Final answer:
A thesis statement belongs at the end of the introduction in an essay. It sets out the main idea and the writer's position, guiding both writer and reader through the argument. The introduction draws readers in, and the thesis provides a clear direction for the essay.
Step-by-step explanation:
In academic writing, a thesis statement is a sentence that expresses the main idea or argument of an essay. It typically appears at the end of the introductory paragraph of a paper. A solid thesis statement guides both the writer and the reader as to what the essay will be about and the stance the writer takes on that subject. The purpose of a thesis statement is to inform the reader of the topic being discussed and indicate the writer's position on that topic.
When drafting an essay, the thesis statement serves as a vital component that outlines the intention and scope of the work. While the introduction may be written at any stage in the essay-writing process, it should ultimately include the thesis statement, ideally at the last sentence of the introduction to provide clarity on the essay's direction. This strategic placement helps draw readers in with a clear focus on what is to come in the body of the essay.
In conclusion, the thesis statement should be reiterated to remind the reader of the argument and provide a sense of closure. However, the original placement of the thesis statement should be at the end of the introduction, making this the answer to the question of where a thesis statement belongs.