesis):

  1. Body Paragraph 1/Category 1
    1. Item 1
    2. Item 2
    3. Item 3
  1. Body Paragraph 2/Category 2
    1. Item 1
    2. Item 2
    3. Item 3
  1. Body Paragraph 3/Category 3
    1. Item 1
    2. Item 2
    3. Item 3



2 Classification exercise #1: Languages

Here is a list of the most commonly spoken languages in the world, with rank, major language family, family subbranch, general or approximate region, number of native or first language speakers (L1), and second language (L2) speakers. Feel free to add other languages that you are familiar with.


Rank Language Family Branch Region L1 L2
1 English Indo-European Germanic UK, US, IE, AU, NZ 369.9 M 978.2 M
2 Mandarin Chinese Sino-Tibetan Sinitic China 921.2 M 198.7 M
3 Hindustani Indo-European Indo-Aryan India 411.2 M 419.3 M
4 Spanish Indo-European Romance ES, Americas 471.4 M 71.5 M
5 Standard Arabic Afro-Asiatic Semitic Arab nations 274 M
6 Bengali Indo-European Indo-Aryan Bangladesh 228.7 M 39.0 M
7 French Indo-European Romance FR, BE 79.6 M 187.4 M
8 Russian Indo-European Balto-Slavic Russia 153.7 M 104.3 M
9 Portuguese Indo-European Romance PT, BR 232.4 M 25.2 M
10 Indonesian Austronesian Malayo-Polynesian ID 43.6 M 155.4 M
11 German Indo-European Germanic DE, AT, CH 76.6 M 58.5 M
12 Japanese Japonic Japan 126.3 M 121,500
13 Marathi Indo-European Indo-Aryan India 83.1 M 16.0 M
14 Telugu Dravidian South-Central India 82.6 M 13.0 M
15 Turkish Turkic Oghuz Turkey 82.2 M 5.9 M
16 Tamil Dravidian Southern India 77.5 M 8.0 M
17 Yue / Cantonese Chinese Sino-Tibetan Sinitic China, HK 84.9 M 402,000
18 Wu / Shanghai Chinese Sino-Tibetan Sinitic China 81.7 M 63,000
19 Korean Koreanic Korea 77 M
20 Vietnamese Austroasiatic Vietic VT 76.1 M 745,000
21 Hausa Afro-Asiatic Chadic Nigeria 48.6 M 26.3 M
22 Iranian Persian Indo-European Iranian IR 56.3 M 17.9 M
23 Egyptian Arabic Afro-Asiatic Semitic EG
24 Swahili Niger–Congo Bantu KE, TZ, RW, UG, BU 16.3 M 52.9 M
25 Javanese Austronesian Malayo-Polynesian ID
26 Italian Indo-European Romance IT 64.8 M 3.1 M
27 Western Punjabi Indo-European Indo-Aryan India
28 Gujarati Indo-European Indo-Aryan India 56.9 M 5.0 M
29 Thai Kra–Dai Zhuang–Tai TH 20.7 M 40.0 M
30 Kannada Dravidian Southern India 43.6 M 15.0 M
31 Amharic Afroasiatic Semitic Ethiopia 32.3 M 25.1 M
32 Bhojpuri Indo-European Indo-Aryan IN, NP 52.3 M 160,000
33 Eastern Punjabi Indo-European Indo-Aryan India 48.6 M 3.6 M
34 Min-nan / Hokkien Chinese Sino-Tibetan Sinitic China, TW 48.4 M 387,000
35 Nigerian Pidgin English Creole Nigeria
36 Jin Chinese Sino-Tibetan Sinitic China
37 Filipino / Tagalog Austronesian Malayo-Polynesian PH 45.0 M
38 Hakka Chinese Sino-Tibetan Sinitic China, TW
39 Yoruba Niger–Congo Atlantic–Congo Nigeria
40 Burmese Sino-Tibetan Tibeto-Burman MY
41 Sudanese Arabic Afro-Asiatic Semitic Sudan
42 Polish Indo-European Balto-Slavic Poland
43 Odia Indo-European Indo-Aryan India


3 Exercise 2: The Religions of Znarf (simple version)

Below is information on the various religions of the planet Znarf, with different categories of information. Their society and culture is of great interest to scientists and leaders from other planets, so you need to write some basic descriptions of their religions so others can learn more about the Znarfians.

Select one category around which to organize a paragraph, and write an outline for such a paragraph. Decide how you will organize your outline – what criteria or standard will you use to organize the information? After submitting an outline, you will write a paragraph or two based on your outline.


