opinion essay hamburger

How to turn the high school “hamburger” essay into a university-level paper

It goes by many names: the 5-paragraph essay, three-tier paper, or 1-3-1 model, to name a few. Many of you know it as the “hamburger” essay – an easy-to-follow model for writing papers that’s often taught in North American high schools.

During my first semester of undergrad, I heard it again and again from my professors and TAs: don't submit a hamburger essay. "Forget everything you learned in high school," they told me, "university writing is different!"

I had always done well on my high school writing assignments. I thought essay writing in university would be a breeze. So, the idea of throwing away all my past knowledge and practice felt confusing and overwhelming. If I wasn’t supposed to write essays in university the same way I wrote them in high school, then how was I supposed to write at all? And where was I supposed to learn these mysterious new writing techniques, anyway?

Now, after many years of honing my academic writing skills and becoming a writing instructor myself, I’m here to say, loud and proud:  I love the hamburger essay.

This is somewhat of a controversial statement in higher education. For years, many professors have condemned the “hamburger” model of essay writing, resenting its rules and restrictions. And while many of these critiques are valid, I believe there are too many valuable aspects of the hamburger essay to throw it away altogether. In fact, many of the  same techniques  that make a hamburger essay great, can also be used to craft a quality academic paper.

So no, you don’t need to “forget everything you learned in high school” when it comes time to write your first university essay! Keep reading to learn how you can use turn your high school hamburger essay into a strong university-level paper.

What is the hamburger essay?

The hamburger essay is well-known and well-loved because of its simple and easy to remember structure. If you're new to the hamburger essay, check out the diagram below to learn more about how it works.

In short, each ingredient of the hamburger represents a different paragraph of the essay. It starts with an introduction paragraph and ends with a conclusion paragraph, represented by the top and bottom buns, respectively. Just like a real burger bun, these paragraphs frame the juicy contents inside – the body paragraphs – which are each represented by a different topping: lettuce, tomato, or patty.

Pay attention to the order of toppings in the hamburger essay. The lettuce comes first; it’s light and flimsy, representing one of the lighter arguments of the paper. The tomato is somewhat more robust (in terms of argument), while the patty at the end is the true “meat” of the essay. Just like the toppings of a hamburger in real-life, the body paragraphs build on one another to fill out the paper, giving it substance and flavour.

How to use the hamburger model in university

If you’re already familiar with the hamburger or 5-paragraph essay model, there are many great aspects of it that you can keep and adapt in your university essay writing . Keep reading to learn how!

1. The top bun (a.k.a the introduction paragraph)

The hamburger essay begins with a strong introduction paragraph (the top bun) that sets up the rest of the paper and presents the essay’s primary  thesis statement  or argument. In high school, students are often taught to begin their introduction paragraph with the broadest or most general information first, and gradually narrow in on the specifics. They’re also taught to begin the introduction with a narrative hook – a catchy phrase or fact to grab the reader’s attention – and to end the introduction with a “road map,” which outlines what each paragraph of the essay will discuss, in the order of information presented.

Although at the university level, introductions may be longer than one paragraph (depending on the length of the essay overall), they should still begin with more general contextual information first, then narrow in on a more focused thesis statement . This structure helps guide the reader by presenting them with the background information they require for the thesis and body paragraphs to make sense.

You can also keep the introductory “hook” and “road map” pieces of the hamburger introduction, but note the differences in what these elements look like at the university level. While high school writers often try to catch the reader’s attention by asserting a universal or historical truth (e.g. “Since the dawn of time…” or “Throughout history…”), a hook at the university level should  remain focused on the specific topic at hand  – a surprising fact or statistic works well here.

Additionally, while a high school-level road map might outline the topic of each and every body paragraph in the essay, a university-level road map should be less detailed. Because university papers are typically longer than high school papers, it makes more sense to only mention the paper’s main overarching arguments  (if at all) in the road map section, rather than summarize every paragraph.

To learn more about how to write a strong university-level introduction,  check out this WCC resource  on introductions.

2. The bottom bun (a.k.a. the conclusion paragraph)

The hamburger essay ends with a satisfying conclusion paragraph (the bottom bun) that summarizes its findings and wraps up the paper’s arguments. High school students are often taught to structure their conclusion paragraph in the reverse order of the introduction,  beginning with the most specific information and broadening out to the most general . Hamburger essay conclusions often restate the thesis at the start of the paragraph, then go on to summarize each point of the essay.

At the university level, you should continue to structure your conclusion by presenting the most specific pieces of information related to your thesis first, followed by the more general ideas. Structuring your conclusion this way helps  transition the reader out of the paper’s arguments and into a broader reflection on the topic .

However,  you don’t have to limit yourself to only one paragraph  for your conclusion (hint: introductions and conclusions typically make up 10-15% of the essay length overall). And while it’s good practice to remind your reader of the essay’s main arguments and findings, too much repetition can be a bore. Try focusing instead on the  significance  of the paper’s claims and discoveries to highlight for the reader why your essay matters – why your thesis is significant in a larger context.

For deeper insight into how to write a university-level conclusion,  view our conclusions resource  here.

3. The toppings (a.k.a. the body paragraphs)

The body paragraphs of a hamburger essay are its meatiest parts (pun intended). In high school, students are often taught to explain, and provide evidence for, their main thesis by presenting three distinct points in three separate body paragraphs, ordered roughly from the weakest point to the strongest. In this model, each body paragraph supports the essay’s thesis by providing a new piece of information to back-up the author’s primary claim. Also, each paragraph articulates its main point in a single topic sentence at the beginning of the paragraph.

For university essays, there’s a lot to like about the hamburger essay paragraph model. For example, it’s important that each paragraph of your university-level paper works to substantiate the paper's overarching thesis statement . This will prevent your essay from going off on tangents – that is, presenting ideas or research that are not directly related to the essay's focused goal. You should also pay attention to the order of ideas presented; while ordering your points from weakest to strongest (as in the hamburger model) isn’t necessary, there should be a  logical flow to your ideas . Ask yourself: what does my reader need to understand first in order to understand what’s coming next?

Topic sentences are also super useful in academic papers : they help alert the reader to the paragraph’s main idea and provide context for the evidence presented within the paragraph itself. In a traditional academic essay, readers should be able to read the first sentence (or two) of each paragraph only, and still have a strong idea of the paper’s main arguments and points.

However,  university-level essays can – and should – have more than three body paragraphs . This is perhaps the biggest complaint against the hamburger essay structure: that it tricks students into thinking they can only provide three pieces of evidence to back-up their thesis statements. Academic essays, especially research essays, should present the reader with a great breadth of evidence and information to prove their claims. It’s up to you – the writer – to decide how much evidence is needed, and how it can be organized logically into body paragraphs for the reader to follow.

On a similar note,  some points in your academic paper will require more than one body paragraph to develop,  and that’s ok! Let’s say, for example, that you’re writing an essay on the benefits of free community programming for reducing loneliness amongst senior citizens. It may take only one paragraph to present your research on loneliness amongst seniors, but maybe three or four paragraphs to show why publicly-funded programs are attractive to senior citizens in particular.

While some students believe, based on the hamburger model, that each new paragraph requires a brand new topic or point, in reality, there is more flexibility to the “rules” of academic writing. As long as each of your paragraphs is tackling one coherent idea at a time,  you may choose to develop a single point over numerous body paragraphs . This is especially true if you have a lot of evidence to discuss!

To learn more about how to write strong body paragraphs at the university level,   check out this WCC resource   on body paragraphs.

Final thoughts…

Keep in mind that  every writing assignment in university is different  and not all papers follow the traditional essay format. In fact, most essay assignments come with specific guidelines from the professor, which you should always follow with care, and ask questions about if you’re unsure.

If you’re transitioning from high school and looking for help with your writing projects, why not check out our new program for first-years, Waterloo Ready to Write ! Or book an appointment with one of our friendly and helpful writing instructors at the WCC. We would love to help you out.

Writing essays in university can be intimidating, especially if you’re new at it. But remember, you’re here for a reason, and you’ve already got a great foundation to start from! Try to think about writing in university as an extension and adaptation of what you already know. If you have an open mind, take your professors’ feedback to heart, and push yourself to try new things, you’ll be setting yourself up for success.

