Final answer:
Yes, you can write a thesis statement about an author's purpose, and it can be both factual and debatable depending on whether the author's intent is clear or open to interpretation. The statement should reflect an opinion on the author's purpose, supported by analysis of the text and its rhetorical impact.
Step-by-step explanation:
Writing a thesis statement about the author's purpose of writing a text can be both factual and debatable. The author's intent may be a factual statement if they have clearly communicated their purpose. However, interpreting the author's purpose can also be a matter of debate, especially when the text is open to multiple interpretations or if the author's true intent is not explicitly stated.
Thesis statements should present an opinion based on observable facts and can include an argument about the author's purpose. For example, a thesis might assert that the author's purpose is to persuade the audience to a certain viewpoint, and then the essay would analyze how effectively the author achieves this through rhetorical strategies.
The thesis usually reflects a writer's position on a debatable issue, supported by credible evidence. When planning your essay, you should assess the text evidence, keeping in mind the rhetorical situation, which includes purpose, audience, and context, to craft a thesis that provides a new understanding of the text.