hamburger paragraph essay structure

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Hamburger Paragraph Template for Essay Writing

• 3-minute read
• 3rd November 2023

It almost sounds like something you might see on a menu at a fast-food restaurant, but a “hamburger paragraph” is a method of essay writing often taught in schools to help students structure their paragraphs effectively. Just as a burger consists of various layers that come together to create a satisfying whole, an essay is built up of paragraphs that follow a specific structure.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the concept of a hamburger paragraph and how it can serve as a handy template for essay writing.

Hamburger Paragraph Template

The template below lists the “ingredients” of a hamburger paragraph:

Top Bun (Topic Sentence):

Introduce the main idea of the paragraph .

Filling (Supporting Detail #1):

Introduce your first supporting detail or example that backs up your main idea.

Filling (Supporting Detail #2):

Introduce your second supporting detail or example.

Filling (Supporting Detail #3):

Introduce your third supporting detail or example. Note: Depending on the depth required, you may have more or fewer supporting details.

Bottom Bun (Concluding Sentence):

Wrap up the paragraph by restating or summarizing the main idea – or transition to the next paragraph . Ensure that every main point or idea presented in the paragraph is well-supported and rounded off with a conclusion or transition.

Example of a Hamburger Paragraph Using the Template

Here’s a paragraph about dogs written following the hamburger paragraph method:

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Dogs have a reputation for being loyal companions.

Filling #1:

Historically, dogs have been known to travel vast distances to reunite with their owners.

Filling #2:

Many breeds have been specifically bred for their loyalty traits, such as Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds.

Filling #3:

Pet owners’ personal experiences further support the claim, with countless stories of dogs displaying unwavering loyalty in various situations.

Bottom Bun:

With their history, breeding, and the personal anecdotes of many, it’s clear why dogs are cherished for their loyalty.

The  hamburger template assists writers, especially those new to essay writing, in assembling a well-structured essay, helping them organize their thoughts and research into a logical format that readers can easily follow. Students can use this structure to ensure they’re fleshing out their ideas adequately and maintaining a logical flow throughout their essays.

So next time you’re writing an essay, think of your paragraphs as a delicious stack of hamburger paragraphs, with each one adding a unique flavor to your overall composition. If you’d like a professional proofreader to review your essay and its structure once you’ve completed your first draft, we’d be happy to help. Check out our essay proofreading services , or try us out by submitting a free sample !

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How to Write a Hamburger Paragraph

Last Updated: December 30, 2022 Fact Checked

This article was reviewed by Annaliese Dunne . Annaliese Dunne is a Middle School English Teacher. With over 10 years of teaching experience, her areas of expertise include writing and grammar instruction, as well as teaching reading comprehension. She is also an experienced freelance writer. She received her Bachelor's degree in English. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 95,001 times.

Writing a thorough but effective paragraph can be hard, especially if you're still learning some techniques for structuring your writing. The hamburger paragraph technique is easy to remember and easy to use; it offers a "recipe" for writing full and "meaty" paragraphs. Get started a step number one.

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• If you are having problems remembering how to write a hamburger paragraph, draw a picture of the hamburger and on each part either write "Topic Sentence", "Detail," or "Closing Sentence". Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

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• ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeCv0ifsURA

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How to turn the high school “hamburger” essay into a university-level paper

It goes by many names: the 5-paragraph essay, three-tier paper, or 1-3-1 model, to name a few. Many of you know it as the “hamburger” essay – an easy-to-follow model for writing papers that’s often taught in North American high schools.

During my first semester of undergrad, I heard it again and again from my professors and TAs: don't submit a hamburger essay. "Forget everything you learned in high school," they told me, "university writing is different!"

I had always done well on my high school writing assignments. I thought essay writing in university would be a breeze. So, the idea of throwing away all my past knowledge and practice felt confusing and overwhelming. If I wasn’t supposed to write essays in university the same way I wrote them in high school, then how was I supposed to write at all? And where was I supposed to learn these mysterious new writing techniques, anyway?

Now, after many years of honing my academic writing skills and becoming a writing instructor myself, I’m here to say, loud and proud:  I love the hamburger essay.

This is somewhat of a controversial statement in higher education. For years, many professors have condemned the “hamburger” model of essay writing, resenting its rules and restrictions. And while many of these critiques are valid, I believe there are too many valuable aspects of the hamburger essay to throw it away altogether. In fact, many of the  same techniques  that make a hamburger essay great, can also be used to craft a quality academic paper.

So no, you don’t need to “forget everything you learned in high school” when it comes time to write your first university essay! Keep reading to learn how you can use turn your high school hamburger essay into a strong university-level paper.

What is the hamburger essay?

The hamburger essay is well-known and well-loved because of its simple and easy to remember structure. If you're new to the hamburger essay, check out the diagram below to learn more about how it works.

In short, each ingredient of the hamburger represents a different paragraph of the essay. It starts with an introduction paragraph and ends with a conclusion paragraph, represented by the top and bottom buns, respectively. Just like a real burger bun, these paragraphs frame the juicy contents inside – the body paragraphs – which are each represented by a different topping: lettuce, tomato, or patty.

Pay attention to the order of toppings in the hamburger essay. The lettuce comes first; it’s light and flimsy, representing one of the lighter arguments of the paper. The tomato is somewhat more robust (in terms of argument), while the patty at the end is the true “meat” of the essay. Just like the toppings of a hamburger in real-life, the body paragraphs build on one another to fill out the paper, giving it substance and flavour.

How to use the hamburger model in university

If you’re already familiar with the hamburger or 5-paragraph essay model, there are many great aspects of it that you can keep and adapt in your university essay writing . Keep reading to learn how!

1. The top bun (a.k.a the introduction paragraph)

The hamburger essay begins with a strong introduction paragraph (the top bun) that sets up the rest of the paper and presents the essay’s primary  thesis statement  or argument. In high school, students are often taught to begin their introduction paragraph with the broadest or most general information first, and gradually narrow in on the specifics. They’re also taught to begin the introduction with a narrative hook – a catchy phrase or fact to grab the reader’s attention – and to end the introduction with a “road map,” which outlines what each paragraph of the essay will discuss, in the order of information presented.

Although at the university level, introductions may be longer than one paragraph (depending on the length of the essay overall), they should still begin with more general contextual information first, then narrow in on a more focused thesis statement . This structure helps guide the reader by presenting them with the background information they require for the thesis and body paragraphs to make sense.

You can also keep the introductory “hook” and “road map” pieces of the hamburger introduction, but note the differences in what these elements look like at the university level. While high school writers often try to catch the reader’s attention by asserting a universal or historical truth (e.g. “Since the dawn of time…” or “Throughout history…”), a hook at the university level should  remain focused on the specific topic at hand  – a surprising fact or statistic works well here.

Additionally, while a high school-level road map might outline the topic of each and every body paragraph in the essay, a university-level road map should be less detailed. Because university papers are typically longer than high school papers, it makes more sense to only mention the paper’s main overarching arguments  (if at all) in the road map section, rather than summarize every paragraph.

To learn more about how to write a strong university-level introduction,  check out this WCC resource  on introductions.

2. The bottom bun (a.k.a. the conclusion paragraph)

The hamburger essay ends with a satisfying conclusion paragraph (the bottom bun) that summarizes its findings and wraps up the paper’s arguments. High school students are often taught to structure their conclusion paragraph in the reverse order of the introduction,  beginning with the most specific information and broadening out to the most general . Hamburger essay conclusions often restate the thesis at the start of the paragraph, then go on to summarize each point of the essay.

