Thanks for your reply!
But I would like to say, I often end up having 2-3 paragraphs. The problem is when I can work out a systematic and logic way (this is basically my essay plan) to dissect a particular topic, I always try to explore each idea in-depth. As a result, like you said, I will tend to present many ideas in one paragraph. For my SACs, I always tried to include 3 paragraphs, and my marks are quite ok, but I rarely/never find myself writing more than that.
No worries at all!
Exactly, I know because I speak from experience. I always used to think like you as well (and we're not the only ones) - a lot of people still follow that Intro-3 Body Paragraphs-Conclusion format. I'm not saying its a bad approach, but I am saying its risky. One day it came to me, that it didn't have to be in that format, and it would be better to have more than 3 paragraphs to separate ideas. Yup, presenting too many ideas (in fact more than one) in a paragraph is risky because its simply too much. You will lose marks on flow, because its just a whole heap of ideas (which may still be good), but its just put together in a few paragraphs.
What I would suggest, is may be doing a plan for a few Text Response Questions, and list the ideas you would discuss. You may like to even try writing essays that
don't follow the general Intro-3 Body Paragraphs-Conclusion format. See how you go, and may be even give a copy to your teacher and see what he/she says. As long as the ideas are relevant to the Question, I'm sure they would love it, because it shows your understanding of the text. Of course linking is important (There's no doubt about it), but if your ideas flow, that's what matters at the end of the day.
You still have just over a month before the Exam which is plenty of time to practice this style. If it doesn't suit you, then its completely fine, but try it and see whether you express yourself better. May be assess your work and compare it to another piece that you wrote. Critique it, and be harsh to see what's good and what's not. Then give it to your teacher and get some feedback on it as well.
I'm sure that if you do 3 or 4 drafts (may be 1 or 2 will even do it), you will have nailed the structure of doing it this other way.
Let me know how you go - Just send me a PM if you try this style.