Hamburger Writing
I
use this method of writing to introduce expository and persuasive essays. This
organizer helps students see how each paragraph in the Five-Paragraph Essay ties
in with the other paragraphs. I found this organizer extremely useful in
helping students prepare for the ISAT.
Method
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The teacher will pass out a copy of the Hamburger Writing to each student.
(See hand-out)
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The teacher will give the students an expository writing prompt. For example,
what is the best candy in the world?
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The students will vote on one type of candy to use as an example such as,
Peanut M&M’s. The topic will go on the top bun.
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The class will brainstorm reasons why Peanut M&M’s are the best type of candy.
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As a class, the students will come up with three top reasons for choosing
Peanut M&M’s as the best candy. (They are colorful, bite size and easy to eat
and the flavor of the chocolate and peanuts is delicious.) These three
reasons will also be written on the top bun.
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The students will write one of their three reasons for choosing Peanut M&M’s
on each of the middle sections of the hamburger. The students will also
write three minor details for each reason.
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Finally, the students will write their conclusion on the bottom bun. The
students will restate their main idea, mention major details, and draw some
conclusions.
As a class, we use this organizer the first couple of times we write expository
or persuasive essays. The students get so accustomed to this type of organizer
that they use it to organize other written assignments. It has been an
extremely useful tool to use in writing instruction.
Standards
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3.B.2a- Generate and organize ideas using a variety of planning strategies
(e.g., mapping, outlining, drafting.)
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3.B.2c Expand ideas by using modifiers, subordination and standard paragraph
organization.