Outlines usually consist of the following levels:


I. Roman numerals (I, II, III, IV, V, VI...)
A. capital letters (A, B, C...)
1. numerals (1, 2, 3...)
a. lower-case letters (a, b, c...)


The planet Znarf is located about 60,000 light years from earth. It consists of five continents: North Znarfia, South Znarfia, East Znarfia, West Znarfia, and Central Znarfia. (Dates are given in Znarf years; one Znarf year = 1.5 earth years.)

Vespuccian refers to a dominant ethnic group of Znarfians who belong to a higher socio-economic group than many other groups in some areas. The Vespuccian faiths (whose members are largely, but not entirely, ethnic Vespuccians) appeal to those in upper social and economic levels, and with higher education. Boinkism and Aaowwism are more popular with less educated and lower socioeconomic classes. Elvissism is more popular among uneducated Znarfians, while Anti-elvissism is more popular among the educated classes; both began after Elvis songs were first imported 25 years ago.


Religion # of members Origin Main rituals and/or beliefs Geographic distribution
Boinkism 17 million teachings of the Bonk & Boink brothers, 2500 years ago Walking backwards in rainstorms; Worship various rain deities worldwide
Freddism 8.7 million teachings developed by a group of Vespuccian college students at South Znarfian universities, 1200 years ago Wearing one shoe on the head; Believe the world was created by a man named Fred, after he had too much to drink one night South Znarfia, North Znarfia, Central Znarfia (a few members on the other continents)
Fritzism 4.2 million teachings of a Vespuccian sect in Central Znarfia, 900 years ago Wearing a pot or frying pan on the head; Believe the world was created by a man named Fritz in his kitchen Central Znarfia, East Znarfia (a few members on the other continents)
Bireebokism (Binikeism) 3.4 million teachings of a Vespuccian sect in East Znarfia, 700 years ago Wearing two shoes on the head; Believe that Fritz and Fred both created the world East Znarfia, West Znarfia (a few members on the other continents)
Elvissism 185,000 25 years ago Listening to and chanting Elvis songs West Znarfia
Anti-elvissism 192,000 24 years ago Believe that Elvis is an evil spirit West Znarfia
Aaowwism 21 million ancient origins; 4200 years ago Worship various deities associated with rocks and trees; no central creed. When they injure themselves by running into rocks or trees, they scream “Aaoww!” to appeal to the rock or tree deities for mercy worldwide



3.1 Answer key: one possible outline

The Religions of Znarf: Outline


1. Religions according to beliefs and practices


A. Religions with man/ men as creator of the world

1. Freddism

a. beliefs & rituals

i. wear one shoe on head

ii. world created by Fred

b. popularity

c. distribution

d. # of members


2. Fritzism

a. beliefs & rituals

i. wear pot/ pan on head

ii. world created by Fritz

b. popularity

c. distribution

d. # of members


3. Bireebokism

a. beliefs & rituals

i. wear two shoes on head

ii. world created by Fred & Fritz

b. popularity

c. distribution

d. # of members



B. Polytheistic religions

1. Boinkism

a. beliefs & rituals

i. walking backwards in

rainstorms

ii. worship various rain deities

b. popularity

c. distribution

d. # of members


2. Aaowwism

a. beliefs & rituals

i. worship deities of rocks & trees

ii. scream “aaoww!”

b. popularity

c. distribution

d. # of members


C. Elvis based religions

1. Elvissism

a. beliefs & rituals

i. Elvis songs

b. popularity

c. distribution

d. # of members

2. Anti-elvissism

a. beliefs & rituals

i. Elvis is evil spirit

b. popularity

c. distribution

d. # of members


2. Religions according to geographical region

...


3. Religions by chronology

...


4 Exercise 3: The Religions of Znarf (longer version)

Below is information on the various religions of the planet Znarf, with different categories of information. Their society and culture is of great interest to scientists and leaders from other planets, so you need to write some basic descriptions of their religions so others can learn more about the Znarfians.

Select one category around which to organize a paragraph, and write an outline for such a paragraph. Decide how you will organize your outline – what criteria or standard will you use to organize the information? After submitting an outline, you will write a paragraph or two based on your outline. Outlines (in English or European style) can consist of levels like these, but you can use whatever works for you.


  • I. Roman numerals (I, II, III, IV, V, VI...)
  • A. Capital letters (A, B, C...)
  • 1. Numerals (1, 2, 3...)
  • a. Lower-case letters (a, b, c...)


4.1 Znarf

The planet Znarf is located about 65,000 light years from earth. It consists of five continents: North Znarfia, South Znarfia, East Znarfia, West Znarfia, and Central Znarfia. (Dates are given in Znarf years; one Znarf year = 1.5 earth years.)


