Final answer:
A thesis statement is the term for a declarative sentence or two that sums up the main idea of a text and author's purpose for writing. It provides a guide for the reader to understand the core argument and is supported by synthesis and summary of key information.
Step-by-step explanation:
A statement that sums up the main idea of a text and explains the author's reason for writing it is often referred to as a thesis statement. This critical component of writing serves as the anchor for the text and guides the reader in understanding the author's message and the purpose behind the text. It encapsulates the core argument or viewpoint that the author is presenting and usually appears in the introduction but is further echoed in the conclusion for emphasis. The thesis statement may be supported by a summary of key points that back up the author's stance. This summary is an essential tool for the reader as it offers context and a condensed version of the full argument or narrative presented.
In any analytical or argumentative paper that you write, the synthesis of various ideas and facts supports the overarching thesis. This synthesis is vital as it demonstrates the relationships between different pieces of information and how they collectively underscore the thesis. Therefore, the thesis statement not only presents the main idea and intent of the text but also sets the stage for the discussion and analysis that follows.