Aim: This exercise introduces the vocabulary and grammar needed for the function of
categorisation. For students taking the English for Academic Purposes course, this
function is from Unit 3 of the EAP book and will help EAP students prepare for Assignment
One. (Teachers: Click here for a printable version
of this document.)
Categorisation is dividing a topic into sub-topics. Some topics can be divided into a
small number of sub-topics that account for all of the topic. For example humans can be
categorised as either male or female.
However, many other topics cannot be divided so easily. For example movies can be
categorised as romances, horror, thrillers and comedies. The number of categories is
uncertain, as some people may categorise computer animated films such as 'Shrek' as different from cartoons.
To deal with this problem, you should use a word such as 'main' or 'including'. For
example, 'Movies can be categorised into a number of main types. There
are comedies, horror, thrillers, musicals, and romances.' or 'Movies can be categorised
into a number of types, including comedies, horror, thrillers, musicals,
and romances.' The words 'main' or 'including' are used to show that there may be other
types, but that these are not so important. For example, there may be experimental or art
movies such as 'Dancer in the Dark'
that do not fit into any of these categories. Also, some movies combine these types.
You do not need to worry about exceptions to your categorisation system if you use the
words 'main' or 'including'. See the Vocabulary and
Grammar section for more examples.
After introducing a categorisation system the categories need to be explained. This can
be done by describing the category and / or by giving examples:
- '
Comedy movies are designed to make the audience laugh. An example is 'Home Alone'.' (Available in CILL.)
- '
Horror movies are frightening for audiences. An example of a horror movie
is 'The Sixth Sense'.' (Available in CILL.)
(Language Note: NOT 'Horrible movies...' because this means that the movies are low
quality.)
- '
Dependent students depend on their teachers for guidance, for instance in
what books to use.'
- '
Social students like to work in groups, for example when cooperating on
projects.'
Singular or plural can be used in descriptions of categories, although
plural is more common and easier to understand. For example:
- '
A dependent student depends on his
or her teacher for guidance, for instance in what books to use.'
- '
A social student likes to work in
groups, for example when cooperating on projects.'
- '
The dependent student depends on his
or her teacher for guidance, for instance in what books to use.'
- '
The social student likes to work
in groups, for example when cooperating on projects.'
The descriptions of the categories
can also be done using relative clauses, for example:
- '
Romance movies are movies which are for people who want
to feel romantic.'
- '
A phantom student is a student who is quiet but
attentive.'