At the university level, you should continue to structure your conclusion by presenting the most specific pieces of information related to your thesis first, followed by the more general ideas. Structuring your conclusion this way helps  transition the reader out of the paper’s arguments and into a broader reflection on the topic .

However,  you don’t have to limit yourself to only one paragraph  for your conclusion (hint: introductions and conclusions typically make up 10-15% of the essay length overall). And while it’s good practice to remind your reader of the essay’s main arguments and findings, too much repetition can be a bore. Try focusing instead on the  significance  of the paper’s claims and discoveries to highlight for the reader why your essay matters – why your thesis is significant in a larger context.

For deeper insight into how to write a university-level conclusion,  view our conclusions resource  here.

3. The toppings (a.k.a. the body paragraphs)

The body paragraphs of a hamburger essay are its meatiest parts (pun intended). In high school, students are often taught to explain, and provide evidence for, their main thesis by presenting three distinct points in three separate body paragraphs, ordered roughly from the weakest point to the strongest. In this model, each body paragraph supports the essay’s thesis by providing a new piece of information to back-up the author’s primary claim. Also, each paragraph articulates its main point in a single topic sentence at the beginning of the paragraph.

For university essays, there’s a lot to like about the hamburger essay paragraph model. For example, it’s important that each paragraph of your university-level paper works to substantiate the paper's overarching thesis statement . This will prevent your essay from going off on tangents – that is, presenting ideas or research that are not directly related to the essay's focused goal. You should also pay attention to the order of ideas presented; while ordering your points from weakest to strongest (as in the hamburger model) isn’t necessary, there should be a  logical flow to your ideas . Ask yourself: what does my reader need to understand first in order to understand what’s coming next?

Topic sentences are also super useful in academic papers : they help alert the reader to the paragraph’s main idea and provide context for the evidence presented within the paragraph itself. In a traditional academic essay, readers should be able to read the first sentence (or two) of each paragraph only, and still have a strong idea of the paper’s main arguments and points.

However,  university-level essays can – and should – have more than three body paragraphs . This is perhaps the biggest complaint against the hamburger essay structure: that it tricks students into thinking they can only provide three pieces of evidence to back-up their thesis statements. Academic essays, especially research essays, should present the reader with a great breadth of evidence and information to prove their claims. It’s up to you – the writer – to decide how much evidence is needed, and how it can be organized logically into body paragraphs for the reader to follow.

On a similar note,  some points in your academic paper will require more than one body paragraph to develop,  and that’s ok! Let’s say, for example, that you’re writing an essay on the benefits of free community programming for reducing loneliness amongst senior citizens. It may take only one paragraph to present your research on loneliness amongst seniors, but maybe three or four paragraphs to show why publicly-funded programs are attractive to senior citizens in particular.

While some students believe, based on the hamburger model, that each new paragraph requires a brand new topic or point, in reality, there is more flexibility to the “rules” of academic writing. As long as each of your paragraphs is tackling one coherent idea at a time,  you may choose to develop a single point over numerous body paragraphs . This is especially true if you have a lot of evidence to discuss!

To learn more about how to write strong body paragraphs at the university level,   check out this WCC resource   on body paragraphs.

Final thoughts…

Keep in mind that  every writing assignment in university is different  and not all papers follow the traditional essay format. In fact, most essay assignments come with specific guidelines from the professor, which you should always follow with care, and ask questions about if you’re unsure.

If you’re transitioning from high school and looking for help with your writing projects, why not check out our new program for first-years, Waterloo Ready to Write ! Or book an appointment with one of our friendly and helpful writing instructors at the WCC. We would love to help you out.

Writing essays in university can be intimidating, especially if you’re new at it. But remember, you’re here for a reason, and you’ve already got a great foundation to start from! Try to think about writing in university as an extension and adaptation of what you already know. If you have an open mind, take your professors’ feedback to heart, and push yourself to try new things, you’ll be setting yourself up for success.

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Free Editable Hamburger Paragraph Examples

Frequently writing reports and paragraphs is common for students and professionals. In writing paragraphs, the thing that matters the most is your original writing. Even if you use helping content and websites, your writing skills will demonstrate your understanding of the topic. Hamburger paragraph is the most suitable graphic organizer for writing essays, paragraphs and reports.

1. What is a Hamburger Paragraph?

A hamburger paragraph is a graphic organizers that illustrates the key parts of paragraphs or other writings. It outlines the main points of various writings such as reports and essays to ensure that the writer follows the correct format and information hierarchy. Educators use hamburger graphic organizers to help students understand how to convert their ideas into organized text. With its help, most students learn to share their concepts with cohesive paragraphs and better understand paragraph writing structure.

2. Hamburger Paragraph Examples

Here are some of the most commonly used hamburger paragraph templates from EdrawMax's templates community. The purpose of these templates is to help students understand the concept of writing structures and idea organization. A hamburger graphic organizer makes it easier to visually represent the relationship between information in any paragraph or report. Our paragraph hamburger templates examples will help you better understand hamburger format writing. Check out these examples and pick a suitable template for your writing assignment.

Example 1: Hamburger Paragraph

This is a hamburger paragraph template. There are three parts of a paragraph hamburger. The first part is the top bun, which is the topic sentence of your writing. In this part, you explain your paragraph and your main idea. Under the topic sentence, you add the burger filling, which contains supporting information regarding your topic sentence. The third part is the bottom bun of the hamburger. You conclude your paragraph in this section by writing a few sentences about your main idea and making a reference to your topic sentence.

Example 2: Hamburger Graphic Organizer

This is an example of a hamburger graphic organizer. Students use these templates to make assignments and improve their writing skills and idea organization. The hamburger in this template contains five parts. The top bun where students add their topic sentence and give the main idea. The second part contains supporting sentences to provide more information about the topic. The third part connects to the second part and gives more supporting information about the subject. With such a template, you can keep adding supportive details till you prove your point and reach a conclusion.

Example 3: Hamburger Writing

Hamburger writing outlines come in various formats, but the key structure of each hamburger graphic organizer is similar. The template in this example resembles a hamburger from the inside and outside. The topic, supporting, and conclusion are part of the hamburger. Paragraph hamburger template helps you understand an ideal way to depict the relationship between pieces of information. The paragraph starts with the topic sentence and the main idea. In the filling section, you add two or three supporting paragraphs and conclude your writing in the last area.

Example 4: Hamburger Paragraph Writing Template

A hamburger paragraph writing template is mainly used for teaching purposes, and it helps students understand various writing structures and graphic organizers. There is a hamburger on the left side and a writing area on the right side in this example. The colors and lines represent which part of the hamburger represents which part of the paragraph. The top bun is the topic sentence, the filling is the supporting sentence, the bottom bun is the conclusion sentence. Students have to write the main idea, details and conclusion of the paragraph in an organized order.

Example 5: Hamburger Paragraph Examples

This is one of the most commonly used hamburger paragraph examples. There are three parts to this sandwich template. The topic sentence is the first part where students write the main idea of the target paragraph to explain the purpose of their writing. The second part is the body of the sandwich, which is further divided into two or three sections. Each of these sections contains details and supporting sentences regarding the topic sentence. All arguments and related information are mostly written in the body. In the last part, students conclude their writing and give their final thoughts.

