by Nick Somoski

Created on: September 01, 2009   Last Updated: September 07, 2009

Who remembers those "hamburger" posters that seemed to be present in every elementary classroom? It represented the structure of a paragraph - the buns were the opening and closing sentences, while the burger and condiments depicted the middle sentences. As silly as it was, I seem to remember it every time I write. That single poster is the basis of every paragraph I write.

The structure of a paragraph is simple and easy to follow. It begins with the topic sentence, which introduces the paragraph and lures the reader to it. The supporting sentences come next, which are the body of the paragraph. Lastly, the conclusion sentence ends the paragraph. This should be the basis of every paragraph you write. Below illustrates each part as it should be written.

1. The Topic Sentence

No one sentence is more important than the topic sentence. It's the first sentence of any paragraph, setting the groundwork for what that particular paragraph will be about. The topic sentence is general in nature, meaning that it gives the main idea but provides the reader with very little details. It is also indented, or spaced several bars away from the margin.

Aside from generalization, the topic sentence has one other job - to get the reader interested. To create an appealing opening sentence, adjectives and other descriptive words can be added. In the case of writing an essay, the topic sentence should then expand to include two or three sentences or become a "topic paragraph."

The reader should become engaged in what you're writing. Starting with a question, exclamation, or descriptive sentence gives the paragraph more character. Going another route, a very "mysterious" opening sentence makes the reader want to continue reading to find out more. A thesis statement could also be included, which sums up the article in two or three clauses.

2. The Supporting Sentences

The main job of the supporting sentences is to answer the questions presented in the topic sentence. A single paragraph must contain at least three supporting sentences. Each sentence is essentially going to "support" the general facts or topic presented in the topic sentence. Each fact will then be supported with details taken from research or examples. The "Who, What, When, Where, Why" will be explained with each detail sentence.

Keep in mind that a simple paragraph only has to contain the facts. Also keep in mind that without any details to explain the facts, your paragraph would contain little interest. Whether it's

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