Vespuccian refers to a dominant ethnic group of Znarfians who belong to a higher socio-economic group than many other groups in some areas. The Vespuccian faiths (whose members are largely, but not entirely, ethnic Vespuccians) appeal to those in upper social and economic levels, and with higher education. Boinkism and Aaowwism are more popular with less educated and lower socioeconomic classes. Bireebokism has some appeal to some among the educated and professional classes of Znarf. Elvissism is more popular among younger, less educated Znarfians, while Anti-elvissism is more popular among the educated classes; both began after Elvis songs were first imported 25 years ago. The majority of Vespuccians live in South and Central Znarfia, but a number of others live on other continents; some have lived there since times of ancient military conquests (when South Znarfia conquered parts of other continents – parts which are now independent of South Znarfian control), but most Vespuccians on other continents have moved there for business reasons, since the so-called MPEG (modern period of enlightenment and globalization, starting 180 years ago). The other continents are dominated by other ethnic groups and cultures: the Naidanac and Ukaeyan in North Znarfia; the Doytche in West Znarfia, and the Silurians in East Znarfia.


4.2 Znarfian religions & belief systems

Religion Members & distribution Origin Main rituals and/or beliefs
Aaowwism 325 million, worldwide; uneducated and low socio-economic classes ancient origins; about 4000-5000 years ago Worship various deities associated with weather, rocks and trees; no specific, central creed. When they injure themselves by running into rocks or trees, they scream “Aaoww!” to appeal to the rock / tree deities for mercy
Boinkism 817 million, worldwide teachings of the Bonk & Boink brothers, 2500 years ago Believe that the world developed from a cosmic rainstorm that was sent by rain deities. Rituals consist of walking backwards in rainstorms to commemorate the original cosmic rainstorm event, and worshiping various rain deities
Freddism 158 million: South Znarfia, North Znarfia, Central Znarfia (a few members on the other continents) teachings developed by cynical Vespuccian college students at South Znarfian universities, 1200 years ago Believe the world was created by a deity named Fred, after he had too much to drink one night;

Freddists are skeptical or cynical about the existence of rain deities – hence, tensions exist between Freddists and Boinkists.

Emphasis on personal pleasure, personal & aesthetic creativity, and enjoyment of life, since Fred is viewed as a creative, fun-loving deity; some emphasize pleasure more, leading to careless, apathy or hedonism in life.

Rituals: wearing one shoe on the head (as they believe that Fred, while drunk, wore a shoe on his head);

Fritzism 24.5 million: Central Znarfia, East Znarfia (a few members on the other continents) teachings of a Vespuccian sect in Central Znarfia, 900 years ago Believe the world was created by a deity named Fritz in his kitchen;

Emphasis on pleasure, creativity, and enjoyment of life, especially regarding food and cooking, as Fritz is viewed as a culinary deity; some take the emphasis on pleasure to the extreme of gluttony or hedonism;

Rituals: Wearing a pot or frying pan on the head (which they believe Fritz did when drunk); weekly religious rituals involving spices and condiments

Bicalceism (Bisoccism) 13.4 million: East Znarfia, West Znarfia, and some educated persons on all the continents teachings of a Vespuccian sect in East Znarfia, 700 years ago Believe that Fritz and Fred both created the world together; since Fritz and Fred cooperated in creating the world, they emphasize cooperative and collective social values, and social harmony, in addition to pleasure and enjoyment of life.

Rituals: Wearing two shoes on the head; weekly rituals involving what they believe to be “harmonious” combinations of foods

Elvissism 1.8 million: West Znarfia, mostly among less educated or lower classes 25 years ago Listening to and singing or chanting Elvis songs; believe that Elvis is “the King” in some religious sense
Anti-elvissism 1.9 million: West Znarfia, mostly among educated, professional and higher socioeconomic classes 24 years ago Believe that Elvis is an evil spirit; prefer Beatles songs for aesthetic or spiritual inspiration; tensions exist between Elvissists and Anti-Evlissists.
Anti-znarfolatry 110-130 million, worldwide, especially among educated and professional classes some since ancient times, but mostly since the modern period (MPEG) No religious beliefs; agnostic or atheist, and essentially similar to humanism, or a belief in reason, social justice, humanitarianism, and morality based on altruism and the value of persons. They focus on social justice work, charity work, multiculturalism, or intellectual pursuits that bear social value.

They tend to deride other religions (though they are more sympathetic to Anti-elvissists); hence, tensions exist between these agnostics and followers of most other religions.