Example 6: Hamburger Paragraph Template

The hamburger paragraph templates use a hamburger as a metaphor to describe the writing structure of any paragraph or report. The first section of the paragraph is the topic sentence that resembles any hamburger's top bun, and it provides the main idea and direction of the paragraph in question. The second section is the details and support statements that resemble the filling in a hamburger. The third section is the paragraph's conclusion that mirrors the bottom bun of a hamburger.

Click on the image to edit. Source: EdrawMax Online

3. Online Hamburger Graphic Organizer Maker

A graphic organizer maker is a helping tool for educators and students to create hamburger graphic organizers for assignments and other teaching purposes. EdrawMax Online is the best hamburger graphic organizer maker out there. Most educators use paragraph hamburgers to teach their students, but they don't usually have spare time to make a graphic designer from scratch because it takes some time and effort.

With EdrawMax, teachers can use professional templates and customization tools to create any graphic organizer in minutes. Having pre-made templates makes all the difference because there is zero possibility of making any mistake or using the wrong format.

4. Key Takeaways

Hamburger paragraph helps students understand how to organize ideas and share their concepts. It is a creative method to showcase the ideal paragraph writing structure. The hamburger graphic organizer contains the key parts of a paragraph, and it takes a hamburger as a metaphor to organize information. It helps increase students' creativity while learning how to relate information in paragraphs.

As a result, it is important to find a stauible tool for making hamburger paragraph examples. EdrawMax Online is an ideal graphic organizer maker, because it only takes a few clicks for you to select a template and create a hamburger graphic organizer . You also find many shapes and icons in its symbol library. Find more graphic organizer template in the template community.

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Mastering Paragraph Writing: The Ultimate Guide to Using the Hamburger Method

Why Paragraph Writing Skills Are Essential

In the world of writing, understanding paragraphs is like knowing how to build a strong foundation for a house. Each paragraph acts as a building block, shaping your ideas and thoughts into coherent pieces that others can easily understand. Let's dive into why mastering paragraph writing is crucial for both students and professionals.

The Role of Paragraphs in Effective Communication

Imagine reading a book with no paragraphs. It would be like trying to find your favorite toy in a messy room! Paragraphs help us organize our thoughts, making it easier for readers to follow along. When we write, we use paragraphs to group related ideas together. This way, our message becomes clearer and more structured, just like putting puzzle pieces together to reveal the whole picture.

Research shows that students who excel in paragraph writing tend to perform better academically. According to the 2011 writing assessment results , eighth and twelfth-grade students with strong writing skills demonstrate higher levels of comprehension and critical thinking. This highlights the importance of mastering paragraph construction early on in education.

How Paragraph Writing Builds Better Writers

Crafting well-structured paragraphs isn't just about putting words on paper; it's about conveying your thoughts effectively. When you learn how to write a solid main idea sentence , supported by relevant details and wrapped up neatly with a conclusion, you're essentially honing your ability to express yourself clearly.

Studies have shown that practicing different types of writing tasks can significantly impact learning outcomes . For instance, students who engage in argumentative essay writing show improved critical thinking skills compared to those focusing solely on summary writing. This demonstrates how diverse writing tasks can enhance various cognitive abilities essential for academic success.

In essence, mastering paragraph writing equips you with the tools needed to convey your ideas cohesively and persuasively. Whether you're crafting an essay for school or drafting a professional report, the ability to structure your thoughts into well-defined paragraphs will set you apart as a skilled communicator.

The Basics of the Hamburger Method

When we talk about paragraph writing , there's a special recipe called the Hamburger Method that makes everything come together like magic. Let's break down this method step by step to understand how it transforms your writing into a flavorful treat.

Understanding the Hamburger Approach

Imagine your paragraph as a delicious burger. The top bun is like the headline of your story , introducing the main idea in a tasty way that makes readers want more. It's the first bite that sets the tone for what's to come.

Next comes the fillings , where you add all the juicy details that support your main idea. Think of these details as the cheese, pickles, onions, lettuce, and tomato in your burger – each adding a unique flavor to enhance the overall taste.

Finally, we reach the bottom bun , which acts as a satisfying conclusion to your paragraph. Just like in a burger where you need that last bite to wrap up all the flavors, your conclusion should neatly summarize everything you've discussed and provide a smooth transition to what comes next.

Now, why does this Hamburger Method work so well? Well, just like how every ingredient in a burger complements each other, this method ensures that every part of your paragraph serves a purpose and works together harmoniously.

Why the Hamburger Method Works

Research has shown that using structured methods like the Hamburger Method can significantly improve students' writing skills. By breaking down paragraphs into digestible parts – from introducing the main idea to providing supporting details and concluding effectively – students can learn to write with clarity and coherence.

Comparing different approaches like the Hamburger Method versus other methods is like choosing between a gourmet burger and a plain sandwich. While both serve their purpose, only one gives you that full burst of flavors in every bite.

In essence, mastering this method not only teaches students how to write good paragraphs but also instills valuable skills such as organizing thoughts logically and expressing ideas cohesively. It's like learning how to cook – once you understand the recipe (or method), you can create endless variations tailored to suit different tastes.

So, next time you sit down to write a paragraph, think about crafting it using the Hamburger Method Template . You'll soon realize how this simple yet effective approach can turn your writing from bland to grand!

Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Hamburger Paragraph

Writing a paragraph using the Hamburger Method is like creating a delicious recipe - each ingredient plays a crucial role in making it flavorful and satisfying. Let's explore the step-by-step process of crafting a well-structured paragraph that will captivate your readers.

Choosing Your Main Idea

Selecting the main idea for your paragraph is like picking the star ingredient for your dish. It should be enticing and engaging, drawing readers in from the first bite. Just as a chef carefully selects the freshest produce for their recipe, you must choose a main idea sentence that is clear, concise, and sets the tone for what's to come.

When deciding on your main idea , consider what message you want to convey to your audience. Are you sharing an exciting story, presenting an argument, or providing information? Your main idea sentence should encapsulate this purpose in a way that grabs attention and entices readers to continue reading.

Remember, just like how a burger's patty is the heart of the sandwich, your main idea sentence forms the core of your paragraph. It should be strong enough to stand alone yet inviting enough to encourage readers to delve deeper into your writing.

Gathering Your Supporting Details

Once you have chosen your main idea , it's time to add the supporting ingredients that will enrich your paragraph. Think of these details as the toppings on your burger - they enhance the flavor and provide depth to your writing.

To gather compelling supporting details , consider conducting research at reputable sources like the Tacoma Community College Library . This resource-rich environment offers a treasure trove of information that can add credibility and substance to your writing. By exploring various texts, articles, and references available at the library, you can find unique insights and perspectives to enrich your paragraph.

Utilizing resources such as libraries not only enhances the quality of your writing but also demonstrates thoroughness and dedication to producing well-informed content. Just as chefs experiment with different flavors to create culinary masterpieces, writers explore diverse sources to craft engaging and informative paragraphs.

Crafting a Strong Conclusion

As you reach the end of your paragraph-writing journey, it's essential to wrap up your thoughts neatly with a satisfying conclusion. Think of this final section as the last bite of your burger - it should leave a lasting impression and tie everything together harmoniously.

In crafting a strong conclusion , revisit your main idea sentence and supporting details. Summarize the key points discussed in your paragraph while offering closure or insight into what comes next. This closing statement should leave readers feeling fulfilled, much like finishing a delightful meal.

A well-crafted conclusion not only reinforces your main message but also provides a sense of completion for your readers. By ending on a thoughtful note, you invite reflection and leave a lasting impact on those who engage with your writing.

