The correct answer is D) Tell the reader what the writer will discuss in the essay
Step-by-step explanation:
In argumentative texts like essays, the thesis statement expresses the position or perspective the author of the essay supports. This means that by identifying the thesis statement you can know the purpose and topic or issue the author will discuss because the thesis is supported through evidence, reason, etc. during the essay. Additionally, the thesis statement is included in the introduction as this section of the essay explains what the text is about and its organization. According to this, the purpose of the thesis statement is to "tell the reader what the writer will discuss in the essay".