Fact vs. Opinion
3-5
1
The Hamburger Paragraph
Lesson Details
Grade Level
3-5
Duration (minutes)
1
Summary
A 3-5 language arts lesson teaching paragraph structure using the "hamburger paragraph" model — a topic sentence, 2-3 supporting details, and a closing sentence that wraps up without adding new ideas.
Student Worksheet: The Hamburger Paragraph
Teacher Note: Students can watch the video lesson above and answer the questions. Click the “Teacher Answer Key” dropdown below when you are ready to review the solutions!
Key Concepts:
• Topic Sentence: The top bun — tells the reader what the paragraph is mostly about.
• Supporting Details: The filling — 2-3 reasons, facts, or examples connected to the topic.
• Closing Sentence: The bottom bun — wraps up the paragraph with no new ideas.
Instructions: Read each question carefully and write your answer in the space provided.
- Question 1: In the hamburger paragraph model, what does the top bun represent?
- Question 2: Why is “Recess is important because it helps students learn better” a strong topic sentence, while “Just recess” is a weak one?
- Question 3: How many supporting detail sentences should a paragraph usually have?
- Question 4: What should a closing sentence NOT include?
- Question 5: What does every supporting detail need to stay connected to?
Click to reveal Teacher Answer Key
1. The topic sentence
2. The strong version clearly explains the main idea with a reason; the weak version is just a fragment that doesn’t explain anything
3. Two or three
4. New ideas
5. The topic of the paragraph
Disclaimer: This worksheet was generated with AI assistance based on original video content. It is intended for educational reference only. Teachers are encouraged to review and adjust questions to fit their curriculum standards before classroom use.
🎯 Extension Activity: Give students a topic sentence (like "Reading is a great way to spend free time") and have them write 2-3 supporting detail sentences plus a closing sentence to build their own hamburger paragraph.