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

How many sentences are recommended for each paragraph in an essay?

1. At least three to five sentences

2. At least six to seven sentences

3. At least eight to ten sentences

4. At least twelve to fifteen sentences

The correct answer is: At least eight to ten sentences

The recommendation of eight to ten sentences per paragraph provides a balanced approach to structuring an essay. This length allows for enough depth to develop an idea thoroughly while remaining concise enough to keep the reader's attention. Each paragraph can effectively introduce a topic sentence, provide supporting details and evidence, and conclude or transition smoothly to the next paragraph. In this range, the writer has the flexibility to elaborate on the main point without overwhelming the reader with overly long paragraphs, which might dilute the focus or create complexity in understanding. Structure is key in essay writing, and this guideline helps maintain clarity and coherence throughout the piece.