ELA · Writing Lab

Paragraph Structure

Building a paragraph is just like stacking a hamburger — a top bun, juicy fillings, and a bottom bun all working together.
🍔The Paragraph Hamburger
Topic Sentence Supporting Detail Supporting Detail Supporting Detail …the juicy "meat" of your idea Concluding Sentence
🥪 Every layer has a job!
The top bun is your Topic Sentence — it holds everything together from the start.
The fillings are your Supporting Details — the juicy evidence & explanation.
The bottom bun is your Concluding Sentence — it closes the idea so nothing falls apart.
🎨Spot The Parts
Dogs make wonderful family pets. They are loyal companions who greet you happily every single day. Also, dogs help keep kids active by needing daily walks and play. Furthermore, a dog can teach children how to be responsible and caring. For all these reasons, a dog truly is a family's best friend.
Topic Sentence Supporting Detail Transition Word Concluding Sentence
🌉Transition Words = Bridges
idea idea
First, Next, Also For example However, Furthermore, In addition Finally,
These words smoothly link your sentences so your ideas stick together and flow from one to the next.
🔑Key Terms
📄Paragraph A group of sentences focused on ONE main idea.
🔝Topic Sentence The sentence (often first) that states the main idea.
🧀Supporting Detail A sentence that proves, explains, or illustrates the idea.
🌉Transition Word A word that smoothly links ideas (also, however, furthermore).
🎀Concluding Sentence The final sentence that wraps up the main idea.
➡️Indent A small space at the start that signals a new idea.
Remember: a strong paragraph is a "hamburger" — open with a topic sentence, fill the middle with supporting details, and close with a concluding sentence so your idea never falls apart!
✏️ ELA Anchor Chart · Paragraph Structure
From ClickClass — hundreds of free printables at clickclassedu.com/printables