In essence, mastering each step of the Hamburger Method ensures that every part of your paragraph serves its purpose effectively - from introducing an enticing main idea to providing rich supporting details and concluding with finesse.

Enhancing Your Paragraphs: Tips and Tricks

Now that you've mastered the Hamburger Method for crafting delicious paragraphs, it's time to sprinkle some extra flavor into your writing. Enhancing your paragraphs with vibrant language and maintaining organization will elevate your writing to a whole new level.

Making Your Paragraphs Juicier with Descriptive Language

Imagine your paragraph as a painting; descriptive language adds color and depth, bringing your words to life. By incorporating vivid adjectives, sensory details, and figurative language, you can create a rich tapestry of imagery that captivates your readers' imagination.

When describing a scene or character in your paragraph, think about how you can engage the senses. Instead of saying "the flower was pretty," try "the vibrant crimson petals danced in the gentle breeze." This not only paints a clearer picture but also evokes emotions and creates a more immersive reading experience.

Using descriptive language isn't just about painting pretty pictures with words; it's about engaging your readers on a deeper level. By appealing to their senses and emotions, you can forge a stronger connection and make your writing more memorable.

Keeping Your Paragraphs Organized

Just like organizing ingredients before cooking a meal ensures a smooth culinary process, structuring your paragraphs enhances readability and comprehension. Let's explore some strategies to keep your paragraphs well-organized and easy to digest.

Hamburger Paragraph Writing Ideas

One effective way to maintain organization in your writing is by using the Hamburger Method Template consistently. This structured approach ensures that each paragraph has a clear main idea sentence , supported by relevant details, and wrapped up with a concluding sentence.

By following this template, you create coherence in your writing, guiding readers through your ideas logically. Think of it as providing signposts along the way so that readers can navigate your content effortlessly.

Hamburger Paragraph Writing Unit

For students looking to enhance their paragraph-writing skills further, consider enrolling in a Hamburger Paragraph Writing Unit program. These specialized courses offer comprehensive training on constructing good paragraphs using the Hamburger Method effectively.

In these units, students learn advanced techniques for developing compelling main idea sentences, gathering supporting details from diverse sources, and crafting impactful concluding sentences. Through guided practice and feedback from instructors, students refine their writing skills and build confidence in expressing their ideas cohesively.

Whether you're an aspiring writer or aiming to improve academic performance, investing time in a Hamburger Paragraph Writing Unit can sharpen your writing abilities and set you on the path to creating exceptional paragraphs.

Putting It All Together: Practice Makes Perfect

Now that you've grasped the essence of the Hamburger Method for crafting stellar paragraphs, it's time to put your skills into action through guided practice and encouragement. Let's delve into how consistent practice can elevate your writing prowess and instill confidence in your abilities.

Guided Practice with the Hamburger Method

Engaging in structured paragraph writing activities is akin to sharpening your culinary skills through regular cooking sessions. Just as chefs experiment with new recipes to refine their techniques, writers can benefit from diverse writing tasks that challenge their creativity and critical thinking.

Introducing paragraph writing activities tailored to the Hamburger Method allows students to apply this structured approach in a practical setting. By selecting topics that resonate with their interests or academic pursuits, students can explore different facets of paragraph construction while honing their ability to craft compelling narratives.

Research on the effects of writing on knowledge transfer in educational settings reveals that students who engage in higher-order thinking tasks, such as constructing paragraphs using the Hamburger Method , demonstrate enhanced learning outcomes . This hands-on approach not only deepens understanding but also fosters a seamless transfer of knowledge across various subjects.

Through guided practice sessions focusing on the Hamburger Method , students can develop a solid foundation in paragraph writing that transcends individual assignments. By consistently applying this method to their writing tasks, students cultivate a structured approach to conveying ideas effectively and persuasively.

Encouragement and Next Steps

As you embark on your journey towards mastering paragraph writing with confidence, remember that every step forward is a testament to your growth as a writer. Embrace challenges as opportunities for learning and view setbacks as stepping stones towards improvement.

Writing a paragraph with confidence requires embracing vulnerability and pushing past self-imposed limitations. Just as athletes train rigorously to excel on game day, writers must practice diligently to refine their craft continually. Each word written is a building block towards greater proficiency and eloquence.

Incorporating feedback from peers or instructors can provide valuable insights into areas for improvement and highlight strengths in your writing style. Constructive criticism serves as a guiding light, illuminating paths for growth and encouraging experimentation with new writing techniques.

Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is mastery of paragraph writing achieved overnight. Celebrate small victories along the way, whether it's crafting a good main idea sentence or seamlessly integrating supporting details into your paragraphs. Each milestone reached signifies progress towards becoming a proficient communicator.

As you continue honing your skills in writing a paragraph , embrace each opportunity to express yourself creatively and authentically. Your unique voice adds richness to your writing, captivating readers and leaving a lasting impact long after they've finished reading.

In conclusion, by immersing yourself in guided practice sessions focused on the Hamburger Method and approaching each writing task with enthusiasm and determination, you pave the way for unparalleled growth as a writer. Embrace challenges as stepping stones towards excellence, knowing that each paragraph crafted brings you one step closer to mastery.

About the Author : Quthor , powered by Quick Creator , is an AI writer that excels in creating high-quality articles from just a keyword or an idea. Leveraging Quick Creator 's cutting-edge writing engine, Quthor efficiently gathers up-to-date facts and data to produce engaging and informative content. The article you're reading? Crafted by Quthor, demonstrating its capability to produce compelling content. Experience the power of AI writing. Try Quick Creator for free at quickcreator.io and start creating with Quthor today!

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Using the "Hamburger Method" to Write an Essay: Planning the Essay

• Planning the Essay
• Writing Paragraphs

Use the video and downloadable documents on the left to help you follow the instruction in the right-hand column.

The Top Bun: The Introduction Paragraph

• Begin with a "hook" to catch your reader's attention and then broad general information to introduce your topic.
• Narrow down your information and end your introduction with your thesis statement. See video  How to Write a Thesis for Beginners for more help.
• The premises of your thesis statement provide the road map for your body paragraph.

The Good Stuff: The Body Paragraphs

• Each body paragraph supports a premise from your thesis.
• See the next tab "Planning the Paragraph" for tips on writing your body paragraphs.
• Begin with your weakest point and build to your strongest.
• Your ideas should have a logical flow
• Some premises will take more than one paragraph to fully develop or defend a single premise.
• As your writing skills advance, your university-level papers should have more than three body paragraphs.
• Ultimately the instructor's assignment guidelines and you, as the author of the paper, decide how many paragraphs are needed to provide the proper evidence to support your premises.
• When moving beyond the three paragraph model, pay close attention to the logical arrangement of your paragraphs to ensure your reader can follow your thought processes.

The Bottom Bun: The Conclusion Paragraph

• Restate your thesis statement using different words.
• Summarize each paragraph or premise of your essay.
• Impact : a compelling fact, quote, or statistic that hightlights the impact of your topic or argument
• Synthesis: how the paper's most important arguments connect and why the connections are significant
• Applications: how your findings can be used in other contexts
• Implications : broad efffects or consequences of your thesis
• Proposal: a course of action or resolution to a problem presented in the paper

Adapted from Dunn, Emma, "How to Turn the High School "Hamburger" Essay into a University-level Paper." Writing and Communication Centre: September 14, 2020. University of Waterloo. Accessed November 24, 2023. https://uwaterloo.ca/writing-and-communication-centre/blog/how-turn-high-school-hamburger-essay-university-level-paper. 