• Link to facebook
• Link to linkedin
• Link to twitter
• Link to youtube
• Writing Tips

Hamburger Paragraph Template for Essay Writing

3-minute read

• 3rd November 2023

It almost sounds like something you might see on a menu at a fast-food restaurant, but a “hamburger paragraph” is a method of essay writing often taught in schools to help students structure their paragraphs effectively. Just as a burger consists of various layers that come together to create a satisfying whole, an essay is built up of paragraphs that follow a specific structure.

In this blog post, we’ll explore the concept of a hamburger paragraph and how it can serve as a handy template for essay writing.

Hamburger Paragraph Template

The template below lists the “ingredients” of a hamburger paragraph:

Top Bun (Topic Sentence):

Introduce the main idea of the paragraph .

Filling (Supporting Detail #1):

Introduce your first supporting detail or example that backs up your main idea.

Filling (Supporting Detail #2):

Introduce your second supporting detail or example.

Filling (Supporting Detail #3):

Introduce your third supporting detail or example. Note: Depending on the depth required, you may have more or fewer supporting details.

Bottom Bun (Concluding Sentence):

Wrap up the paragraph by restating or summarizing the main idea – or transition to the next paragraph . Ensure that every main point or idea presented in the paragraph is well-supported and rounded off with a conclusion or transition.

Example of a Hamburger Paragraph Using the Template

Here’s a paragraph about dogs written following the hamburger paragraph method:

Find this useful?

Subscribe to our newsletter and get writing tips from our editors straight to your inbox.

Dogs have a reputation for being loyal companions.

Filling #1:

Historically, dogs have been known to travel vast distances to reunite with their owners.

Filling #2:

Many breeds have been specifically bred for their loyalty traits, such as Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds.

Filling #3:

Pet owners’ personal experiences further support the claim, with countless stories of dogs displaying unwavering loyalty in various situations.

Bottom Bun:

With their history, breeding, and the personal anecdotes of many, it’s clear why dogs are cherished for their loyalty.

The  hamburger template assists writers, especially those new to essay writing, in assembling a well-structured essay, helping them organize their thoughts and research into a logical format that readers can easily follow. Students can use this structure to ensure they’re fleshing out their ideas adequately and maintaining a logical flow throughout their essays.

So next time you’re writing an essay, think of your paragraphs as a delicious stack of hamburger paragraphs, with each one adding a unique flavor to your overall composition. If you’d like a professional proofreader to review your essay and its structure once you’ve completed your first draft, we’d be happy to help. Check out our essay proofreading services , or try us out by submitting a free sample !

Share this article:

Post A New Comment

Got content that needs a quick turnaround? Let us polish your work. Explore our editorial business services.

9-minute read

How to Use Infographics to Boost Your Presentation

Is your content getting noticed? Capturing and maintaining an audience’s attention is a challenge when...

8-minute read

Why Interactive PDFs Are Better for Engagement

Are you looking to enhance engagement and captivate your audience through your professional documents? Interactive...

7-minute read

Seven Key Strategies for Voice Search Optimization

Voice search optimization is rapidly shaping the digital landscape, requiring content professionals to adapt their...

4-minute read

Five Creative Ways to Showcase Your Digital Portfolio

Are you a creative freelancer looking to make a lasting impression on potential clients or...

How to Ace Slack Messaging for Contractors and Freelancers

Effective professional communication is an important skill for contractors and freelancers navigating remote work environments....

How to Insert a Text Box in a Google Doc

Google Docs is a powerful collaborative tool, and mastering its features can significantly enhance your...

Make sure your writing is the best it can be with our expert English proofreading and editing.

• PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
• Browse Articles
• Learn Something New
• Quizzes Hot
• This Or That Game
• Train Your Brain
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow
• Log in / Sign up
• Education and Communications
• English Grammar
• Writing Paragraphs

How to Write a Hamburger Paragraph

Last Updated: December 30, 2022 Fact Checked

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, 10 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 92,391 times. Learn more...

Writing a thorough but effective paragraph can be hard, especially if you're still learning some techniques for structuring your writing. The hamburger paragraph technique is easy to remember and easy to use; it offers a "recipe" for writing full and "meaty" paragraphs. Get started a step number one.

Community Q&A

• If you are having problems remembering how to write a hamburger paragraph, draw a picture of the hamburger and on each part either write "Topic Sentence", "Detail," or "Closing Sentence". Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://www.siue.edu/~tkohler/Writing%2520a%2520Paragraph.html
• ↑ https://www.readingrockets.org/strategies/paragraph_hamburger
• ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zeCv0ifsURA

About This Article

• Send fan mail to authors

Did this article help you?

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Watch Articles

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Develop the tech skills you need for work and life

Health Information Technology: The hamburger technique of writing

• Evaluating sources
• Finding books
• HIM Body of Knowledge
• Finding Web sites
• Medical terminology
• Professional writing
• Avoiding plagiarism
• The hamburger technique of writing

The "hamburger technique" of writing

The "hamburger technique" of writing.

It is important that the majority of your writing in a research paper is YOURS. Even if you are citing your sources, the general rule is that 2/3 of the words in your research assignments should be your own. If your paper consists of nothing but quotes, you are not demonstrating that you understand the material nor are you providing your own analysis of that material. One writing method you can follow to help you do this is called the hamburger paragraph .

Hamburger paragraph:

• Some instructors will call this the sandwich paragraph method or even the Oreo method (which you may have heard before). Keep in mind that this method applies to body paragraphs, which are basically any paragraph in a paper other than the introduction and conclusion paragraphs. 

Building the burger:

• Top bun: The topic sentence, or argument. The first sentence of a paragraph should clearly state the paragraph’s main idea.
• Condiments: Your evidence (quotes & paraphrased information from your sources). When using quotes, remember that a little goes a long way!
• Cheese, pickles, onions, lettuce, tomato, burger: Your analysis. The bulk of the paragraph! This is where you explain the significance of the evidence in your own words. This section is crucial to your paragraph. Don't get caught in a quote trap. Which is stringing quotes together without explaining their purpose. If you do not back up your quotes or paraphrased information, your writing will be weak and your reader (which at TCC is your teacher) will not be convinced that you understand the material you are writing about.  
• Bottom bun: Sentence relating the paragraph back to the thesis statement and transitioning to the next body paragraph.

Here's a diagram to illustrate the concept: 

(click on image to enlarge)

Example with a paragraph:

Here is another example of a simple "evidence sandwich" paragraph in the middle of a research paper that paraphrases information about using social media in the classroom. If you were to use a direct quote instead of paraphrasing, this is where you would want to place the quote. 

Variations on the hamburger method:

Remember...

• You can use variations on this formula.  For example, you could make this paragraph longer by including more analysis of the researchers’ findings.
• Or you could include a second piece of evidence (more filling!) to further back up your point.  If you add more filling, you might want to balance it by adding another slice of bread, too (that is, more of your own analysis).

Not every paragraph in your paper has to follow this formula, or even necessarily include outside evidence. But this is a classic formula that can serve you well throughout your college career. Just remember, you can't just plop a quote into a paragraph and move on - you must explain what the quote means or why the information is important in your own words - this is your analysis. Don't use quotes to fill space. Adding information into your paper should do just that, ADD to it - compliment it. Don't include useless information, but be picky and use quotes only when you intend to talk about what they mean and why they matter to your argument! 

One last note:

And again, making sure you correctly paraphrase, quote, summarize and CITE is key to avoiding plagiarism!

Diagram source: " Paragraph burger " by M. Persson, 2013, Educational use.

• << Previous: Avoiding plagiarism
• Next: Help! >>
• Last Updated: May 15, 2024 9:53 PM
• URL: https://tacomacc.libguides.com/HIT

Tacoma Community College Library - Building 7, 6501 South 19th Street, Tacoma, WA 98466 - P. 253.566.5087

Visit us on Instagram!

