College Composition CLEP Prep Practice Exam

What is the purpose of a thesis statement?

1. To summarize main points

2. To restate the introduction

3. To introduce an argument

4. To provide evidence

The correct answer is: To introduce an argument

A thesis statement is a statement that presents the main idea or argument of an essay or research paper. Its purpose is to provide a clear and concise overview of the main argument and direction of the paper. Option A, summarizing main points, does not accurately describe the purpose of a thesis statement as it is meant to present the main idea, not summarize it. Option B, restating the introduction, is also incorrect as a thesis statement should be specific and not simply repeat what was already stated in the introduction. Option D, providing evidence, is not the purpose of a thesis statement as evidence should be used to support the argument presented in the thesis statement. Therefore, the correct answer is C, to introduce an argument.