• << Previous: Overview
• Next: Writing Paragraphs >>
• Last Updated: Nov 25, 2023 12:41 AM
• URL: https://library.catholiciu.edu/hamburger-method

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Why a Hamburger?

Essentially, what he -- and a lot of college professors want -- are formulaic essays that often lack the kind of artistry and creativity you may have developed and nutured. In fact, for English Language learners, the grades of the writing competency exams are graded based mastery of this formula. The "hamburger paragraph," often taught in elementary schools, provides a basic map outlining how the paragraph will begin, what it will contain, and how it will conclude. In fact, for English language learners, the writing placement exams are graded based mastery of this formula. --> Why a hamburger? Because the "structure" or a hamburger is surprisingly similar to the structure of academic paragraphs and essays with five main ingredients. The top bun, the three ingredient, and the bottom bun. Why three ingredients. Physcology has found that people remember three elements more than they remember other numbers. This is called the "rule of threes." In addition, having three elements allows you to elaborate on each. To keep people interested, however, it's best to go from the least-to-the-most important reasons: 1. The Top Bun (the Topic Sentence) 2. The Lettuce (the Least Important Reason) 3. The Tomato (the Next Most Important Reason) 4. The Meat (the Most Important Reason) 5. The Button Bun (the Conclusion) HamburgerParagraph.com starts with an outline and builds from there. Students never have to rewrite anything, even if they make changes For each type of paragraph or essay -- compare-and-contrast, cause-and-effect, persuasive -- the basic structure is slightly different, but if you start with a solid cause-and-effect paragraph you can build a cause-and-effect essay sentence by sentence, with the appropriate transitions. The hamburger structure gives the paragraph a plump hamburger shape . Each can be printed in a Word document. To see how this can help you write an essay? Let's start with The Top Bun

Let’s burger it! The art of paragraph writing

Carefully designed paragraphs are the key to well-structured and easy-to-read texts. If you feel like your manuscripts are hard to understand and lack a flow and logical structure, learning the art of paragraph writing might be just the solution you need.

How do you make paragraphs in your scientific texts? Do you proceed intuitively, as one researcher admitted to me recently? He reported to start a new paragraph simply when the current one gets “long enough”. But is this really a good criterion? If you have any doubts about how to best structure your scientific text in paragraphs, then this article is for you.

One idea per paragraph

The golden rule of writing great paragraphs is to discuss only one idea or topic per paragraph . A paragraph allows you to introduce, discuss, and conclude an idea in a “single package”, which makes the reader’s job as easy as it can get.

To test whether a paragraph really contains a single topic is simple: try to express the topic of your paragraph in one sentence . If it is not possible to find an overarching theme for all the details contained in your paragraph, then you should either split the paragraph (if it deals with several different points) or think about what you want to say with that paragraph in the first place (if it seems like the paragraph is not making any point at all).

The hamburger structure of paragraphs: Context-Content-Conclusion

This topic sentence , the sentence containing the main point or introducing the topic of the paragraph, makes for the perfect beginning of your paragraph . It gives the reader an idea of what the paragraph is going to be about — it provides context which enables the reader to easily follow the subsequent reasoning and understand the details even when they are complex. Moreover, the proper use of topic sentences allows the reader to gain an overview of the article content by just reading the first sentence of each paragraph. Check out how it works with this article and its topic sentences.

On the other hand, if you omit the topic sentence and start out with details , your reader will need to keep everything in their mind until you finally provide the key to tie all those details together. If the topic you write about is complex (and I bet your research project is complex), this approach typically leads to a cognitive overload of your reader. Maybe you have read paragraphs like those before: when the paragraph finally comes to the point, you need to read it again to really understand it. So don’t start with the details, start your paragraphs with the topic or main point and help your reader avoid the frustration!

As the topic sentence is the optimal beginning of your paragraph, a closing sentence providing a brief summary or conclusion is the best way to wrap-up the contents of your paragraph and create a smooth transition to the next paragraph. A closing sentence can be safely omitted in short paragraphs dealing with rather simple and straight-forward ideas, but it is an essential element when discussing more complex topics.

Let’s consider the following text as an example. As you read it, pay attention to the topic and closing sentences.

Creativity has been associated with mental illness for centuries. Biographical accounts of famous musicians, philosophers, scientists, writers, artists, and poets describe psychotic episodes and suicides [REF]. Psychological studies have shown that, on average, highly creative people have higher scores on measures of psychopathology than less creative people [REF]. Furthermore, relatives of schizophrenic or other psychotic patients have a higher incidence of creative achievement [REF].

However, the relationship between characteristics of ‘genius’ and symptoms of ‘madness’ is not straightforward. The majority of people who suffer from chronic mental illness experience a wide range of symptoms and deficits that interfere with the production of substantive work. Moreover, creativity is often defined as the ability to produce new ideas and adapt, improve, or create new functions for existing products [REF], skills that are impaired in most patients with schizophrenia. Indeed, the productive periods of most famous creative individuals occurred when their symptoms of mental illness were less severe [REF]. It therefore seems useful to examine whether creativity is associated with certain emotional, cognitive, or personality traits that may also predispose one to mental illness. Adapted from Fischer et al. (2004): Neuropsychological evidence for dimensional schizotypy: Implications for creativity and psychopathology

In the first paragraph of the example, the topic sentence expresses the main point of the paragraph: the long-standing association of creativity with mental illness. The subsequent sentences support this main point with examples and details and there is no need for a concluding sentence. On the other hand, the second paragraph deals with a more nuanced question of the precise link between creativity and mental illness. The paragraph body provides contrasting evidence, so a closing sentence is appropriate, even necessary, here: to conclude the dispute and provide a “take-home” message for the reader.

As we have just seen, the topic and closing sentence create a framework that holds the paragraph content together just as the top & bottom half of a bun hold together all the various toppings and ingredients of a hamburger . In the same way as the hamburger bun allows you to easily manipulate and eat the richly stuffed hamburger, the topic and closing sentences allow you to easily understand the paragraph and its connections to the preceding and following one, even when the text treats a complex issue.

Maybe you have heard about this paragraph structure as the Context-Content-Conclusion model. Accordingly, the first (topic) sentence creates the context for a better understanding of the content of the paragraph, while the last (closing) sentence provides a summary or a conclusion of the paragraph.

Now you know the theory of how to structure your paragraphs for maximum comprehensibility. The next step is to try it out yourself, to transform this passive knowledge into active skill. Hence I prepared for you the following exercises:

Any search or foraging act represents a balance between exploration and exploitation: One the one hand, one must search or explore the environment in order to find and learn about desired resources; on the other hand, one must exploit those resources in order to accumulate gains. Consequently, striking a balance between exploration and exploitation is the key to successful foraging. But does aging impact the control of exploration-exploitation trade-offs? From Mata et al. (2013): Foraging across the life span: is there a reduction in exploration with aging?

• Pick a research article you have read recently. Read the topic sentences of all paragraphs: do they communicate the whole story of the paper? If not: which parts work well, and which don’t? Can you improve some of the topic sentences?
• Then choose one or two paragraphs from the Introduction or the Discussion section. Do they follow the hamburger structure? If not: what is the problem? Can you improve them by, for example, splitting them or adding/changing the topic or closing sentence?
• Do you have a paragraph that is not working , but you are not sure what is the problem and how could you improve it? Share it in the comments  and ask your peers for help.

