1. Step 1: Topic Sentence
A Topic Sentence (TS) is the top bun of a hamburger.
TS = first sentence of the paragraph;
it shows the main idea.
Usually a mildly controversial
statement-- something that you have
to prove.

2. Example: Topic Sentence (TS)
In the fairytale “The Three Little Pigs,” the third pig is very wise.

3. Step 2: Concrete Details
Concrete Details (CD) are the meat of the hamburger.
CDs = support for the topic sentence (TS). These include facts, quotes, examples, etc. from the text.
CDs can’t be argued with— a CD is
evidence that supports your point!

4. Example: Concrete Detail (1 CD)
For example, remembering his mother’s warning about a wolf, he builds his house out of sturdy brick.

5. Step 3: Commentary
Commentary sentences (CM) are the “extras” on the hamburger—the tomato, cheese, lettuce, mayo—they make it delicious!
CMs = your analysis, interpretation,
explanation, or insight into the text.

6. Example: Commentary (2 CMs)
The wolf is unable to blow down the brick house.
This shows that the third pig is smarter than his brothers, who were both eaten by the wolf.

7. Step 4: Concluding Sentence
A concluding sentence (CS) is the bottom bun of the hamburger.
A CS wraps up the paragraph.
It rephrases the topic sentence (TS).

8. Example: Concluding Sentence (CS)
In conclusion, the third pig not only outsmarts his brothers, but the “big, bad” wolf as well.

9. TS, CD, CM, CS —Now What? CHUNKING
A combination of a CD and CMs is called a “chunk.”
Try combining the details (CD) and the analysis (CM) into one sentence.
We will use a ratio of 1:2, that is, for every 1 CD, you will have 2 CMs.

10. One Chunk: 1 CD + 2 CM
For example, remembering his mother’s warning about a wolf, he builds his house out of sturdy brick. The wolf is unable to blow down the brick house. This shows that the third pig is smarter than his brothers, who were both eaten by the wolf.

11. Transitions
A good paragraph will also use transition words. These are words or phrases that help readers connect to your ideas.
Examples:
For example, Thus, Moreover,
For instance, Hence, Furthermore,
Consequently, Therefore, Lastly,
Because of this, In addition, On the other hand,
As a result, Also, Next,

12. Critical Thinking & Evaluating
TS + Transition + 1 CD + 2 CM + CS
In the fairytale “Cinderella,” the main character feels mistreated. For example, Cinderella must do all of the cooking and cleaning for her family. These chores keep her isolated and friendless. The stepmother is thus able to give Cinderella even more work, which prevents her from going to the ball. Therefore, Cinderella feels abused by the very people who are supposed to love her.