分類法(classification)

在闡述某一概念的段落中，常用分類法。通過對概念中所包括的事物進行分門別類，分別加以敘述，使讀者有更為清晰的認識，如：

Ever since humans have lived on the earth, they have made use of various forms of communication. Generally, this expression of thoughts and feelings has been in the form of oral speech. When there is a language barrier, communication is accomplished through sign language in which motions stand for letters, words and ideas. Tourists and the people unable to hear or speak have had to resort to this form of expression. Many of these symbols of whole words are very vivid and exact and can be used internationally; spelling, however, cannot. Body language transmits ideas or thoughts by certain actions, either intentionally or unintentionally. A nod signifies approval, while shaking the head indicates a negative reaction. Other forms of nonlinguistic language can be found in signal flags, Morse code, and picture signs.

在該段中為了說明topic sentence中的 "various forms of communication"，作者將其分為oral speech, sign language, body language及other forms of nonlinguistic language，并逐加闡述。

采用這種方法的段落并沒有標志突出的連接詞，所述各項均為平行并列關(guān)系，所以沒有明顯的主次之分。

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