Final answer:
The appropriate word to fill in the blank is 'anchors.' The thesis statement anchors the entire essay by setting the tone, defining the argument, and guiding the reader's understanding of the essay's purpose.
Step-by-step explanation:
The thesis statement anchors the entire essay. It does so by articulating the main argument, which should be short, specific, debatable, and clear. A thesis statement typically appears as the last sentence of the introduction and previews the organization of the essay and the points that will be addressed. Importantly, a thesis statement establishes the scope and focus of the essay, providing readers with an understanding of the essay's purpose and stance.
A strong thesis statement is not merely a restatement of the essay question, a simple topic announcement, or an assertion of fact. Rather, it's a statement of the writer's position on the topic, which is supported throughout the essay. By doing so, the thesis statement acts like a map that guides the reader through the writer's arguments, and as such, it plays an integral role in the structure and clarity of the essay.