Same Writing › Building paragraphs › The hamburger paragraph
What is a hamburger paragraph?
The hamburger paragraph is a picture for how a paragraph is built. The top bun is the topic sentence that tells what the paragraph is about. The fillings are three details that support it. The bottom bun is a closing sentence that wraps it up.
- Buns: the topic sentence and the closing sentence hold it together.
- Fillings: details, facts or reasons about the topic.
- No buns, and the details fall apart.
Why schools teach it
It shows kids that a paragraph has a shape
Young writers are asked to introduce a topic, develop it with facts and details, and give a concluding statement (W.3.2, W.4.2). The hamburger makes that structure easy to see and remember.
It also helps kids notice when a paragraph wanders: a detail that isn't about the topic doesn't belong in the burger.
At the kitchen table
What to say, and what to skip
Say this
What's your paragraph about? That's your top bun.
Topic sentenceWhat are three things you know about it?
DetailsIs every detail about the topic?
How can you wrap it up without copying the top bun?
Closing sentence
Skip this
- One giant run-on detail.Each filling is its own sentence.
- A closing sentence that's the top bun copied.Say the main idea again, in new words.
- “My paragraph is about...”Most teachers want the topic stated directly.
See it in action
Building a paragraph about dogs as pets
Top bun
Dogs make wonderful pets.Fillings
They are loyal to their families. They help kids stay active. They can be trained to learn tricks.Bottom bun
It's easy to see why so many families love their dogs.
Transition words like first, also and finally help the details flow.
Free practice sheet
Make a hamburger paragraph sheet
Loading practice sheet…
Fridge cheat sheets
Writing Fridge Cheat Sheets
Every writing method in one printable book (78 pages): a cheat sheet page like this guide, plus a practice sheet and its answer key for each, in Classic and handwritten Notebook styles. $9 one time, or all 7 subjects for $29.99. See all prices.
Teacher? This method has a classroom pack on TeachersPayTeachers: an anchor chart, a parent letter and practice sheets with answer keys, $4. See the pack
Parents: tell your child's teacher about this guide
Parents also ask
How many details does a hamburger paragraph need?
Usually three. Some teachers accept two for younger kids or ask for more later.
What's the difference between the top and bottom buns?
The top bun introduces the topic. The bottom bun restates it in different words and wraps up.
Is this the same as the five-paragraph essay?
It's the same shape at a smaller size. Later, each filling grows into its own paragraph.
What if my child's teacher uses an Oreo instead?
That's for opinion writing: Opinion, Reasons, Example, Opinion. Same idea, different focus.