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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Top Bun:
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.
Summary
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!