How to Write a Division Essay

Choose a topic thoughtfully when you've been assigned to write a division essay.

A division essay, which is often grouped together with a classification essay, is a straightforward assignment that allows you to strengthen your writing skills, using a simple concept. In a division essay, you select a subject that you can divide into categories, and then write about each of those categories. The challenge is to compose a thesis that explains what your paper will discuss.

Instructions

1. Select the subject for your paper. Focus on a subject that you can divide into individual parts. For example, you can interpret the assignment literally and discuss the various parts that make up a car. Or, you can talk about the elements that create a successful business. Choose a subject that interests you.

2. Build an outline that identifies the subject and divided parts you will discuss. Break your subject into parts, and have each part be a major heading in your outline. Under each major heading, create subheadings that detail what you will discuss about that part and who it relates to the greater whole, your subject.

3. Choose a thesis statement. Analyze your outline to identify your thesis statement. The thesis statement should tell your readers what the purpose of your paper is. If, for example, your paper will discuss the elements of a successful business, your thesis could be: "A business' success depends on competent management, reliable funding and experienced employees."

4. Write your paper, following the outline, with the thesis in mind. Make sure that each element you describe throughout the paper relates back to the subject and the thesis statement. If necessary, supplement your description of the divided elements with research from scholarly journals and books.

5. Revise your paper with the assignment in mind. Make sure that you properly define the divided parts that make up the subject you are discussing. While you do not have to discuss every part, you want to touch on the major parts that make up the subject. Fill any gaps -- if an obvious part is missing, add it when your revise.

References

• Wheeling Jesuit University: How Do I Write a Classification/Division Essay?
• Broward College: Division/Classification/Definition Paper
• Indian River State College: Structuring a Division-and-Classification Essay