Chapter 6: One Last Time Before You Go: The Conclusion and Final Review

You Cannot Live on Hamburger Alone: Moving Beyond the Five-Paragraph Essay Form

The major limitation the five-paragraph essay format is that it puts form before content. That presupposition creates  problems at the university level: the limiting of ideas, the illusion of purposeful structure, and general repetitiveness. You may know this form it by its other name: the hamburger model. A quick examination of a “hamburger” outline for an essay on Charles Justice’s “ The Ultimate Communications App ,” will reveal many of the limitations inherent in the five-paragraph essay, especially as it relates to the conclusion:

Write Here, Right Now: An Interactive Introduction to Academic Writing and Research Copyright © 2018 by Ryerson University is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

Using the "Hamburger Method" to Write an Essay: Planning the Essay

• Planning the Essay
• Writing Paragraphs

Use the video and downloadable documents on the left to help you follow the instruction in the right-hand column.

The Top Bun: The Introduction Paragraph

• Begin with a "hook" to catch your reader's attention and then broad general information to introduce your topic.
• Narrow down your information and end your introduction with your thesis statement. See video  How to Write a Thesis for Beginners for more help.
• The premises of your thesis statement provide the road map for your body paragraph.

The Good Stuff: The Body Paragraphs

• Each body paragraph supports a premise from your thesis.
• See the next tab "Planning the Paragraph" for tips on writing your body paragraphs.
• Begin with your weakest point and build to your strongest.
• Your ideas should have a logical flow
• Some premises will take more than one paragraph to fully develop or defend a single premise.
• As your writing skills advance, your university-level papers should have more than three body paragraphs.
• Ultimately the instructor's assignment guidelines and you, as the author of the paper, decide how many paragraphs are needed to provide the proper evidence to support your premises.
• When moving beyond the three paragraph model, pay close attention to the logical arrangement of your paragraphs to ensure your reader can follow your thought processes.

The Bottom Bun: The Conclusion Paragraph

• Restate your thesis statement using different words.
• Summarize each paragraph or premise of your essay.
• Impact : a compelling fact, quote, or statistic that hightlights the impact of your topic or argument
• Synthesis: how the paper's most important arguments connect and why the connections are significant
• Applications: how your findings can be used in other contexts
• Implications : broad efffects or consequences of your thesis
• Proposal: a course of action or resolution to a problem presented in the paper

Adapted from Dunn, Emma, "How to Turn the High School "Hamburger" Essay into a University-level Paper." Writing and Communication Centre: September 14, 2020. University of Waterloo. Accessed November 24, 2023. https://uwaterloo.ca/writing-and-communication-centre/blog/how-turn-high-school-hamburger-essay-university-level-paper. 

• << Previous: Overview
• Next: Writing Paragraphs >>
• Last Updated: Nov 25, 2023 12:41 AM
• URL: https://library.cdu.edu/hamburger-method

Lorem ipsum, dolor sit amet consectetur adipisicing elit. Minima voluptatum, soluta doloribus obcaecati eius ex, iure quas mollitia quaerat autem fugiat dolores animi. Optio fugiat quos, iusto id aperiam ut. Placeat similique natus fugit sequi saepe eius nisi ipsam? Saepe architecto id ducimus quaerat, quo ut autem aliquid ipsum vitae quibusdam, labore illo veniam cumque necessitatibus cupiditate dignissimos sunt illum?

The Hamburger Method for Essay Writing

• Share article

While researching a longer piece on opioid use, our Education Week video team came across Briana Sotomayor—a 4 th grader in rural Jackson County, W.V., who wrote an award-winning essay for her district’s drug-and-alcohol prevention competition.

In this video, Briana describes an approach to essay writing used in many elementary classrooms across the country in which the image of a hamburger serves as a graphic organizer. The top bun is the thesis, the bottom bun the conclusion, and the meat, cheese, and veggies—the details—are sandwiched in between. Rhonda Jelich, the district’s director of elementary education and staff development, explained to Education Week that the hamburger model is one of many age-appropriate methods for giving all students a writing structure.

And since kids like hearing from kids, it’s the kind of short video teachers may want to show in their classrooms to get students going with the literacy strategy.

A version of this news article first appeared in the Curriculum Matters blog.

Sign Up for EdWeek Update

Free Editable Hamburger Paragraph Examples

Frequently writing reports and paragraphs is common for students and professionals. In writing paragraphs, the thing that matters the most is your original writing. Even if you use helping content and websites, your writing skills will demonstrate your understanding of the topic. Hamburger paragraph is the most suitable graphic organizer for writing essays, paragraphs and reports.

1. What is a Hamburger Paragraph?

A hamburger paragraph is a graphic organizers that illustrates the key parts of paragraphs or other writings. It outlines the main points of various writings such as reports and essays to ensure that the writer follows the correct format and information hierarchy. Educators use hamburger graphic organizers to help students understand how to convert their ideas into organized text. With its help, most students learn to share their concepts with cohesive paragraphs and better understand paragraph writing structure.

2. Hamburger Paragraph Examples

Here are some of the most commonly used hamburger paragraph templates from EdrawMax's templates community. The purpose of these templates is to help students understand the concept of writing structures and idea organization. A hamburger graphic organizer makes it easier to visually represent the relationship between information in any paragraph or report. Our paragraph hamburger templates examples will help you better understand hamburger format writing. Check out these examples and pick a suitable template for your writing assignment.

Example 1: Hamburger Paragraph

This is a hamburger paragraph template. There are three parts of a paragraph hamburger. The first part is the top bun, which is the topic sentence of your writing. In this part, you explain your paragraph and your main idea. Under the topic sentence, you add the burger filling, which contains supporting information regarding your topic sentence. The third part is the bottom bun of the hamburger. You conclude your paragraph in this section by writing a few sentences about your main idea and making a reference to your topic sentence.

Example 2: Hamburger Graphic Organizer

This is an example of a hamburger graphic organizer. Students use these templates to make assignments and improve their writing skills and idea organization. The hamburger in this template contains five parts. The top bun where students add their topic sentence and give the main idea. The second part contains supporting sentences to provide more information about the topic. The third part connects to the second part and gives more supporting information about the subject. With such a template, you can keep adding supportive details till you prove your point and reach a conclusion.

Example 3: Hamburger Writing

Hamburger writing outlines come in various formats, but the key structure of each hamburger graphic organizer is similar. The template in this example resembles a hamburger from the inside and outside. The topic, supporting, and conclusion are part of the hamburger. Paragraph hamburger template helps you understand an ideal way to depict the relationship between pieces of information. The paragraph starts with the topic sentence and the main idea. In the filling section, you add two or three supporting paragraphs and conclude your writing in the last area.

Example 4: Hamburger Paragraph Writing Template

A hamburger paragraph writing template is mainly used for teaching purposes, and it helps students understand various writing structures and graphic organizers. There is a hamburger on the left side and a writing area on the right side in this example. The colors and lines represent which part of the hamburger represents which part of the paragraph. The top bun is the topic sentence, the filling is the supporting sentence, the bottom bun is the conclusion sentence. Students have to write the main idea, details and conclusion of the paragraph in an organized order.

Example 5: Hamburger Paragraph Examples

This is one of the most commonly used hamburger paragraph examples. There are three parts to this sandwich template. The topic sentence is the first part where students write the main idea of the target paragraph to explain the purpose of their writing. The second part is the body of the sandwich, which is further divided into two or three sections. Each of these sections contains details and supporting sentences regarding the topic sentence. All arguments and related information are mostly written in the body. In the last part, students conclude their writing and give their final thoughts.

Example 6: Hamburger Paragraph Template

The hamburger paragraph templates use a hamburger as a metaphor to describe the writing structure of any paragraph or report. The first section of the paragraph is the topic sentence that resembles any hamburger's top bun, and it provides the main idea and direction of the paragraph in question. The second section is the details and support statements that resemble the filling in a hamburger. The third section is the paragraph's conclusion that mirrors the bottom bun of a hamburger.

Click on the image to edit. Source: EdrawMax Online

3. Online Hamburger Graphic Organizer Maker

A graphic organizer maker is a helping tool for educators and students to create hamburger graphic organizers for assignments and other teaching purposes. EdrawMax Online is the best hamburger graphic organizer maker out there. Most educators use paragraph hamburgers to teach their students, but they don't usually have spare time to make a graphic designer from scratch because it takes some time and effort.

