Hamburger Paragraphs How to write a really great paragraph!

Can you match the term and its definition? Paragraph Main idea Detail what the story or paragraph is mostly about sentences that support the main idea a group of sentences focused on one topic that includes a main idea and details

The Topic Sentence (Top Bun) Very first sentence of your paragraph. Tells what your paragraph is going to be about. Is interesting to hook readers. In the glowing sunset, the great horned owl sat straight and still on top of the fence post ready to hunt. The owl’s deep, sad voice haunted the darkness with who-who-whoooooo. Its ears listened for the softest sound. The owl’s head swiveled slowly from side to side like a security camera while its round, lemon-colored eyes looked for even the slightest movement. Then the owl spread its wide, powerful wings, lifted from its perch, and pounced on its prey.

The First Detail (Tomato) Still should not be the most important detail. Gives guiding explanation or relevance of upcoming quote. Needs to be full of good “juicy” details! In the glowing sunset, the great horned owl sat straight and still on top of the fence post ready to hunt. The owl’s deep, sad voice haunted the darkness with who-who-whoooooo. Its ears listened for the softest sound. The owl’s head swiveled slowly from side to side like a security camera while its round, lemon-colored eyes looked for even the slightest movement. Then the owl spread its wide, powerful wings, lifted from its perch, and pounced on its prey.

The Second Detail (Lettuce) Should not be the most important detail. Could help orient the reader to a certain part of the story, or lead in an explanation. Needs to be full of good “lettucy” details! In the glowing sunset, the great horned owl sat straight and still on top of the fence post ready to hunt. The owl’s deep, sad voice haunted the darkness with who-who-whoooooo. Its ears listened for the softest sound. The owl’s head swiveled slowly from side to side like a security camera while its round, lemon-colored eyes looked for even the slightest movement. Then the owl spread its wide, powerful wings, lifted from its perch, and pounced on its prey.

The Last Detail (Meat) Finally!! Give your most important detail Should start differently than most of the other sentences. Needs to be full of good “meaty” details! In the glowing sunset, the great horned owl sat straight and still on top of the fence post ready to hunt. The owl’s deep, sad voice haunted the darkness with who-who-whoooooo. Its ears listened for the softest sound. The owl’s head swiveled slowly from side to side like a security camera while its round, lemon-colored eyes looked for even the slightest movement. Then the owl spread its wide, powerful wings, lifted from its perch, and pounced on its prey.

The Concluding or Transitional Sentence (Bottom Bun) Should reflect the topic sentence. Last chance to make your point clear. Needs to be an obvious end to the paragraph. In the glowing sunset, the great horned owl sat straight and still on top of the fence post ready to hunt. The owl’s deep, sad voice haunted the darkness with who-who-whoooooo. Its ears listened for the softest sound. The owl’s head swiveled slowly from side to side like a security camera while its round, lemon- colored eyes looked for even the slightest movement. Then the owl spread its wide, powerful wings, lifted from its perch, and pounced on its prey.