Here's why:
* Paragraphs create breaks: The natural breaks in an essay come from the use of paragraphs. Each paragraph explores a specific idea or point, and the blank line between paragraphs serves as a visual cue for the reader that a new thought is being introduced.
* Flow of the text: Using line breaks in prose can disrupt the natural flow of the text and make it difficult for the reader to follow the argument.
* Formatting: Essays generally have a standard format, with margins and spacing. Line breaks that aren't part of the paragraph structure would look strange and could be mistaken for formatting errors.
When to Use Line Breaks:
* Poetry: Line breaks are essential in poetry to create rhythm, meter, and emphasis.
* Dialogue: When writing dialogue, you use a line break to indicate a change of speaker.
* Lists: Line breaks can be used for clarity in lists, but they are not strictly necessary.
In short: Unless you are writing poetry or dialogue, stick to the standard paragraph structure for your essays. Let the flow of your sentences and the logical progression of your ideas guide the reader.