An essay is typically made up of multiple paragraphs, typically between three and seven, with each paragraph containing multiple sentences.
An essay of about 500 words will typically consist of four to five paragraphs, typically between five and eight sentences. Each paragraph should contain only one idea that supports the thesis statement of the essay.
The length of sentences and number of sentences for an essay will depend on each individual’s writing style and the subject matter they are discussing.
Generally, sentences should not be overly long or complex as this can make an essay difficult to read.
Longer sentences can be used when appropriate to explain complex ideas but, in general, shorter sentences are more effective for maintaining the reader’s interest.
It is best for the essay writer to use sentence variety when writing their essay so that it has a consistent flow and does not become boring to the reader.
Although there is not a strict requirement regarding the number of sentences in an essay, it is typically best to stay within the five to eight sentence range for each paragraph.