With EdrawMax, teachers can use professional templates and customization tools to create any graphic organizer in minutes. Having pre-made templates makes all the difference because there is zero possibility of making any mistake or using the wrong format.

4. Key Takeaways

Hamburger paragraph helps students understand how to organize ideas and share their concepts. It is a creative method to showcase the ideal paragraph writing structure. The hamburger graphic organizer contains the key parts of a paragraph, and it takes a hamburger as a metaphor to organize information. It helps increase students' creativity while learning how to relate information in paragraphs.

As a result, it is important to find a stauible tool for making hamburger paragraph examples. EdrawMax Online is an ideal graphic organizer maker, because it only takes a few clicks for you to select a template and create a hamburger graphic organizer . You also find many shapes and icons in its symbol library. Find more graphic organizer template in the template community.

Best Ideas on Designing a Father's Day Cards

NBA Playoffs 2024 | A Quick Guide for Beginners

Best Ideas on Mother's Day Cards Printable

A Detailed Guide on Easter Flyers Designs

Basics of Easter Printables

10+ free card templates.

The Ultimate Guide to Opinion Writing for Students and Teachers

The Importance of Opinion Writing

Encouraging our students to express their personal opinions is an important part of the learning process; healthy even. To do this effectively, it is equally important that we help them acquire the necessary skills to express these opinions in a reasoned and coherent manner when teaching opinion writing.

Writing is one of the best possible vehicles for our students not only to express their opinions but to explore the strength and validity of those opinions.

CONSIDERATIONS BEFORE WRITING AN OPINION ESSAY

For our students to competently express their opinions in writing, they must first understand the specific requirements of the type of question they are answering. Of course, there are many types of questions and fun opinion writing prompts that are geared towards coaxing personal opinions from a student and each will require its own specific tailored response.

It’s clear that personal opinions permeate a wide range of genres and media. We find opinions everywhere from hotel reviews and infomercials to political commentary and newspaper editorials. But, despite the diversity of forms opinion writing can take, we can helpfully identify some general criteria that will assist our students in navigating the challenge of most opinion writing prompts and questions.

Let’s take a look at some of these criteria in more detail.

A COMPLETE UNIT FOR TEACHING OPINION WRITING

Teach your students to write EXCELLENT PERSUASIVE ESSAYS and master INFLUENTIAL WRITING SKILLS using PROVEN TEACHING STRATEGIES with this 140-PAGE UNIT.

ALL RESOURCES AND ASSESSMENT TOOLS INCLUDED – NO PREP REQUIRED.

30+ 5-star Ratings ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

OPINION WRITING CRITERIA TO ADDRESS

1. identify the audience: speak clearly.

Writing is about language and language is about communication; students should understand that we do not write in a vacuum. The purpose of an essay, letter, or any other form of writing we care to name, is ultimately to be read.

This means that it is essential that consideration be given to the character of the intended audience. Also, remind students that when they are writing, the reader is not privy to the inner workings of the writer’s mind. They must make their thoughts explicit in their writing and ensure that these thoughts are expressed in a coherent manner.

The student writer should always avoid making the assumption that the reader knows things that are not expressed explicitly in the writing.

2. Take a Stance: Stand Firm

From the very outset, the student should state their position boldly. More than that, they must stand firm in that opinion throughout the entirety of the piece.

Opinion writing is not about communicating a series of pros and cons or discussing at length the various related advantages and disadvantages, the place for that is not here. The opinion piece should open with a bold statement of opinion that is clearly expressed, and that opinion should be held unwaveringly and reinforced constantly throughout the text.

As with many other writing genres , employing a hook to grab the reader’s attention is good practice too. This hook can take the form of a quotation, an anecdote, a statistic, or even a joke. Whatever form the hook takes, it should reveal the writer’s take on things too.

To summarize, whatever the topic and however the student opens their opinion piece, they should ensure they express their opinion immediately and coherently. There should be no doubt in the reader’s mind as to where the student-writer stands on the issue.

3. Choose Appropriate Evidence: Back It Up

There is no doubt that subjectivity is an important aspect of opinion writing in general. That does not mean, however, that opinions do not need to be substantiated.

Your students will need to recognize that each and every statement of opinion will need to be supported by appropriate evidence. This will also help students to develop their critical reading skills as they will be able to better recognize when unsubstantiated claims are made by other writers. Opinions backed up with evidence help lead the reader along the writer’s pathways of thought; making the writing more convincing as a whole.

This evidence can take a wide variety of forms, ranging from personal anecdotes and quotations to statistics and references to scientific studies. Students should also always be encouraged to choose evidence that is broadly suited to the subject they are writing about.

4. Draw Conclusions: Wrap It Up

In the well-organized piece of opinion writing, as with many other types of extended writing, the writing should be structured in paragraphs. Paragraphs are essential elements of good writing organization.

Generally speaking, an opening paragraph gives way to body paragraphs. These body paragraphs, or development paragraphs, describe in more detail the ideas laid out in the initial opening paragraph by further exploring, explaining, and providing supporting evidence for each point.

The final concluding paragraph serves to close the circle by restating the central points in a closing endeavor to drive home the writer’s opinion.

5. A Word on Words

Writing is an art form. Attention to detail is important. But, it isn’t only important to look at the big picture things like structure, students should be encouraged to shift their focus from the text level down to the word and sentence levels too. In an opinion piece, strong, forceful verbs should be the order of the day. There is little space for passive forms when engaged in the construction of convincing arguments.

Things should be kept interesting too. Students should vary their sentence structures grammatically and in length. Variety is key.

 As always in writing, editing should be emphasized. The editing process polishes the well-wrought opinion piece by putting the final gloss on the student’s work.

The OREO Opinion Writing Process Explained

As with all genres, there’s a lot to remember here and acronyms are a helpful way to commit these important things to memory. Luckily, few things can be easier to commit to memory than the name of a delicious cookie:

O – Opinion

R – Reasons

E – Evidence or Examples

O – Opinion (restated)

This memorable acronym will help students remember some of the main elements of opinion writing as outlined above. But, sometimes the hardest thing for students to do is to get the writing ball rolling.

Opinionated Sentence Starters

Sentence starters provide students with great ways to kick-start their writing. Reminding students of simple ways of introducing opinion sentences can be helpful. Here are a few for ‘starters’ for starters:

●     In my opinion…

●     I think that…

●     It seems to me that…

●     It appears to me…

●     I feel that…

Once the student-writer has effectively expressed their opinion on a matter, they then will need to provide the reader with the reasons for why they think what they think. In an essay, these reasons will usually be found in the body paragraphs or development paragraphs. Normally, these paragraphs will explore a single reason each.

Some helpful sentence starters for introducing these reasons include:

●     One reason I feel this way is…

●     Evidence to support this can be found in…

●     I believe this to evident in…

Opinion Writing Activities for Students

Students will certainly need practice completing sustained pieces of opinion writing, but some of the most valuable activities to help students evolve their opinion writing abilities barely require a pen to be put to paper.

While the following two activities do not require students to engage in extended pieces of writing, the activities below will assist students in grasping some essential concepts. These activities demonstrate good practice through modelling and also encourage dialogue, discussion, and debate as a means to strengthen opinion writing.

Activity 1: Opinion Writing – What Is It?

This exercise is a good follow-up to introductory work outlining the criteria of opinion writing as described above.

●     Start by passing out copies of a piece of opinion writing you have selected to read with the class. Read the text aloud as the students follow along with their copy. The opinion text chosen can come from a wide range of genres, including advertisements, letters, editorials, essays, articles, or reviews.

●     Assign students a talking partner and instruct students to take five minutes to identify the various criteria employed in the text. Encourage students to mark and annotate their copies of the text accordingly. You may even wish to supply students with a checklist compiled from the criteria mentioned previously in this article.

●     As a whole class, discuss how successfully the text fulfills the criteria. What did the writer do well? What could they have done better? You can record their responses on the whiteboard.

The aim of this exercise is for students to hone their critical faculties while internalizing the criteria. This will reap rewards when the students later engage in their own extended opinion writing.

