Page 389 - Wordsmith A Guide to College Writing

4. Which body paragraph begins with a transitional
topic sentence?

5. What type of conclusion does the essay have?

a. prediction

b. recommendation

c. summary
d. quotation

Classification Essay 2

The writer of this essay explores people’s attitudes toward life.

Attitudes Toward Life

I have always heard it said that people are the same
under the skin, and in many ways it’s true. People have

similar impulses, hopes, and dreams. However, people

vary widely in their attitudes toward life.

A person with a negative attitude puts a pessimistic twist
on life, even when good things happen. If she has a

front-row center seat at the concert, she complains that

her neck hurts from sitting so close or that the music is

too loud. If he has a new job, he complains that the

hours are too long and the benefits inadequate. When I

congratulated my friend Tim on his new job, his
response was typically negative. “It’s okay, I guess,” he

said, “but the money and the chances for advancement