Final answer:
The thesis statement typically appears as the last sentence of the first paragraph of a research paper, serving to outline the paper's main argument and guiding the structure of the content that follows.
Step-by-step explanation:
A thesis statement will typically appear as the last sentence of the first paragraph in a finished research paper. This strategic placement at the end of the introduction serves to assert the main argument or position that the paper will discuss and support.
As you begin to compose your body paragraphs, ensure that they support your argument and address any counterclaims, keeping in mind the importance of each paragraph's information in relation to the thesis statement. The concluding paragraph will then circle back, starting with a topic sentence that reflects the argument of the thesis statement, summarizing the main points of the paper, and providing a strong and effective close.
Although writers may choose to draft the introduction at different stages in their writing process, the thesis statement generally remains anchored in its position at the end of the introduction. This helps readers to understand the paper's purpose and the writer's stance from the very beginning.