Activity 2: The Collaborative Case

This activity employs collaboration to help students build a stronger case for their opinion on a divisive issue.

●     First, define the parameters of the exercise by presenting an either/or conundrum to the class. This doesn’t have to be overly controversial in nature, just stated in such a way that it forces the students to take one side or another. This could be stated simply as a choice, e.g. Dogs or cats? City or countryside? Beach or Mountains? Sweet or savory?

●     Students then divide into two groups according to their stated preferences. In their groups, they then discuss and compile as many supporting reasons for their choice as they can come up with. As a group, they will discuss the relative merits of each reason, before agreeing on their top five.

●     The groups then share their reasons in a debate format, using arguments and counter-arguments, leading into an open, free-ranging discussion.

The value of this exercise lies in the collaborative and ‘combative’ natures of the exercises. Just as our physical muscles can grow through resistance, so too can the strength and resilience of our opinions and arguments.

This activity can also be used as a lead-in to opinion writing as it works well as a prewriting preparation exercise. The complexity of the issue to be discussed and debated can easily be modified to suit the abilities of the students too.

A COMPLETE UNIT ON TEACHING FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE

FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE  is like  “SPECIAL EFFECTS FOR AUTHORS.”  It is a powerful tool to create  VIVID IMAGERY  through words. This  HUGE UNIT  guides you through completely understanding  FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE .

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (26 Reviews)

OPINION WRITING VIDEO TUTORIALS

These videos from teaching without frills are an excellent starting point for opinion writing. You can view the entire collection here.

  The Wrap Up

Opinion writing is a higher-level skill that makes many demands on our students. It will challenge them to move beyond parroting the facts and figures they have acquired in their learning to formulate their own thoughts on topics they have learned about in class, or in the wider world beyond the school gates.

It will make demands on their skill as writers too. Our students must learn to mold and mechanically manipulate the language on the page to express their beliefs persuasively and effectively. To do this successfully, they will need ample opportunities to practice their writing craft. Once a firm understanding of the structures involved has been established, the student can become more fluid in their expression. They will add art and flair to their craft. But first, they must build on these firm foundations.

OTHER GREAT ARTICLES RELATED TO OPINION WRITING

Top 5 Persuasive Writing Techniques for Students

5 Top Persuasive Writing Lesson Plans for Students and Teachers

How to Write Perfect Persuasive Essays in 5 Simple Steps

23 Persuasive writing Topics for High School students

How to Write a Winning Debate Speech

Opinion Essay

Last updated on: Jun 9, 2023

How to Write an Opinion Essay - Structure, Topics & Examples

By: Cordon J.

Reviewed By: Rylee W.

Published on: Nov 2, 2021

The opinion essay is a type of persuasive writing that reflects the writer's point of view. It shows what the writer thinks or how they feel about a specific subject.

Moreover, such an essay requires good writing skills as well as an understanding of its format. Continue reading to know more about how to write a good opinion essay in no time. Also, find below the examples and topics for better guidance.

On this Page

What is an Opinion Essay?

An opinion essay is a formal piece of writing in which the writer expresses their viewpoints on a specific issue. It is done to persuade or convince readers.

To do this successfully, you need to present your opinions and reasoning with logical examples for both sides of the argument. The opposing viewpoint is also presented.

Similarly, an opinion essay is also known as agree or disagree essay. Writing an opinion essay is similar to writing a persuasive essay. It requires you to explain why your viewpoint is right, but it's more like the conclusion of a research paper. Here, the writer defends rather than trying to convince someone else about what they should think or do about the topic.

Consider the following points while writing a good opinion paper.

• Always support your opinion by using a strong piece of evidence from credible sources.
• Write all sentences in a proper sequence.
• Avoid using copied content from the internet and state your own opinion.
• Write formally and avoid using slang words.
• Ensure that the essay is free from any grammatical and spelling mistakes.

Paper Due? Why Suffer? That's our Job!

Opinion Essay Structure

Writing any type of essay requires proper format and structure. The same is the case with an opinion essay that follows a standard five-paragraph structure.

Let us have a look at the detailed opinion essay format structure given below.

Introduction

• Grab the audience’s interest with a hook statement
• Present your opinion
• Introduce the main topic
• State the thesis statement

Body Paragraph 1

• Write a topic sentence with the first reason
• Supporting evidence
• Facts/ Examples

Body Paragraph 2

• Write a topic sentence with the second reason

Body Paragraph 3

• Write a topic sentence with the third reason
• Summarize your opinion
• Restate the thesis statement

How to Write an Opinion Essay?

Writing an opinion essay requires proper planning and preparation. Here are some important steps that you should follow to write a perfect essay in no time.

1. Prewriting Stage

Before you start writing your opinion essay, collect evidence to support your viewpoint. Make sure that the information collected is relevant in order for it to be considered a good argument.

After you start brainstorming, consider answering these questions to get more ideas.

• What are the central arguments being conveyed in the essay?
• What did the audiences want to know?
• Is my opinion relevant to the main theme?
• How can I improve my opinion?

Look at this list for ideas and organize their answers in a detailed opinion essay outline.

2. Begin Writing the Essay

There are three major sections included in an opinion essay. These comprise an introduction paragraph, main body, and a conclusion. The following is a detailed description of these sections.

• Introduction -  It is the first section that discusses the subject and states your opinion about it. Always start this paragraph with an attention-grabbing hook statement and present the thesis statement at the end.
• Body Paragraphs -  These paragraphs contain all the relevant information to support the main thesis. Begin each paragraph with a topic sentence and use present tense while writing this essay. Never use phrasal verbs and idioms and add in-text citations properly. Lastly, make sure to use transitions for a logical flow of ideas. The opposing side who disagrees with the statement should also be represented in your writing.
• Conclusion -  This section is as important as the introduction. It should not only be restating the thesis statement but also present the central arguments. However, you should avoid introducing any new ideas.

3. Proofreading and Editing

The final step to your essay is proofreading. Make sure that the grammar, vocabulary, and spellings are all correct before submitting the final draft. Check for plagiarism, as this will also help protect you from being accused of cheating.

Don't forget about the essay’s structure. Make sure there is a clear introduction followed by well-developed body paragraphs and a conclusion.

Tough Essay Due? Hire Tough Writers!

Opinion Essay Examples

Examples are a great way to get a detailed idea of writing any type of essay. Below we have attached some samples for you to get a comprehensive understanding of the writing process.

OPINION ESSAY SAMPLE

OPINION ESSAY ABOUT COVID 19

OPINION ESSAY ABOUT FAST FOOD

Opinion Essay Topics

Here is a list of topics for an opinion essay that you can select for writing your own paper.

• Is social media damaging to our personal relationships?
• Does traveling benefit young people?
• Are high school dress codes biased against female students?
• Should primary schools still teach handwriting?
• Should public transportation be free for city residents?
• Should college and university be free?
• Should doping be allowed in competitive sports?
• Are professional sports players’ salaries too high?
• Should physical education be mandatory in high school?
• Should hormonal birth control be sold over the counter?

The comprehensive guide mentioned above will help you write a perfect opinion essay in no time. However, if you still need help with the writing process, contact a professional  essay writing service  like  5StarEssays.com .

Tired of the tedious research and writing that goes into every paper you write?

Our expert essay writers have what it takes to make your work stand out from everyone else's. With years of experience, they know how to get things done in no time at all!

Just tell them exactly what you need help with - whether that be a simple high school essay or an advanced dissertation, we'll take care of everything for you. Call us now and place your  order  to get an impressive opinion essay at affordable rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an opinion essay called.

An opinion essay is also known as an argumentative, persuasive, or position essay.

What is the purpose of an opinion essay?

An opinion essay aims to explain something from a subjective position of a writer. It is also used to convince someone of anything by proving the stance.

What are the features of opinion writing?

Some of the main features of opinion writing include:

• Concrete details
• Language and content-specific words
• Relationships between and among ideas
• Linking reasons and evidence to the opinion

How do you introduce an opinion in writing?

An opinion is mainly introduced by stating the topic and providing reasons that are supported by facts and details drawn from credible sources.

What is a supported opinion essay?

