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 English. I...

The 60 Most Important Phrasal Verbs for Achieving a B2 to C2 Level of English.

  Due to the complexities of English, nobody can honestly brag about having a proficient level of the language without a solid knowledge of phrasal verbs and Idioms.  Every day, in almost every conversation, native speakers will use phrasal verbs 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 a phrasal verb or 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 60 of the most important general phrasal verbs necessary for traveling the B2 to C2 language learning journey. With these phrasal verbs, you will be able to listen and speak more like a native speaker, therefore, enhancing your ability to communicate effectively. The 50 Most Important Idioms for Achieving a B2 to C2 Level of English. Study tips for how...

40 of the Most Important Expressions for Achieving an Advanced level of English

  English is full of various forms of common expressions, be it idioms, phrasal verbs, metaphors, similes, slang etc and is basically a phrase or saying that is commonly used in everyday English to express certain ideas or opinions. Understanding English expressions is important for two reasons, firstly because they require a deeper familiarity of the English language to comprehend what someone means when they use them in conversation, and secondly, for those who live, work or study in an English speaking society, they reinforce your ability to understand the world in which you are living. Expressions may seem complicated at first, but they can actually be a lot of fun to learn.  Common Expressions: A New Way to Express Yourself in the English Language The meaning of an expression generally depends on the specific context in which it is used. When someone tells you to ‘break a leg’, for example, they aren’t saying that in a literal sense, but instead are wishing you...