Ace the AP English Language Challenge 2025 – Unleash Your Inner Wordsmith!

The best description of a thesis statement is a claim that provides the main argument. A thesis statement serves as the central point around which an essay is built, articulating the writer's position or interpretation regarding a specific topic. It is typically presented in the introduction and outlines what the reader can expect from the rest of the essay. This statement not only conveys the main idea but also sets the tone for the argument, guiding the discussion and ensuring that the points made throughout the essay align with this central claim.

In contrast, a summary of the entire essay would not encapsulate the focused stance that a thesis statement provides. An introduction to the conclusion does not accurately represent the function of a thesis statement, as it does not serve as a guide for the arguments presented in the body of the essay. Furthermore, a list of references is unrelated to the thesis statement as it pertains to citations of sources rather than the articulation of the main argument. Thus, identifying a thesis statement as a claim that provides the main argument captures its essence and purpose in essay writing.