Supported opinion essays are a great way to show your opinion on the subject and back it up with sound evidence. The goal of this essay isn't just convincing readers that you're right but also letting them see how well-researched all aspects were for their own learning.

Can you use I in an opinion essay?

It's not true that there is such a rule as, never use (I) in an opinion essay . It depends on the circumstances, but these kinds of expressions should be used when you think it will help your writing and thematics to get across to the readers.

College Admission Essay, Law

Cordon. is a published author and writing specialist. He has worked in the publishing industry for many years, providing writing services and digital content. His own writing career began with a focus on literature and linguistics, which he continues to pursue. Cordon is an engaging and professional individual, always looking to help others achieve their goals.

Was This Blog Helpful?

Keep reading.

• How to Write A Bio – Professional Tips and Examples

• Learn How to Write an Article Review with Examples

• How to Write a Poem Step-by-Step Like a Pro

• How To Write Poetry - 7 Fundamentals and Tips

• Know About Appendix Writing With the Help of Examples

• List of Social Issues Faced By the World

• How To Write A Case Study - Easy Guide

• Learn How to Avoid Plagiarism in 7 Simple Steps

• Writing Guide of Visual Analysis Essay for Beginners

• Learn How to Write a Personal Essay by Experts

• Character Analysis - A Step By Step Guide

• Obesity Essay: A Complete Guide and Topics

• Thematic Statement: Writing Tips and Examples

• Expert Guide on How to Write a Summary

• How to Write a Synopsis - Easy Steps and Format Guide

• Learn How To Write An Editorial By Experts

• How to Get Better at Math - Easy Tips and Tricks

• How to Write a Movie Review - Steps and Examples

• Creative Writing - Easy Tips For Beginners

• Types of Plagiarism Every Student Should Know

People Also Read

• writing a book
• types of plagiarism
• descriptive essay writing
• scholarship essay examples
• commemorative speech

Burdened With Assignments?

Advertisement

• Homework Services: Essay Topics Generator

© 2024 - All rights reserved

• Grades 6-12
• School Leaders

Enter Today's Teacher Appreciation Giveaway!

Why the “Hamburger” Essay Has Gone Stale

And ways to freshen your students’ writing!

The last year has taught educators that we must update many tried and true methods. Especially given the time constraints placed on teachers–whether teaching virtually or face-to-face. I’d like to suggest an important change. Stop requiring the hamburger style, five-paragraph essay. There is no rule that five paragraphs make the best essay. In fact, this unwritten rule leads to restrictive, repetitive, and often content-weak essays. It’s time to get rid of the hamburger essay!

Bye, bye buns

Sure, teachers still assign this style of essay for a reason. It is easy and efficient, but that is often the problem. Many students write through the motions to make their ideas fit into the hamburger style because they’ve been taught to do for so long. Even many state writing assessments still encourage the five-paragraph essay. This requirement often leads to drawn-out and monotonous essays, just so the student can check the boxes.

In his article, Kill the 5-Paragraph Essay , John Warner writes, “The five-paragraph essay is indeed a genre, but one that is entirely uncoupled from anything resembling meaningful work when it comes to developing a fully mature writing process.” The five-paragraph assignment often causes students to focus on how the essay should look rather than what the essay should say.

[contextly_auto_sidebar]

Serve up choice and voice

My favorite college professor once said he wanted two things from us when we wrote or presented in his class: to be informed and to be entertained. He told us to focus on what we wanted to say and then figure out how to say it.

A quick look at College Board requirements for essays encourages students to consider the following topics: subject, occasion, audience, and purpose. Challenge students to really focus on what they want to say. Encourage students to ask these questions: What is my goal? Why is this important to me? Why should this be important to others? The main goal of any essay should be to help the reader understand your thesis by organizing the ideas in a logical manner to support it. Answering these questions will help the student craft a strong thesis; without it, the essay is just wilted lettuce and mushy buns.

Size shouldn’t matter

The three-pronged thesis statement approach provided the meat, lettuce, and tomato of the hamburger essay. But this also forces students to develop three, and only three, main ideas to support. Sometimes two, four, or more may be just what is needed. As for the conclusion, let go of the idea that the thesis and main ideas need to be repeated. Instead, instruct students to focus on making sure the final paragraph emphasizes why the essay is important and why further action may be needed.

Throughout the writing process, reassure students that it is okay to write creatively. They should spend more time researching and fully developing the necessary support instead of worrying about meeting a certain length or number of words. Encourage students to stay mindful about word choice and voice to set the tone, use a variety of sentence styles to keep readers interested, and stay on topic. These important elements will help the essay achieve its purpose regardless of the number of paragraphs. One of the most important goals of teaching writing is to challenge students to think critically and to find their own voice and style. The focus of essay writing needs to be on quality, not quantity.

Not all essays are equal

Consider the type of essay you are requiring the students to write. If expository is the requirement, a five-paragraph essay might fill the bill. However, if narrative writing is the focus, encourage students to check out NPR’s series “ This I Believe. ” Here students will be able to read and hear numerous styles of essays that also showcase a writer’s voice. If the essay is persuasive, students will certainly want to spend time not only developing those body paragraphs of support but the counterclaim as well. Additionally, many courses simply require students to write an introduction, multi-paragraph body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The length is totally up to the individual student.

Allowing more voice and choice in writing gives the students more control and, in the end, more joy in the process. After all, a meaty and well-done essay is a chef’s kis s to an educator and student who have an appetite for success.

Do you think it’s time to get rid of the hamburger essay? Share your comments below!

Also, let’s stop asking students to start every essay with a hook ., want more articles like this make sure to subscribe to our newsletters .

You Might Also Like

Let’s Stop Asking Students to Start Every Essay With a “Hook”

Because writing an essay is hard enough. Continue Reading

Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved. 5335 Gate Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32256

Search form

An opinion essay about fast food.

Look at the exam question and essay and do the exercises to improve your writing skills. 

Instructions

Do the preparation exercise first. Then read the text and do the other exercises.

Preparation

Check your understanding: matching

Check your vocabulary: gap fill, check your writing: multiple choice, worksheets and downloads.

Is fast food popular in your country? Do you think it causes health problems or any other kinds of problems?

Sign up to our newsletter for LearnEnglish Teens

We will process your data to send you our newsletter and updates based on your consent. You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the "unsubscribe" link at the bottom of every email. Read our privacy policy for more information.

Home — Essay Samples — Life — Hamburger

Essays on Hamburger

Hamburger essay topics and outline examples, essay title 1: the evolution of the hamburger: from street food to culinary icon.

Thesis Statement: This essay traces the fascinating history of the hamburger, exploring its humble beginnings as street food, its transformation into a culinary icon, and its enduring popularity in contemporary cuisine.

• Introduction
• Origins of the Hamburger: The Birth of a Classic
• From Food Stalls to Fast Food Chains: The Rise of the Hamburger Empire
• Ingredients Matter: The Perfect Patty and Burger Construction
• Global Burger Craze: International Variations and Fusion Creations
• The Hamburger Renaissance: Gourmet Burgers and Culinary Innovation
• Conclusion: The Timeless Allure of the Hamburger

Essay Title 2: Burger Culture and Identity: Exploring the Socio-Cultural Significance of the Hamburger

Thesis Statement: This essay investigates the social and cultural impact of hamburgers, analyzing how this beloved food item has become a symbol of culture, identity, and even political discourse in different parts of the world.

• The Hamburger as a Cultural Icon: National Pride and Global Recognition
• Burger Joints and Communities: The Role of Hamburger Restaurants
• Identity and Innovation: Fusion Burgers and Unique Regional Twists
• Fast Food Nation: The Hamburger's Impact on Health and Environment
• Hamburgers in Pop Culture: Music, Movies, and Advertising
• Conclusion: Beyond the Bun - The Hamburger's Societal Impact

Essay Title 3: The Burger Revolution: Health-Conscious Choices and Sustainable Alternatives

Thesis Statement: This essay explores the contemporary burger landscape, focusing on the shift towards healthier and more sustainable burger options, the rise of plant-based alternatives, and the impact of conscious consumer choices on the industry.

