Writing a Paragraph
A paragraph is a group of sentences about one main idea. A strong paragraph is built like a hamburger: a topic sentence on top, detail sentences in the middle, and a closing sentence on the bottom.
The hamburger paragraph
The topic sentence (top bun) tells what the paragraph is about: Dogs make great pets. The details (the fillings) explain or prove it: They are loyal. They love to play. They can learn tricks. The closing sentence (bottom bun) wraps it up in new words: That's why a dog is a wonderful friend.
Every sentence must stick to the main idea. A sentence about cats in a paragraph about dogs is like a sock in a hamburger: it doesn't belong. Paragraphs are indented: the first line starts a little to the right.
Topic sentence + 3 details + closing sentence.
Indent. Stay on one idea.
2nd graders introduce a topic, develop it and close (W.2.2), and 3rd graders group related information together and organize writing for its purpose (W.3.2a, W.3.4). Strong topic sentences are covered next in topic sentences.
The hamburger paragraph
Topic: My favorite place.
| Part | Sentence |
|---|---|
| Top bun: topic sentence | My favorite place is my grandma's kitchen. |
| Detail 1 | It always smells like fresh bread and cinnamon. |
| Detail 2 | Grandma lets me help roll the dough. |
| Detail 3 | We talk and laugh while the oven timer ticks. |
| Bottom bun: closing | That warm, sweet kitchen is where I feel happiest. |
Details can be facts, reasons, examples or descriptions, depending on the kind of paragraph.
Find the parts
Summer is my favorite season. I can swim at the pool every day. There's no school, so I can sleep late. My family goes camping in the mountains. My cousin has a red bike. Summer is the most fun time of the year.
- Topic sentence: Summer is my favorite season.
- Detail: I can swim at the pool every day.
- Detail: There's no school, so I can sleep late.
- Detail: My family goes camping in the mountains.
- Off topic: My cousin has a red bike.
- Closing: Summer is the most fun time of the year.
- Main idea: why summer is great.
- Fix: cross out the bike sentence.
- Indent the first line.
- Closing restates the topic in new words.
The red bike sentence is true, but it isn't about why summer is great. Removing it makes the paragraph stronger.
How to teach paragraphs
Five short steps, about 15 minutes each.
- Draw a hamburger. Label the buns and fillings.
- Write the topic sentence. One sentence that names the idea.
- Add three details. Facts, reasons or examples.
- Close it. Say the topic again in new words.
- Check: one idea? Cross out anything off topic. Indent.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
| Mistake | Why it happens | How to fix it |
|---|---|---|
| No topic sentence | Starts with a detail. | What is the whole paragraph about? |
| Off-topic sentences | Writing whatever comes to mind. | Does it fit the main idea? |
| Closing copies the topic sentence | Not sure how to close. | Use new words: That's why... |
| Forgets to indent | Not a habit yet. | Two fingers of space at the start. |
Practice: paragraph quiz
10 questions. Your child can tap the speaker to hear a question read aloud. The first try on each question counts toward the score.
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1.What is a paragraph?
Show answer
A group of sentences about one main idea.
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2.What does the topic sentence do?
Show answer
Tells what the paragraph is about.
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3.In the hamburger model, what are the fillings?
Show answer
Detail sentences.
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4.Topic: Dogs make great pets. Which detail fits?
Show answer
Dogs are loyal friends.
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5.Which sentence is off topic in a paragraph about summer fun?
Show answer
My cousin has a red bike.
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6.How many details should a paragraph have?
Show answer
About three.
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7.What does indent mean?
Show answer
Start the first line a little to the right.
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8.Tap the closing word that signals the end.
.
Show answer
That's (That's why).
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9.What does the closing sentence do?
Show answer
Restates the main idea in new words.
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10.Which is the best topic sentence?
Show answer
My grandma's kitchen is my favorite place.
Writing a Paragraph worksheet (free PDF)
Writing a Paragraph Worksheet, 2nd–3rd grade
Label a model paragraph, cross out the off-topic sentence, plan with a hamburger organizer and write your own paragraph. Prints on US Letter paper, with an answer key.
Download the PDFTry it at home
- Hamburger drawing: label the parts.
- Off-topic hunt: slip a silly sentence in and find it.
- Topic of the day: write one paragraph.
- Read and label: find topic sentences in books.
- Indent check: two fingers of space.
What comes next
Next: editing and revising and topic sentences. Earlier: narrative writing. Related reading: main idea.
Practice with a game
Free, no sign-up, and they work on phones, tablets and computers.
Main Idea Machine
Sentence ScrambleLast reviewed: November 11, 2026
Questions parents ask
What is a paragraph?
A group of sentences about one main idea, usually with a topic sentence, details and a closing sentence.
What is the hamburger paragraph?
A model where the topic sentence and closing are the buns and the detail sentences are the fillings.
How many sentences are in a paragraph?
For 2nd and 3rd graders, usually five: a topic sentence, three details and a closing sentence.
What grade learns to write a paragraph?
2nd and 3rd grade (W.2.2, W.3.2a).
Why do we indent paragraphs?
Indenting shows the reader where a new paragraph, and a new idea, begins.