The document uses an analogy to explain the structure of a five-paragraph essay, comparing it to a cheeseburger. The introduction is the top bun that presents the thesis and main points. The body paragraphs are the lettuce, cheese and burger that provide details supporting each point. The conclusion is the bottom bun that restates the key ideas. Transition words are compared to mustard, blending the layers together and adding flavor. An example five-paragraph persuasive essay on visiting Maui, Hawaii follows the cheeseburger structure.

1. The Five-ParagraphThe Five-Paragraph
EssayEssay

2. The Five-Paragraph Essay is like aThe Five-Paragraph Essay is like a
cheeseburger.cheeseburger.
At the top you need a bunAt the top you need a bun
• This is where you tell the reader what you’reThis is where you tell the reader what you’re
going to tell him.going to tell him.
• This is your thesis.This is your thesis.
• Then you tell him the three major points youThen you tell him the three major points you
will be makingwill be making

3. The Five-Paragraph Essay is like aThe Five-Paragraph Essay is like a
cheeseburger.cheeseburger.
Next you’ll need some lettuceNext you’ll need some lettuce
This is where you give all the specificThis is where you give all the specific
details about your first point.details about your first point.

4. The Five-Paragraph Essay is like aThe Five-Paragraph Essay is like a
cheeseburger.cheeseburger.
Next you’ll need some cheeseNext you’ll need some cheese
This is where you give all the specificThis is where you give all the specific
details about your second point.details about your second point.

5. The Five-Paragraph Essay is like aThe Five-Paragraph Essay is like a
cheeseburger.cheeseburger.
Then, of course, the burger…Then, of course, the burger…
This is where you give all the specificThis is where you give all the specific
details about your third point.details about your third point.

6. The Five-Paragraph Essay is like aThe Five-Paragraph Essay is like a
cheeseburger.cheeseburger.
Finally, you’ll need a bottom bunFinally, you’ll need a bottom bun
Where you sum up for the reader all youWhere you sum up for the reader all you
just told him.just told him.

7. And now the mustard!And now the mustard!
• It holds theIt holds the
cheeseburgercheeseburger
togethertogether
• It adds some flavor—It adds some flavor—
some interestsome interest
• It blends the layersIt blends the layers

8. In your five-paragraph essay yourIn your five-paragraph essay your
transition words are the mustard!transition words are the mustard!
• They hold yourThey hold your
paragraphs togetherparagraphs together
• They add some flavor—They add some flavor—
some interestsome interest
• And they blend yourAnd they blend your
pointspoints
• Make sure to use them toMake sure to use them to
keep your essay togetherkeep your essay together
just like yourjust like your
cheeseburgercheeseburger
Next, an example of a five-paragraph
persuasive essay

9. Located in the South Pacific between the United States and
Japan are the Hawaiian Islands, formed from volcanic rock
thousands of years ago, Maui, Hawaii is a wonderful place to
visit because of the fantastic climate, warm ocean and
exciting sites to visit there. Variety is what makes Hawaii so
exciting. From mountains to rain forests to beaches and
villages. This island is an ideal vacation spot and one you’ll
never forget
Paragraph 1: Introduction: The TopParagraph 1: Introduction: The Top
BunBun
Thesis
Point 1 Point 2
Point 3

10. Paragraph 2: The LettuceParagraph 2: The Lettuce
To begin with, the climate is superb. The temperature in
Hawaii seldom gets below 85 degrees. The days are clear
and sunny, and there is usually little rain. The deep, blue
sky has puffy white clouds. You probably think it has to rain
sometimes, but when it does rain, it is usually a quick
shower. Also, there is very little humidity in Maui. The days
are dry and pleasant. Since the sky is so clear, the sunsets
are famous in Maui. Scarlets, oranges, and bright yellows
reflect on the Pacific Ocean waters as the sun goes down.
This is truly a spectacular sight.
Point 1
Answer
the
opposition
Transition

11. Paragraph 3: The CheeseParagraph 3: The Cheese
Also, the warm ocean waters provide many
activities. You can buy an inexpensive snorkel and
mask and go to one of the white sandy beaches or
pay a fee and go on a boat for a snorkeling tour.
Whatever you decide, you will see millions of
colorful fish swimming among the coral reefs
underwater. You can rent a sailboat and go sailing,
find a beach with giant waves and enjoy surfing, or
just go swimming. Some people even go parasailing.
You strap into a seat attached to a parachute, and a
boat pulls you through the air. The island is beautiful
from up there.
Point 2Transition

12. Paragraph 4: The BurgerParagraph 4: The Burger
Finally, there are many exciting sites to visit on the
island. You can visit the little village of Lahaina to
buy a special gift for some one back home. You can
climb or bicycle to the top of the volcano Haleakala
and see the crater. You can also visit lush topical
rain forests where the leaves and flowers are as big
as dinner plates. Or you can play a round of golf on
one of Maui’s famous courses and watch the whales
in the water as you putt on the greens. There are so
many different things to do.
Point 3
Transition

13. Paragraph 5: Conclusion: TheParagraph 5: Conclusion: The
Bottom BunBottom Bun
So pack your bags and get the sun tan lotion and
your snorkel. A great climate, a warm ocean, and a
myriad of exciting activities will make your vacation
one you will never forget. Maui is waiting for you!!!
Conclusion
Call to Action

14. ALoha
This presentation was created by Linda McHugh for Virtual High School Global Consortium www.goVHS.org