• Beyond Beef: The Plant-Based Burger Movement
• From Farm to Table: Sustainable Sourcing and Ethical Practices
• Health and Wellness: Low-Fat, Low-Carb, and Nutritional Considerations
• Culinary Creativity: Chef-Driven Burger Menus and Fusion Cuisine
• Consumer Power: How Choices Impact the Burger Industry
• Conclusion: The Future of Burgers - Tastes, Trends, and Sustainability

Homemade Hamburger and Fries: My Favorite Meal

Culture and food: a research on hamburger, made-to-order essay as fast as you need it.

Each essay is customized to cater to your unique preferences

+ experts online

Investigation of The Ethics of a Hamburger

A hamburger with a side of lies, little tricks for cooking a tasty hamburger, reasons why there is no real meat in hamburgers, let us write you an essay from scratch.

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Report on The Analysis of The Situation of Hamburger Restaurants

The way eating hamburgers helps to maintain your dream weight, myburgerlab ’s background, relevant topics.

• Japanese Food Culture

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free

LI needs food scrap processing facilities

Glenda Alvarado-Ostrow moves discarded vegetables from a community farm into compost piles in Centereach in August 2021. Credit: Linda Rosier

This guest essay reflects the views of Beth Fiteni, co-director of the Long Island Organics Council.

Each time I chop vegetables, I put the cuttings in a container on my kitchen counter, and bring it out weekly to the backyard compost bin. This may not seem like a big deal, but it is. Food scraps comprise 17% of municipal solid waste in New York. Long Islanders generate about ½ pound or more per person per day. When these substances break down, they release methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

To address this on a larger scale, New York State adopted a law starting in 2023 that institutions that generate more than 4,000 pounds of food scraps per week must either donate them or send them to a compost facility or anaerobic digester if they are within 25 miles of one. That was wise. There’s just one problem: Long Island has no such facilities.

Roughly 200 catering halls, theme parks, grocery stores, and other large food scrap generators in Nassau and Suffolk counties should be complying with the law. However, since there are no facilities within the 25-mile requirement, about 125 of those local businesses are carting their food scraps off Long Island to be processed, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation. The rest are unknowns; they are either filing waivers, not reporting, or not complying. For the sake of boosting our economy and soils and fighting climate change, we need to improve this.

Long Island's only registered commercial composting facility that accepted food scraps is shutting down for several reasons, including the lack of food scraps not contaminated by plastic and a lack of awareness about the importance and value of compost. It’s not just a nice thing for hippies. It’s actually a sensible way to retain nutrients that can enrich local soils. If Long Island processed its own food scraps, it would reduce the vehicle miles traveled by carters, resulting in less pollution and wear and tear on our roads. The processing and selling of local compost products would also create numerous jobs and a circular economy: Many East End farms purchase compost from out of state, sending local dollars elsewhere.

We can do this. One good step would be for some or all of the 30 or so yard-waste facilities on Long Island to start accepting food scraps, as has occurred upstate. The Town of Riverhead has successfully established Long Island’s first municipal food scrap drop-off site, recovering and composting about 10,000 pounds of what would have been waste since May 2023.

From our Editorial Board, get inside the local, city and state political scenes.

By clicking Sign up, you agree to our privacy policy .

Anaerobic digesters are also an option. One has been in the works for several years now in Suffolk. These can accept compostable materials and produce energy from the methane.

State and local municipalities should be proactively fostering the development of composting facilities where appropriate, through education, financial assistance, and streamlining of permits.

In terms of siting, some proposed facilities have met with resistance because of the perception that they cause odors. Managed properly, that is not true. I have visited several composting facilities in New York City and upstate, and smelled nothing but a fresh earthy scent of new soil.

Public education is needed to inform communities about the reality and value of local processing of compost. There are numerous programs upstate and in other countries implementing curbside pickup the same way we recycle bottles and paper. Long Island needs to catch up and not miss this opportunity for a new economic sector.

Until then, I’ll keep putting my scraps in my backyard bin.

This guest essay reflects the views of Beth Fiteni, co-director of the Long Island Organics Council.

Unlimited Digital Access Only 25¢ for 5 months

History | Today in History: Saturday Evening Post…

Share this:.

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on X (Opens in new window)
• Click to print (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
• Restaurants, Food and Drink
• Entertainment
• Immigration
• Sports Betting

History | Today in History: Saturday Evening Post published its first Norman Rockwell cover

Today’s Highlight in History:

On May 20, 1916, the Saturday Evening Post published its first Norman Rockwell cover; the illustration shows a scowling boy dressed in his Sunday best, dutifully pushing a baby carriage past a couple of boys wearing baseball uniforms.

1927, Charles Lindbergh took off from Roosevelt Field on Long Island, New York, aboard the Spirit of St. Louis on his historic solo flight to France.

On this date:

In 1862, President Abraham Lincoln signed the Homestead Act, which was intended to encourage settlements west of the Mississippi River by making federal land available for farming.

In 1927, Charles Lindbergh took off from Roosevelt Field on Long Island, New York, aboard the Spirit of St. Louis on his historic solo flight to France.

In 1932, Amelia Earhart took off from Newfoundland to become the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic. (Because of weather and equipment problems, Earhart set down in Northern Ireland instead of her intended destination, France.)

In 1948, Chiang Kai-shek was inaugurated as the first president of the Republic of China (Taiwan).

In 1956, the United States exploded the first airborne hydrogen bomb over Bikini Atoll in the Pacific.

In 1959, nearly 5,000 Japanese-Americans had their U.S. citizenship restored after choosing to renounce it during World War II.

In 1961, a white mob attacked a busload of Freedom Riders in Montgomery, Alabama, prompting the federal government to send in U.S. marshals to restore order.

In 1969, U.S. and South Vietnamese forces captured Ap Bia Mountain, referred to as “Hamburger Hill” by the Americans, following one of the bloodiest battles of the Vietnam War.

In 1985, Radio Marti, operated by the U.S. government, began broadcasting; Cuba responded by attempting to jam its signal.

In 2009, in a rare, bipartisan defeat for President Barack Obama, the Senate voted overwhelmingly, 90-6, to keep the prison at Guantanamo Bay open for the foreseeable future and forbid the transfer of any detainees to facilities in the United States.

In 2012, Robin Gibb, who along with his brothers Maurice and Barry, defined the disco era as part of the Bee Gees, died in London at 62.

In 2013, Ray Manzarek, a founding member of the 1960s rock group the Doors, died in Germany at age 74.

In 2015, four of the world’s biggest banks — JPMorgan Chase, Citigroup’s banking unit Citicorp, Barclays and the Royal Bank of Scotland — agreed to pay more than $5 billion in penalties and plead guilty to rigging the currency markets.

In 2018, the Vegas Golden Knights reached the Stanley Cup Finals, becoming the first NHL expansion team to achieve the feat since 1968.

In 2020, President Donald Trump threatened to hold up federal funds for two election battleground states (Michigan and Nevada) that were making it easier to vote by mail during the pandemic.

In 2022, longtime New Yorker writer and editor Roger Angell, who contributed hundreds of essays and stories to the magazine over a 70-year career, died at age 101.

Today’s Birthdays: Actor-author James McEachin is 94. Actor Anthony Zerbe is 88. Actor David Proval is 82. Singer-actor Cher is 78. Actor-comedian Dave Thomas is 76. Rock musician Warren Cann is 74. Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho, is 73. Former New York Gov. David Paterson is 70. Delaware Gov. John Carney is 68. Actor Dean Butler is 68. TV-radio personality Ron Reagan is 66. Rock musician Jane Wiedlin (The Go-Go’s) is 66. Actor Bronson Pinchot is 65. Singer Susan Cowsill is 65. Actor John Billingsley is 64. Actor Tony Goldwyn is 64. Singer Nick Heyward is 63. TV personality Ted Allen is 59. Actor Mindy Cohn is 58. Rock musician Tom Gorman (Belly) is 58. Actor Gina Ravera is 58. Actor Timothy Olyphant is 56. Former race car driver Tony Stewart is 53. Rapper Busta Rhymes is 52. Actor Daya Vaidya is 51. Actor Matt Czuchry is 47. Actor Angela Goethals is 47. Actor-singer Naturi Naughton is 40. Country singer Jon Pardi is 39.

