Hamburger Paragraph
*Note: This exercise may be repeated several times throughout the year using different "hamburger buns".
- Prewriting:
- Choose one of the "hamburger buns". This may be done by looking at all of the choices and picking the one you prefer to write about, or by random selection.
- Brainstorm ideas that would match your burger's topic. You may choose to write these as a list, web, or in another form.
- Drafting:
- Copy the first sentence from the hamburger bun onto your own paper; remember to indent since this is the first sentence of a paragraph! This sentence is called the "topic sentence". (also known as "Power 1" sentence)
- Write the detail sentences for your hamburger paragraph on your own paper. Remember to stay on-topic! (also known as "Power 2" sentences)
- Put them in an order that makes sense and has each idea flow into the next.
- Copy the last sentence from the hamburger bun onto your own paper. This sentence is called the "conclusion sentence". (also known as "Terminator" sentence)
- Revising:
- Check your paragraph to be sure the sentences all fit with the topic sentence.
- Does this paragraph include details that you know from research or your own experience? If not, add some!
- Have you used interesting words and a variety of sentences? If not, change what you have written so that the reader will be "hooked".
- Use your Writing Revision Guide.
- Editing:
- Check your paragraph's conventions. Look for correct capitalization, spelling, and punctuation.
- Have you indented the first line of the paragraph?
- Final Copy:
- Choose a way to visually present your paragraph. Options might include writing it on notebook paper or typing it. You could then cut out the paragraph and paste it onto a large hamburger made from construction paper or drawn on a large piece of white paper.
- Be sure that you copy your paragraph carefully and neatly, so that it is easy to read and enjoy!
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