Skip to main content

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.


Normally, this process starts with the teaching of the basics of grammar, next comes the structure and forming of sentences, then paragraphs, and finally, an essay.

In this article, we are going to look at paragraphs, what they are, what their place is in an essay, and how to form them using the very popular Hamburger writing process.

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.
Steps to writing a paragraph
  1. Step1 — write an outline. (Brainstorming)
    When writing a paragraph, first write an outline of the paragraph and include: ...

  2. Step 2 — write the topic sentence. 
    Write a topic sentence that clearly explains the message that you wish to share. .

  3. Step 3 — write supporting sentences.
    Next, write a supporting sentence for each point.

  4. 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



















Comments

Popular posts from this blog

The 50 Most Important Idioms for Achieving a B2 to C2 Level of English.

  Due to the complexities of English, nobody, native or second language learner can honestly brag about having a proficient level of the language without a solid knowledge of Idioms .  Every day, in almost every conversation, native speakers will use idioms more than someone who is new to the language, simply because they are more familiar with them and know the context in which they should be used. Therefore, this means that when you, the second language learner uses an idiom in the correct context, that you have a more proficient level of English and therefore you sound more like a native speaker. Below is a list of 50 of the most important general idioms necessary for traveling the B2 to C2 language learning journey . With these idioms, you will be able to listen and speak more like a native speaker, therefore, enhancing your ability to communicate effectively. Study tips for how to learn idioms. The 60 most important phrasal verbs for achieving a B2 to C2 level of Englis...

11 Strategies For Achieving and Maintaining a B2 to C2 Level of English

  As an Advanced Level English Teacher , one of the most common questions that I am asked by students is how to maintain, and/or improve their level of proficiency in the language. Today, more than at any other period in history, a single language has solidified itself into a position of undeniable relevance in our ever-changing globalized world. Be it for matters relating to government, commerce, education, or for the resolution of global issues , English has taken the lead in almost every facet of life and international affairs. This phenomenon, which has developed progressively over many years, has been responsible for a transformation in the way that English as a second language is now perceived in most parts of the world. Governments have found the necessity to embrace English on all levels, schools have attached new importance to its teaching, new institutes continue to spring up on almost a daily basis and universities are now making it a mandatory part of a student's gradu...

50 Engaging Games and Activities for Teaching English to Primary School Students.

  Teaching English to primary school students can be a fun and rewarding experience, but keeping young learners engaged requires creativity and variety. Games and activities make learning enjoyable while reinforcing essential language skills like speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Below is a comprehensive list of 50 games and activities that will make your English lessons exciting and effective. 1. Vocabulary and Spelling Games 1.1. Word Relay Divide students into teams. Write a category (e.g., animals) on the board. One student from each team runs to the board and writes a word in that category. The next student continues. The team with the most words wins. 1.2. Alphabet Race Give each student or team a blank sheet with A to Z written down the side. They must write a word for each letter within a time limit. 1.3. Mystery Word Box Place objects in a box. Students pull out an object and say or spell its name. 1.4. Hangman Classic game where students gu...