You have worked hard to learn about the basic foundations of writing. In this section, you will apply what you have learned and write a paragraph using the four different sentence types. A paragraph is a group of sentences focused on supporting one idea.

Just as any good chef knows how to build a tasty hamburger, any good writer knows how to build a strong paragraph. When you understand that the layers of a paragraph function much like the layers of hamburger, it will be easier to remember how to structure your paragraphs.

So far, this lesson has covered the four sentence types and the parts of a paragraph. Now it is time for you to create your own hamburger paragraph. The paragraph you write should be original, and it can be about any topic you choose. However, do not copy any part of the same paragraph; you will not receive credit if you do. (Please see the Plagiarism Statement in the Syllabus.)

Assignment 1.7

Refer to the following as you complete the assignment.

• Grading Rubric (You can see the grading rubric on the upload page in the assignments folder for this lesson.)
• Plagiarism Statement in the Syllabus
• Hamburger Paragraph Worksheet (Word file)

If you haven't already, download the Assignment 1.7: Hamburger Paragraph Worksheet

(Word file) for writing your paragraph. Follow the tips below to get some ideas for your paragraph. When you are ready, fill out the three text boxes on the worksheet.

First, choose a topic that interests you and that you could talk about in a paragraph. If it helps, write your topic at the top of a page, and then list all of the things you could talk about concerning that topic.

Next, review the four sentence types and their punctuation. Write a topic sentence that clearly introduces your paragraph to your reader. After that, use your list of supporting ideas to write an example of each type of sentence to warm up and get your writing muscles going. Write as many sentences as you need to fully explain your idea, and keep in mind how the sentence types can help you express those details clearly for the reader.

Next, use the hamburger graphic above as a guide to composing your paragraph on the hamburger worksheet. Write your topic sentence on the top bun, and then think about how you should order your detail sentences below it in the "meat" section. You should have at least four to five sentences to explain the details. Compose a concluding sentence on the bottom bun, and make sure it gives a good, sensible closure to what you have said before it.

Finally, be sure to read your paragraph several times to add or subtract details, refine your sentences, and find errors in punctuation or grammar. It's often helpful to read your work out loud to see if it makes sense. Once you have completed your hamburger worksheet and have made necessary revisions and edits, rewrite your sentences, combining them to make a paragraph.

When you are ready to submit the hamburger worksheet with your completed paragraph, go to the Assignment 1.7 Upload page in the Lesson One Assignments folder.