Prepare for the College Composition CLEP Exam effectively with our comprehensive quiz featuring multiple-choice questions and detailed explanations. Boost your confidence and improve your writing skills!

Practice this question and more.


What is the primary purpose of a thesis statement?

  1. To summarize the essay

  2. To introduce the main argument

  3. To indicate the evidence used

  4. To provide the reader with a conclusion

The correct answer is: To introduce the main argument

A thesis statement is typically found at the end of the introduction paragraph and serves to introduce the main argument or claim that will be discussed in the essay. The purpose of a thesis statement is to guide the reader and inform them of the main point or argument that the essay will be addressing. Option A is incorrect because a thesis statement is not meant to summarize the entire essay, but rather to introduce the main argument. Option C is incorrect as a thesis statement does not necessarily indicate the specific evidence that will be used in the essay, but rather presents the overarching argument. Option D is incorrect because a thesis statement is not meant to provide a conclusion, but rather to set up the main argument of the essay.