Do you want to get example solutions and further explanations about the exercises? Then sign up for our Newsletter and gain access to our exclusive writing resources!

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Click here for an efficient step-by-step revision of your scientific texts. You will be guided through each step with concrete tips for execution.

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Using the "Hamburger Method" to Write an Essay: Overview

• Planning the Essay
• Writing Paragraphs

The diagram to the left can help you easily remember the simple essay structure.

Emma Dunn, Writing and Multimodal Communication Speciliast at the University of Waterloo, explains:

In short, each ingredient of the hamburger represents a different paragraph of the essay. It starts with an introduction paragraph and ends with a conclusion paragraph, represented by the top and bottom buns, respectively. Just like a real burger bun, these paragraphs frame the juicy contents inside – the body paragraphs – which are each represented by a different topping: lettuce, tomato, or patty.

Pay attention to the order of toppings in the hamburger essay. The lettuce comes first; it’s light and flimsy, representing one of the lighter arguments of the paper. The tomato is somewhat more robust (in terms of argument), while the patty at the end is the true “meat” of the essay. Just like the toppings of a hamburger in real-life, the body paragraphs build on one another to fill out the paper, giving it substance and flavour.

Dunn, Emma, "How to Turn the High School "Hamburger" Essay into a University-level Paper." Writing and Communication Centre: September 14, 2020. University of Waterloo. Accessed November 24, 2023. https://uwaterloo.ca/writing-and-communication-centre/blog/how-turn-high-school-hamburger-essay-university-level-paper. 

• Next: Planning the Essay >>
• Last Updated: Nov 25, 2023 12:41 AM
• URL: https://library.catholiciu.edu/hamburger-method

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Nursing program: Research skills: The "Hamburger Technique" of Writing

• Nursing Program
• Evaluating sources: C.A.R.S.
• Searching PubMed
• Reading Articles
• Health Statistics
• Advanced Google Use
• Professional Writing
• Avoiding Plagiarism
• The "Hamburger Technique" of Writing
• What is Evidence-Based Practice? (EBP)
• Finding EBP Resources

The "hamburger technique" of writing

The "hamburger technique" of writing.

It is important that the majority of your writing in a research paper is YOURS. Even if you are citing your sources, the general rule is that 2/3 of the words in your research assignments should be your own. If your paper consists of nothing but quotes, you are not demonstrating that you understand the material nor are you providing your own analysis of that material. One writing method you can follow to help you do this is called the hamburger paragraph .

Hamburger Paragraph:

• Some instructors will call this the sandwich paragraph method or even the Oreo method (which you may have heard before). Keep in mind that this method applies to body paragraphs, which are basically any paragraph in a paper other than the introduction and conclusion paragraphs. 

Building the Burger:

• Top bun: The topic sentence, or argument. The first sentence of a paragraph should clearly state the paragraph’s main idea.
• Condiments: Your evidence (quotes & paraphrased information from your sources). When using quotes, remember that a little goes a long way!
• Cheese, pickles, onions, lettuce, tomato, burger: Your analysis. The bulk of the paragraph! This is where you explain the significance of the evidence in your own words. This section is crucial to your paragraph. Don't get caught in a quote trap. Which is stringing quotes together without explaining their purpose. If you do not back up your quotes or paraphrased information, your writing will be weak and your reader (which at TCC is your teacher) will not be convinced that you understand the material you are writing about.  
• Bottom bun: Sentence relating the paragraph back to the thesis statement and transitioning to the next body paragraph.

Here's a diagram to illustrate the concept: 

(click on image to enlarge)

Example with a paragraph:

Here is another example of a simple "evidence sandwich" paragraph in the middle of a research paper that paraphrases information about using social media in the classroom. If you were to use a direct quote instead of paraphrasing, this is where you would want to place the quote. 

Variations on the hamburger method:

Remember...

• You can use variations on this formula.  For example, you could make this paragraph longer by including more analysis of the researchers’ findings.
• Or you could include a second piece of evidence (more filling!) to further back up your point.  If you add more filling, you might want to balance it by adding another slice of bread, too (that is, more of your own analysis).

Not every paragraph in your paper has to follow this formula, or even necessarily include outside evidence. But this is a classic formula that can serve you well throughout your college career. Just remember, you can't just plop a quote into a paragraph and move on - you must explain what the quote means or why the information is important in your own words - this is your analysis. Don't use quotes to fill space. Adding information into your paper should do just that, ADD to it - compliment it. Don't include useless information, but be picky and use quotes only when you intend to talk about what they mean and why they matter to your argument! 

One Last Note:

And again, making sure you correctly paraphrase, quote, summarize and CITE is key to avoiding plagiarism!

Diagram source: " Paragraph burger " by M. Persson, 2013, Educational use.

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• Last Updated: Jun 13, 2024 9:35 AM
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How to Teach Paragraph Writing with a Hamburger!

Writing a good, solid paragraph is the basis of writing composition. In fact, the ideas we teach our elementary students about paragraph writing will be used throughout their lives. Secondary school research projects need good paragraphs. College entrance essays need good paragraphs.  Professional writing for any number of careers needs good paragraphs, too! So why not engage your students with something they love and make the concept of a good, solid paragraph stick?  Teaching hamburger paragraph writing for elementary students using the hamburger style model is my favorite (and the most effective) way of teaching how to write a paragraph.

Teaching the Hamburger Model for Writing Using a Guided Approach

Over the years I have taught paragraph writing in many different ways.  Some worked and some, well… not so much.  One of the biggest things I’ve learned over the years is that teaching the paragraph as a whole and then sending my students off to write a paragraph is not the best approach. I now use a guided approach to teaching paragraph writing with much more success.

A guided approach involves breaking the task down into its parts and teaching each part individually.  Once students have learned and practiced each part, then, and only then, do we put it all together to develop a full understanding of the topic.  Here’s what it looks like in my classroom.

Introducing Hamburger Paragraph Writing for Elementary Students

On the first day, I love to engage my students with the hamburger.  I mean, who doesn’t love a good, juicy hamburger?  We will spend some time talking about hamburgers and what makes them so special, inviting their favorite restaurants into the discussion.  We chat about our favorite hamburger toppings.  And then, just about the time our mouths are watering, I let them know that hamburgers can teach us something too!

This is when I introduce the learning topic of paragraph writing.  Depending on the grade level, the paragraph writing process might be something new or might be something they were introduced to the year before.  Either way, our focus becomes learning to write a cohesive paragraph using the hamburger paragraph method.

Then, I begin by showing the students the hamburger paragraph graphic organizers.  As we look at the model we identify the different types of sentences that make up a paragraph.  Our focus will be the main idea (introduction sentence), supporting details, and the closing or concluding sentence.

One of the first learning tools we use are these anchor chart pieces or posters for each sentence type.  I have found this to be really helpful so that as we continue all students have been exposed to the same terms and language.  We use these posters throughout the paragraph writing unit.  They hang in the classroom as a reminder and learning tool for the students.

Focusing on the Main Idea

We begin with the topic sentence or the main idea of the paragraph.  The main objective here is for students to understand that a paragraph is a group of sentences about one topic.  The main idea sentence describes the topic of the paragraph.   We go back to the full hamburger graphic to reinforce what the main idea does.