More in History

History | ask amy: i’ve tried to set boundaries.

Daily Southtown | Landmarks: Cook County school festival images resurface a century later, thanks to Wisconsin archive

History | Today in History: Former first lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis dies

History | Today in History: New York Native publishes article about AIDS

Trending nationally.

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Guest Essay

Occupation Has Corrupted the Humanity of Israel’s Military

By Avner Gvaryahu

Mr. Gvaryahu is the director of Breaking the Silence, an organization of veterans opposed to the occupation of Gaza and the West Bank.

Israel’s military has brought utter devastation to the Palestinians of Gaza after the attack by Hamas on Oct. 7. But the extreme response is not only a reaction to the horrors of that day. It is also a product of the decades-long role the military has played in enforcing Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.

The occupation has cultivated a longstanding disregard among Israeli soldiers for Palestinian lives, and similar impulses in the words and actions of commanders can be seen to lie behind the horrors of what we are witnessing today.

Israel has governed a people denied basic human rights and the rule of law through constant coercion, threats and intimidation. The idea that the only answer to Palestinian resistance, both violent and nonviolent, is greater — and more indiscriminate — force has shown signs of becoming entrenched in the Israel Defense Forces and in Israeli politics.

I know this through the numerous testimonies collected by my organization, Breaking the Silence, which was formed in 2004 by a group of Israeli veterans to expose the reality of Israel’s military occupation. We know firsthand and from thousands of soldiers that military occupation is imposed on civilians through fear, which is instilled by the growing and often arbitrary use of force.

For 20 years, we have heard these soldiers speak of the gradual erosion of principles that, even if never fully upheld, were once seen as fundamental to the moral character of the Israel Defense Forces. We have continued our work despite criticism from the military and the government.

I also know this because I myself have undergone this moral corruption. I, like many Israeli soldiers, went into the military thinking I knew the difference between right and wrong, and had a clear sense of the boundaries on legitimate use of force. But every boundary is destined to be redrawn in a military occupation, whose very existence relies on terrorizing a civilian population into submission.

I clearly remember one of the first times I entered the home of a Palestinian family, as a sergeant, in a village near Nablus in the West Bank in 2007. It was in the middle of the night and we were told that the house would make a good observation point. As we approached, we heard an elderly woman next door screaming in fear. We broke the window of her home and shone a flashlight. She was terrified, speaking unintelligibly. Her family was looking in from the other room, too scared to enter and calm her down. These people weren’t suspects. They just lived next door to the house we needed.

I was horrified, but I soon grew accustomed to such scenes. As soldiers, we used people’s houses for our purposes. We used people’s things. We used people. From home invasions to checkpoints, patrols to arrests, we eventually stopped seeing Palestinian civilians as real, living people. I quit asking myself: What do they feel? What do they think? How would I feel if soldiers barged into my house in the middle of the night? These questions, so crucial for morality and humanity, lost their meaning.

Since the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas on Israel in which 1,200 people were killed and 240 kidnapped, over 35,000 Palestinians have been killed, some 1.7 million Palestinians have been displaced and 1.1 million Palestinians are facing catastrophic levels of food insecurity, according to the United Nations.

And so, as the war grinds on, we Israelis are not who we think we are. We may think we know our boundaries and principles, we may think we are on the side of right, we may think we are in control. Yet what was once unthinkable soon becomes the norm. The innocent, we say, must be protected. But we have lived for too long as an occupying power; we see no one as innocent anymore. We see threats everywhere and in anyone, threats that, we feel, justify almost anything.

That may include using suffering to achieve military goals. “The international community warns of a humanitarian disaster in Gaza and of severe epidemics,” Giora Eiland, a retired major general and former head of the Israel National Security Council, wrote in November. “We must not shy away from this, as difficult as that may be,” he said, adding, “This is not about cruelty for cruelty’s sake, since we don’t support the suffering of the other side as a goal, but as a means.”

Israel has repeatedly maintained that it is doing all that it can to protect civilians. But the heart of this pattern of moral deterioration is in the military’s determination of who is a combatant.

The shifting sense of who is an enemy combatant and who isn’t, both in military procedures and soldiers’ attitudes, is especially clear in Israel’s periodic wars in Gaza, where the withdrawal of Israeli settlements and ground forces in 2005 cleared the way for harsher and less discriminate methods of war.

Take Operation Cast Lead, in 2008 and 2009, which began with an aerial attack on police stations in Gaza City and ultimately killed more than 240 policemen and injured around 750. After the fact, Israel claimed it did not violate the laws of war by targeting policemen since the “collective role of the Gaza ‘police’” was “an integral part of Hamas armed forces” and as such, they were effectively considered enemy combatants. But according to a United Nations fact-finding mission, the policemen killed in the attacks “cannot be said to have been taking a direct part in hostilities.”

Operation Protective Edge, in the summer of 2014, was the deadliest Israeli military campaign in the Gaza Strip since 1967 until the current war. More than 2,200 Palestinians were killed, 1,391 of them civilians , according to the Israeli human rights organization B’Tselem. Many soldiers who took part in the operation have told Breaking the Silence that very little was required by their commanders to label a person an enemy combatant. Two unarmed women walking in an orchard, talking on their phones, were suspected of scouting Israeli forces — and were killed, one soldier told us. After a commander ordered their bodies to be checked, the conclusion was, “They were fired at — so of course, they must have been terrorists,” said the soldier whose identity like that of many of our witnesses we have kept anonymous to protect his safety.

Israel’s conduct in the current war demonstrates this viewpoint even more. A reservist officer recently told a journalist: “De facto, a terrorist is anyone the military kills inside the zone of combat.” This reckless interpretation of the rules of war has resulted in meaningless loss for Palestinians and Israelis alike. In December, the Israeli military mistakenly killed three Israeli hostages in Gaza who had been shirtless, unarmed and bearing a makeshift white flag.

The military said the shooting of the three men had violated its rules of engagement. But soldiers who participated in previous wars in Gaza report ed being instructed, upon entering areas where civilians had been warned to evacuate, to shoot anything that moves because anyone who stayed was considered a threat and a legitimate target. Similar reports are surfacing now.

In contrast to these attitudes, consider the 2002 Israeli bombing of the home of a top Hamas commander in Gaza City that killed him and 14 others, including eight children. A government committee concluded that faulty intelligence led to the high civilian death toll, and implied that had it been known there were many civilians on site, the attack would have been aborted.

The shocking numbers of civilian casualties in the current war — nearly 13,000 women and children, according to Gazan authorities — may be the result, to some degree, of other changes in Israel’s targeting policies, too. According to intelligence sources that +972 Magazine and Local Call spoke with , on previous operations senior military operatives were defined as “human targets” who could be killed in their homes even if civilians were around. In the current war, the sources reportedly said, the term “human target” covers all Hamas fighters.

This has clearly led to a sharp increase in the number of targets, which has probably meant that the lengthy process of justifying operations has had to speed up. The military has employed artificial intelligence to help. According to the intelligence sources who spoke with +972 and Local Call, A.I. marked some 37,000 Palestinians in Gaza in the early days of the war for targeting as suspected Hamas militants, most of them of junior rank . It is unclear how many of that group have been killed. The Israeli military has disputed some of these allegations.

A military that controls civilians by force for decades is bound to lose its ethical compass. So does a society that sends its military on such a mission. The horrors of Oct. 7 have accelerated and intensified this process. The death and destruction that have been brought upon Gaza will shape the future of Palestinians and Israelis for generations to come. There will have to be a profound moral reckoning.

Avner Gvaryahu is director of Breaking the Silence, an organization of Israeli veterans opposed to the occupation of Gaza and the West Bank.

The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. We’d like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips . And here’s our email: [email protected] .

Follow the New York Times Opinion section on Facebook , Instagram , TikTok , WhatsApp , X and Threads .

We've detected unusual activity from your computer network

To continue, please click the box below to let us know you're not a robot.

Why did this happen?

Please make sure your browser supports JavaScript and cookies and that you are not blocking them from loading. For more information you can review our Terms of Service and Cookie Policy .

For inquiries related to this message please contact our support team and provide the reference ID below.