5 Exercise 4: Teaching philosophies

Here is some brief data on different types of educational or pedagogical philosophies. Which of these would be relevant to different educational contexts (e.g., language teaching versus content area courses; or primary, secondary, and tertiary levels)?[1] How would you outline them, and then turn your outline into multiple paragraphs? What criteria would you use to organize these in your outline and your paper? What other information would you need to finish your outlining and writing tasks?


1. Classical teaching philosophy

Teacher-centered approach. Emphasis on authority and knowledge transfer. Teacher as the primary source of information. Structured curriculum and standardized assessments. Limited student autonomy and limited active participation.

2. Constructivist teaching philosophy

Student-centered approach. Focus on active learning and knowledge construction. Student engagement through hands-on activities and inquiry-based learning. Collaboration and social interaction among students. Emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

3. Montessori teaching philosophy

Child-centered approach. Self-directed learning and individualized instruction. Hands-on materials and sensory experiences. Freedom within limits to foster independence and self-discipline. Mixed-age classrooms to encourage peer learning and mentoring

4. Waldorf teaching philosophy

Holistic approach. Integration of arts, movement, and academics. Emphasis on creativity, imagination, and play. Developmentally appropriate curriculum and rhythm in daily activities. Focus on nurturing students' emotional, social, and spiritual development

5. Reggio Emilia teaching philosophy

Emergent approach. Child-led curriculum based on interests and inquiries. Importance of the learning environment and aesthetics. Documentation of student work and reflections to promote reflection and collaboration. Strong emphasis on relationships and active involvement of families and community.

6. Progressive teaching philosophy

Experiential approach. Student-centered and project-based learning. Integration of real-world experiences and interdisciplinary studies. Focus on social justice, equity, and student voice. Cultivation of critical thinking, creativity, and global citizenship skills

7. Radical Teaching Philosophy

Emphasis on social change. Critical examination of power structures and societal inequalities. Education as a tool for social transformation and liberation. Student engagement in critical thinking and activism. Frequent use of dialogue and cooperative learning.

8. Humanist teaching philosophy

Focus on individual growth and development. Student-centered approach emphasizing holistic development. Recognition of students’ unique needs, interests, and talents. Promotion of self-esteem, self-actualization, and intrinsic motivation. Positive and supportive learning environment.

9. Behaviorist teaching philosophy

Emphasis on observable behaviors. Focus on learning outcomes and behavior modification. Use of rewards and reinforcements to encourage desired behaviors. Clear goals, expectations, and structured instruction. Systematic assessment and feedback to track progress.

10. Communicative teaching philosophy

Language acquisition through communication. Interactive and student-centered language learning approach. Emphasis on meaningful communication and authentic language use. Integration of language skills (listening, speaking, reading, writing). Cultural awareness and understanding as integral components.


6 Example: Contrast & comparison paragraphs

Naturally, comparisons focus on similarities, while contrasts focus on differences. One can follow a subject-by-subject contrast or comparison, that is, discussing one subject with its various qualities, followed by another subject, with its qualities. Or one can follow a point-by-point pattern, systematically going point by point and comparing or contrasting the particular qualities of both subjects. For example, one could compare computer operating systems with either organizational pattern.


Subject pattern Point-by-point comparison
1. MS Windows

A. Cost

B. Expertise

C. Versions

D. Office software

E. Interoperability


2. Linux

A. Cost

B. Expertise

C. Versions

D. Office software

E. Interoperability


1. Cost

A. Windows

B. Linux self-install

C. Linux server with professional support


2. Expertise

A. Windows

  • Productivity software
  • Server management
  • Security

B. Linux

  • Productivity software
  • Server management
  • Security


3. Versions

A. Windows

B. Linux

  • Debian-based, Arch-based …


4. Office software

A. Windows

B. Linux

5. Interoperability

A. Windows

B. Linux

  • Samba, networking




6.1 Exercise

Pick either the language classification exercise or the alien religion exercise (the religions of Znarf). Imagine you have to write a short essay on one of these topics, starting with the information provided here. How would you choose to organize it — what criteria or basis for organizing the data would you choose? What might a thesis or main objective of the essay sound like (in one sentence)? Then create a rough outline to show how you would organize the body paragraphs. Your outline should have at least two levels of hierarchy , like so.


Thesis statement: … … …
I. Something

A. Detail

B. Detail 2

C. Detail 3

D. Detail 4

II. Something #2

A. Detail 1

B. Detail 2

C. Detail 3

III. Something #3

A. Detail 1

B. Detail 2


The particular symbols that you use (like I, II, III...; A, B, C ...; 1, 2, 3... ; a, b, c...; α, β, γ...) do not matter, as long as you are consistent.


7 References

  1. Primary = grade schoool (elementary school); secondary = middle & high school; tertiary = college or university