To help my students understand this concept we play a little game.  I read or say complete sentences and my students tell me whether it would be a good main idea sentence.  Some examples might be:

• Elephants are amazing animals. {Yes – this is a main idea sentence}
• An elephant has four legs. {No – not a main idea sentence}
• Percy Jackson has an adventurous life. {Yes}
• Percy Jackson went to Olympus and met Zeus. {No}

Once my students are doing a great job identifying main idea sentences, we then take our game to the next level. I give my students a general topic, like ‘animals’, and they brainstorm a different main idea or topic sentence that could be used.

Students then practice doing this on their own or with a partner.  It’s always fun to read some of their independent answers aloud for the class.  This is a great way to show that there are many ways you can reword the same main idea.

A quick review of student answers gives me a really good idea of whether the class is ready to move on. If students need more practice, you should pause here and try other ways to teach the main idea to your students. Main idea is such an important concept in reading and writing that you want to make sure your students fully understand the topic.

We finish our lesson on main idea or a topic sentence with students practicing.  We use the topic sentence worksheet to have student practice writing their own topic sentences for a provided paragraph.

Finally, we work on listening to a paragraph that doesn’t have an opening sentence.   After hearing the paragraph we work on writing a good topic sentence for the paragraph.  Not only does this help students work on writing the main idea in the form of a sentence, but it also helps them see how the different types of sentences in a paragraph work together.

Supporting Details

After a quick review of the main idea, we will next cover supporting details.  The goal is for students to understand that supporting details give more information to explain and support the main idea.  Before jumping in with sentences, we start with a hamburger.  I start by holding up the top of a bun (real or a picture – both work).  Then I ask my students if this is a hamburger?  Obviously, the answer is a resounding NO!  Then, I ask the students a simple question, “How do you build a hamburger?”  The answers are pretty straightforward: bun, meat, cheese, ketchup, lettuce, tomato, etc.

Next, I ask the  question that will connect building a hamburger to supporting details.  I might say something like “What about the mashed potatoes?”  To which my students usually stare at me like I’m crazy.  Inevitably, someone will say something like ‘Mashed potatoes don’t go on a hamburger!’  And that is what I’m waiting for!  I explain that they are absolutely right.  And just like we build a hamburger with hamburger ingredients, we have to choose supporting details that support our main idea.

We again start by practicing this skill as a class.  We start with a main idea sentence like “I had a horrible sick day.”  I used this sentence, typed it out on a top bun, and displayed it on the board.  Then I read a variety of other sentences and the students decide if the sentence supports the main idea.

For each sentence that does support the main idea, I display it on the board under the main idea.  As we do this, students can see the progression of building the hamburger with a main idea and supporting details. Sometimes I may print these out and place them in centers for students to manipulate. I’m a fan of hands-on student engagement.

We do this a few times with different main ideas to give the students practice with identifying good supporting “juicy” details.

Another way to do this is to provide two main ideas, that are similar in context but different.  For example, you could use “Riding a horse was a great experience.” and “Riding a horse is very scary.”  Then as you read supporting detail sentences, students can choose which main idea the sentence best supports.  This is really great if your students have experience with multi-paragraph writing.  This activity shows them how they can break down different aspects of their topic to have multiple main ideas through multiple paragraphs.

The next day we tackle supporting details again.  But this time our focus is on making sure that the supporting details are relevant to the main idea.  I remind the students of the mashed potatoes from the day before.  We talk about how mashed potatoes with a fried chicken dinner are great.  They are relevant to completing that meal.  But mashed potatoes on a hamburger just don’t work.  They are not relevant even though they are a food and we could put a spoonful on the burger.

Like the mashed potatoes, even though it is possible to add them to a hamburger – we don’t.  The same goes with supporting detail sentences.  There may be sentences that relate to the main idea but that are not relevant.  To help students understand this better we do some examples together.

I give students a topic sentence and a few supporting detail sentences.  They then choose which sentences are relevant and which are not.  We talk about what makes them relevant and why some sentences just don’t belong with this main idea.

After our group practice, students worked on this worksheet to practice taking out the sentences that were not relevant to the paragraph.  Students can do this independently or with a partner.  If they work with someone I have them explain the reason why they don’t feel a specific sentence is relevant.

After a few days of working on the main idea and supporting details, the students usually have a good understanding.  If, however, your students are struggling with the concept, again, I would encourage you to not move on.  There are amazing main idea and details worksheets to help assist with this progress.

MAIN IDEA & DETAILS SAMPLE FREEBIE

These main idea and details worksheets offer a perfect combination of practice for students from identifying the main idea and details from a set to writing them in on their own!

👉🏼 TRY A SAMPLE SET TODAY!

Concluding Sentences

Once students have a good grasp on the main idea and supporting details, it’s time to add the final bun to our hamburger.  The bottom bun represents our closing or conclusion sentence.  As I introduce the concluding sentence we talk about how the buns of a hamburger are what make it easy to eat.  They hold together all the ‘messy’ stuff in the middle.  While you could eat a hamburger with just one bun, it’s not quite as neat or convenient as with two buns.  Just like the buns of a burger, the first and last sentences of a paragraph really hold the paragraph together for the reader.

Students usually pick up the concept of concluding sentences quickly because they are similar to the main idea sentence.  We talk about how rewording the main idea into a concluding sentence wraps up the paragraph.

We practice doing this with some simple paragraphs that are missing the closing or concluding sentence.  After reading the paragraph we first identify the main idea sentence.  Then we talk about ways we can reword the main idea into a conclusion.

That leads us right into our final lesson on closing sentences.  We talk about different ways to make our closing sentences really  good.  I do this by introducing students to . . . the clincher!

The clincher is a way to make the closing sentence interesting – and not just a repeat of the main idea sentence.  Students learn that there are a variety of ways to write a good clincher.  These are the ones that I teach my students:

• asking a question;
• excitement; and
• reflection.

We dig into each of these types of clinchers by writing different sentences for the same paragraph.  The students love using their creativity to come up with good clinchers!

Applying the Hamburger Structure to Writing

After learning about all the parts, it’s time to put the pieces together and start working on writing a good paragraph.  So many times in the past, this is where I would start.  As I look back now I see how much important learning my students were missing.  It’s just one of the many things that makes me remember the value of learning in baby steps.

We finish up by going through the entire process again, together. But, we do this in steps too.  I give students a very general writing topic just so that we all have a place to start.  Then using the hamburger writing templates, we write out one sentence at a time using the hamburger model as a guide.  Once students have completed the hamburger paragraph template they write their final paragraph.

Students also use a rubric to guide them through writing their paragraph.  This helps them to remember the details and what to include. Before you know it,  students will be writing their own paragraphs with very little guidance!

This hamburger essay guided paragraph approach has been very effective for my students and I know it will be with yours too! Keep the finished product in a writer’s notebook to show growth throughout the year!

Hamburger Paragraph Writing Unit

As a teacher, you are more than qualified to put together an amazing paragraph writing unit using these or other ideas.  But if you are looking for some time-saving resources to help students in mastering the hamburger paragraph, this Paragraph Writing Lessons Resource  may be what you’re looking for. This resource is perfect for 1st grade, 2nd grade, 3rd grade, and any remedial students.

This ready-to-use resource includes everything you need to teach an entire paragraph unit using the paragraph hamburger model.  You receive anchor charts and posters for the different types of sentences, the hamburger model, example paragraphs for guided practice, no prep worksheets for independent practice, the hamburger writing organizer, the coordinating paper for the final draft, and the grading rubric.  All of this for the price of a Starbucks drink!  You can find this Hamburger Paragraph resource in my Teachers Pay Teachers store .

