PSSA English Language Arts (ELA) – Grade 4 Practice Test

A thesis statement serves as the backbone of an essay, encapsulating the main argument or claim that the writer intends to convey. It provides a clear and concise summary of the central idea that the subsequent paragraphs will support, guiding the reader through the argument or narrative.

In a well-crafted thesis statement, the writer typically articulates their stance on a particular issue, allowing the reader to understand the direction of the essay from the outset. This focused statement is crucial because it establishes the purpose of the writing and sets the stage for the discussion that follows, helping to keep the text organized and coherent.

By comparison, posing a question at the start of an essay might engage the reader’s curiosity but does not explicitly state the writer's position or main point. A summary of the writer’s qualifications may provide context for why the writer is authoritative on the topic but does not address the main argument itself. Similarly, a conclusion drawn from research would typically come at the end of the writing, rather than summarizing the main point at the beginning.