what is thesis statement

A thesis statement is a sentence that states the topic and purpose of a paper. It usually appears in the introductory paragraph of an essay, research paper, or other written work, and offers a concise summary of the main point or claim of the piece. A thesis statement is a road map for the paper, telling the reader what to expect from the rest of the paper. It is a statement that directly answers the question asked of you and is an interpretation of a question or subject, not the subject itself. A strong thesis statement expresses one main idea and is the result of a lengthy thinking process. The thesis statement is developed, supported, and explained in the course of the paper by means of examples and evidence, and it helps organize and develop the body of the writing piece. A thesis statement does not necessarily forecast the organization of an essay, which can be more complex than its purpose.