Save these Hamburger Paragraph Writing Ideas

Not quite ready to add these ideas to your lesson plans?  Just pin this to your favorite classroom Pinterest board so you can quickly come back when it is time to teach paragraph writing to your students.

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Hamburger Paragraph Chart

• homeschool printables , Grammar , Writing Printables , Homeschool Classroom

Learning the structure of a paragraph is an important step in the writing process.  Today I’ve got a Free Hamburger Paragraph Chart you can use in your classroom.  If you’ve never heard of this before, this is a fantastic resource for teaching young writers just exactly what they need to include inside a paragraph.  The visual of a hamburger shows them to include an Introduction, Detail, Detail, Detail and then a Conclusion.  I’ve also created a fun follow up worksheet for children to build their own hamburger paragraphs!

Free Hamburger Paragraph Classroom Chart

Free Hamburger Paragraph Worksheet

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As a homeschooling mother of four, I understand the need for children to build self-led learning skills and I’ve designed our step-by-step guides to encourage this development.  Each guide features five steps of instruction, explaining to the child what is required for that step, and what specific worksheets need to be completed. You can assign these steps to children simply by following a 5 day a week teaching schedule or by adding a due date next to each check box. Read more about our Step-by-Step process below, and view samples of our guides in our eStore .

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Valerie Mcclintick

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This an awesome visual aid! I have been working with my son on paragraph structure, and he hasn’t quite understood it, yet. I know this will be a great help. Thank you for sharing. :)

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Hamburger Essay Structure: Lesson Plans and Examples

Subject: English

Age range: 14-16

Resource type: Lesson (complete)

Last updated

21 November 2019

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Hamburger Essay Structure helps students to understand and practice the ingredients that make a great essay. It answers questions like, how does my thesis statement relate to the body of my essay? What about the conclusion? Here’s an antidote to anxiety in the classroom. Immediately, you can use these lesson plans and activities that contain an element of fun. Coupled with fit-to-purpose resources, your students will build confidence and skills as they learn to -

• Understand and practice Hamburger Essay Structure • Create a robust Thesis Statement that sets them up for success. • Write Body Paragraphs using proven Point, Evidence, Analysis structure. • Edit ideas so that they have time for analysis. • Practice planning using a workable structure. • Stay motivated, right to the end.

Please contact Claire Vorster for free resources, or with other questions.

Resources included in this pack

Confidence building activities Mini and comprehensive writing / planning activities Examples of Simple to Advanced Thesis Statements Examples of Simple to Advanced Body Paragraphs Sample templates to build essay structure

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The English teachers voice

David White is an Australian English teacher who has been living in Peru since 2001. In partnership with his wife Claudia, they are the owners of ¨English For You Language Institute´, an institute that specializes in the teaching of all levels of English from Basic (A1) to Advanced (C2) including international exam preparation. They are also the owners of ELT Educational Services and David is also the Headmaster of the American School, a respected bilingual ib school in Northern Peru.

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Using the paragraph hamburger to make writing easier (includes 7 colorful slides for use in the classroom).

Teaching students how to write can be one of the hardest parts of being an English teacher.

Being able to transfer our thoughts, our ideas, our words onto a document in a way that is clear, structured, and understandable is neither easy to teach, nor to learn..

What Is a Paragraph?

A paragraph is a distinct section of writing covering one topic. A paragraph will usually contain more than one  sentence . A paragraph starts on a new line. Sometimes, paragraphs are indented or numbered depending upon whatever format you use, but, remember to always be consistent. The "perfect paragraph" will start with a topic sentence. It will have "Detail" sentences in the middle and end with a concluding sentence. It will only cover one topic from start to finish. The length of a paragraph is supposed to be determined by the topic, but often writers will create a paragraph simply to ensure that they are not presenting too much information in one chunk.

What is the Paragraph Hamburger?

The "paragraph hamburger" is a writing organizer that visually outlines the key components of a paragraph. Topic sentence, supporting/detail sentences, and a closing sentence are the main elements of a good paragraph, and each one forms a different "piece" of the hamburger.

Why use a paragraph hamburger organizer?

• It helps students organize their ideas into a cohesive paragraph.
• It helps show the organization or structure of concepts/ideas.
• It demonstrates in a concrete way how information is related.
• Step1 —  write  an outline. (Brainstorming) When  writing  a  paragraph , first  write  an outline of the  paragraph  and include: ...
• Step  2 —  write  the topic sentence.  Write  a topic sentence that clearly explains the message that you wish to share. .
• Step  3 —  write  supporting sentences. Next,  write  a supporting sentence for each point.
• Step 4  — write  concluding and follow-on sentences that sums-up this paragraph and then naturally leads the reader into the next paragraph. Below are a set of downloadable slides that clearly, and simply outline the concept of writing a paragraph using the Hamburger method. I hope that you find them interesting no matter whether you are a student or a teacher. Good luck

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Anybody else feel that the "Hamburger" approach to teaching how to write is actually really terrible advice

I want to first off say that I am not a teacher, but my roommate is about to become a teacher where she had to fake teach the hamburger lesson plan for an interview. That caused us to have a discussion of how the hamburger approach to writing is kind of bad advice for becoming a good writer long term. Don't get me wrong, it's fine if your teaching 8-10 year-olds the basics of writing; but come high school other forms of writing should be introduced. It really took me until my like sophomore year of college to realize that this approach made my writing appear weak, flat, and choppy. It just got me thinking because our high school English department prided itself in preparing their students for writing in college when tbh I felt really unprepared. Anybody else teaches an alternative approach to write for High Schoolers, that you feel better prepares them?

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The Good Hamburger – A Writing Lesson on Creating Paragraphs

Lesson Plan Summary:

A comprehensive learning plan for the olden golden “Hamburger” model. This lesson is designed to visually scaffold paragraph writing in order to develop students ability to write cohesively. The lesson can be used several times throughout the year in order to remind students of what constitutes a quality paragraph. The lesson is aligned to the Australian Curriculum years 3-6. The hamburger PowerPoint is designed to help students visualise elements of a paragraph. A self-assessment rubric helps students to look at their work critically and make changes, thus encouraging metacognition.

Australian Curriculum Links:

Literacy: creating texts.

• Plan, draft and publish imaginative, informative and persuasive texts containing key information and supporting details for wide range of audiences. Demonstrate control over text structures, language features. (Y3: ACELY1892 )(Y4: ACELY1694 )(Y5: ACELY1704 )(Y6: ACELY1712 )
•  Reread and edit texts for meaning, appropriate structure, grammatical choices and punctuation (Y3: ACELY1683 )(Y4: ACELY1691 )(Y5: ACELY1705 )(Y6: ACELY1715 )

 Language: Text structure and organisation

• Investigate how vocabulary choices, including evaluative language can express shades of meaning, feeling and opinion (Y3: ACELA1482 )(Y4: ACELA1498 )(Y5: ACELA1512 )(Y6: ACELA1525 )

Assessment:

• Provide ongoing, informal feedback to students as they work.
• Teacher provides individuals with written feedback after phase one of the lesson.
• Self-Assessment: Students use checklist to analyse the attributes of their paragraph.

Resources and Downloads:

Writing paragraphs lesson plan  (pdf), paragraph writing – hamburger model powerpoint  (ppt), writing paragraphs – self-assessment rubric  (pdf).

If you like this lesson plan, or have an idea to improve it, please consider sharing it on Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook or leave a comment below.

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