Paragraph Builder

The hamburger paragraph

One of the friendliest ways to picture a paragraph is a hamburger. The topic sentence is the top bun — it tells the reader the big idea. The detail sentences are the fillings in the middle — they add facts, reasons, and examples that support the idea. The closing sentence is the bottom bun — it wraps everything up. Take away any layer and the paragraph falls apart, just like a burger with no bun.

How to use this tool

• Read the scrambled sentences in the tray — tap one to hear it read aloud.
• Decide which layer it belongs in: is it the big idea, a detail, or the wrap-up?
• Tap that layer of the hamburger to place the sentence. A correct fit locks in green.
• If it does not fit, the tool gently tells you which layer that sentence belongs to.
• Fill every layer to hear the whole paragraph read back, then tap 🔀 for a new one.

The three parts of a paragraph

• 🍞 Topic sentence — the main idea, usually stated in a clear, general way.
• 🥬🍅🧀 Detail sentences — two or three sentences that support the topic with facts, reasons, or examples.
• 🍞 Closing sentence — a final sentence that sums up the idea or leaves a last thought.

Why it helps

Seeing a paragraph as a stack of layers turns an abstract writing rule into something a child can build with their hands. Sorting real sentences into topic, detail, and closing teaches the shape of good writing — the same shape they will use to plan and write their own paragraphs, book reports, and short essays.

Good for

Grades 2–5 (roughly ages 7–11) — paragraph structure, main idea and supporting details, and beginning composition. Every paragraph here is short, wholesome, and kind.