Question at position 4 What is the purpose of the thesis statement in the introduction of an essay?To provide background information To state the main argument of the essayTo list the references To summarise the conclusion

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Question at position 4 What is the purpose of the thesis statement in the introduction of an essay?To provide background information To state the main argument of the essayTo list the references To summarise the conclusion

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

First, we consider what the question is asking: the purpose of the thesis statement in the introduction of an essay, and we have four options to evaluate.
Option 1: 'To provide background information' — While some background may appear in the introduction, the thesis statement itself is not primarily for providing background details. Background info serves to set context, whereas the thesis states the main argument or claim the essay will support. Therefore this option describes a broader introductory role rather than the core purpose of the thesis statement.
Option 2: 'To state the main argument of the essay' — This accurately captures the essential function of a thesis statement. It concisely presents the central claim or position that the essay will argue and defend, guiding both the writer and the reader throughout the piece. This is the defining purpose of a thesis statement in scholarly writing.
Option 3: 'To list the references' — References are documented in a bibliography or works cited section, not in the thesis statement. The thesis statement should not function as a list of sources. This option describes a separate component of an essay's apparatus, not the thesis itself.
Option 4: 'To summarise the conclusion' — Summarizing the conclusion belongs to the end of the essay, not the introduction. The thesis statement is forward-looking, presenting the argument to be developed, whereas a summary at the end reflects back on what was concluded. This option confuses purpose with the closing portion of the piece.
In summary, option 2 correctly identifies the primary role of the thesis statement as presenting the main argument, while options 1, 3, and 4 describe functions associated with other parts or aspects of an essay.

Question at position 4 What is the purpose of the thesis statement in the introduction of an essay?To provide background information To state the main argument of the essayTo list the references To summarise the conclusion

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