Final answer:
The thesis statement is placed at the end of the introduction to ensure readers are prepared to understand its significance and to naturally guide them from general context to the specific argument of the essay.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reason why a thesis statement should be placed at the end of the introduction is rooted in its strategic position for structuring the argument of an essay. Option C captures this well; placing the thesis statement at the end allows readers to be better prepared to understand the thesis statement. The introduction serves to provide context, engage the reader, and present the topic. As the introduction progresses, it builds up to the thesis statement, guiding readers through the background information and relevance of the topic before revealing the essay's main argument or standpoint.
It further creates a logical trajectory from the general to the specific. This positioning ensures that by the time readers encounter the thesis statement, they have enough context to understand its significance and are ready to follow the ensuing arguments that support this central idea throughout the body of the essay. It's also worth noting that in some persuasive writing strategies, presenting the thesis statement towards the end can also serve to make a dramatic impact or cater to a specific audience's expectations.