Where is the thesis statement most likely to be located in an essay?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

To tackle this question, let's lay out what a thesis statement represents and where instructors commonly place it within an essay.
Option 1: 'at the end of the first paragraph' — This is a common and widely taught placement, where the thesis appears near the end of the introductory paragraph to set up the main argument that will be developed in the body. It aligns with standard essay structure and helps guide the reader from context to claim.
Option 2: 'it should be the last sentence' — While the thesis often appears near the end of the introduction, stating that it must be the very last sentence is too restrictive. In many styles, the thesis can be a sentence that follows a couple of introductory sentences within the first paragraph, not necessarily as the final line.
Option 3: 'the thesis statement is optional' — This is generally inaccurate for essays that require a clear argument or stance. Most academic essays use a thesis to declare the main claim and provide a roadmap for the sections that follow.
Option 4: 'it should be the first sentence' — Some writers begin with a hook or context before presenting the thesis, so insisting it must be the first sentence is not universally true. The thesis is often embedded after some introductory material.
Option 5: 'the end of the last paragraph' — The final paragraph is typically a conclusion that restates or reflects on the argument, not where the thesis is introduced. This placement would mislead readers about the essay’s central claim.
In summary, the most accepted practice among these options is that the thesis is commonly located at the end of the first paragraph, providing a clear, initial claim after some setup in the introduction.

Accelerated ELL Writing 2 | Thesis Statement Quiz

Where is the thesis statement most likely to be located in an essay?

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