California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) English Practice Exam

How many paragraphs are typically included in a standard argumentative essay?

1. Five paragraphs

2. Four paragraphs

3. Six paragraphs

4. Three paragraphs

The correct answer is: Six paragraphs

In a standard argumentative essay, the typical structure comprises five paragraphs: an introduction, three body paragraphs to present and argue the main points, and a conclusion. The introduction serves to introduce the topic and present a thesis statement, while each body paragraph is dedicated to a specific argument supporting the thesis. The conclusion summarizes the arguments and reinforces the thesis. While essays may sometimes contain more or fewer than five paragraphs, this five-paragraph model is commonly taught and widely used in writing instruction for developing coherent arguments. Having an established structure helps in organizing thoughts and enhancing clarity, but the key is that often, a well-developed essay will aim for this five-paragraph framework for a balanced and complete presentation of ideas. Therefore, the choice stating six paragraphs does not reflect the most common or widely accepted format for an argumentative essay.