1. Elizabeth Celeste Coiman-Lopez, BAT, MS. Houston Community College
10/6/2017
WRITING A PARAGRAPH
Elizabeth Celeste Coiman-Lopez, BAT, MS.
Houston Community College

2. HAMBURGER STRUCTURE TOPIC SENTENCE: Main Idea of the Paragraph.
SUPPORTING IDEA #1: Explains the Main Idea.
DETAIL 1: Example DETAIL 2: Example T
SUPPORTING IDEA #2: Explains the Main Idea.
DETAIL 1: Example DETAIL 2: Example
SUPPORTING IDEA #3: Explains the Main Idea.
DETAIL 1: Example DETAIL 2: Example
Concluding Sentence:
Summarizes the Main Idea.
Similar to, but not exactly as the topic sentence.
HAMBURGER STRUCTURE

3. RULES:
Think of as many ideas as possible related to your topic.
Don’t worry about whether the ideas are good or bad.
Write down all the ideas you can think of.
TOPIC: My Goals
Financial
Health
Music
Entertainment
Friends
Family
BRAINSTORMING

4. TOPIC SENTENCES vs. CONCLUDING SENTENCES
Provides the main idea of the paragraph.
OPEN SENTENCE: all 3 ideas are named: SPECIFIC
For example:
The three most popular pets in the
United States are dogs, cats, and fish.
WRITE:
First, write the sentence about dogs.
Then write about cats.
Finally, write about fish.
 NOTE: You can use an OPEN SENTENCE for the  topic sentence and a CLOSED SENTENCE for the concluding sentence or reverse it.
CONCLUDING SENTENCE:
Used to end the paragraph.
Topic sentence and concluding sentence should include the same information, but not the same exact words.
CLOSED SENTENCE: animals are generally mentioned but NOT named: GENERAL
For example:
These are several animals that
Americans prefer as pets at their
homes.
TOPIC SENTENCES vs CONCLUDING SENTENCES

5. SUPPORTING IDEAS AND DETAILS
RULES
THREE (3) SUPPORTING IDEAS giving information, descriptions, or reasons about the main idea.
TRANSITION WORDS for each idea.
TWO (2) DETAILS giving examples and explaining each idea.
Write one sentence for each supporting idea and each detail.
TRANSITION WORDS
First, Next, Last,
First, Second, Third,
Generally, Furthermore, Finally,
In the first place, Also, Lastly,
To be sure, Additionally, Finally,
In conclusion,…(concluding sentence)
SUPPORTING IDEAS AND DETAILS

6. Life Goals WEB ORGANIZER 1. Financial 2. Health 3. Music 1. Debts
WEB GRAPHIC ORGANIZER TITLE: ________________________ NAME: _________________________
1. Debts
2. Travel
1. Exercise
2. Healthy eating
1. Financial
2. Health
Life Goals
3. Music
2. Favorite
1. Instrument
WEB ORGANIZER

7. Use COMPLETE SENTENCES with Topic Sentence, Supporting Idea, and Concluding Sentences.
DO NOT use contractions when you write academically.
TITLE
Goals
TOPIC SENTENCE   
There are three important goals in life that can help you to be happier, like having stable finances, good health, and enjoying music.
SUPPORTING IDEA #1
First, having financial security will help you to enjoy life.
DETAIL #1
DETAIL #2
Debts
Travel
SUPPORTING IDEA #2
Next, being healthy is very important so you can feel well and be energized.
Exercise
Healthy eating
SUPPORTING IDEA #3
Last, enjoying music is an important factor to keep up with life’s problems.
Instrument
Favorite
CONCLUDING SENTENCE
In conclusion, working hard toward these goals will help you to be happier and to enjoy life to the fullest.
OUTLINE

8. Life Goals (Title in the center)
Heading
___________________ (Your Name)
Mrs. Coiman-Lopez (Your Instructor’s Name)
HCC – Writing (Subject)
August 1, (Date)
First Draft (Draft #)
Life Goals (Title in the center)
Indent
There are three important goals in life that can help you be happier, like having stable finances, good health, and enjoying music.  First, having financial security will help you to enjoy life. Paying all debts is important in order to have extra money for other things you want to do. You can travel anywhere you want to go, and you can meet new people while you visit your family. Next, being healthy is very important so you can feel well and energized . Eating healthy is an important step toward feeling well. Exercising regularly can keep the body in shape and improve your life. Last, enjoying music is an important factor to keep up with life’s problems. Practicing a musical instrument or learning to play a new one, will help you have a sense of accomplishment. At the same time, singing or listening to a favorite music can transport you far away from any problem you might have. In conclusion, working hard toward these goals will help you to be happier and to enjoy life to the fullest.
SAMPLE PARAGRAPH