Which term describes the central claim that an author will defend throughout the work?

Which term describes the central claim that an author will defend throughout the work?

• A. Thesis
• B. Controlling idea
• C. Key idea
• D. Audience

Answer: (A)

The central claim an author defends throughout a work is expressed by the thesis. The thesis states the main position or argument the writer will support with evidence and reasoning, and it sets the purpose and direction for the entire piece. It’s usually a concise, debatable statement that the rest of the work works to prove or develop. Controlling idea and key idea refer more to the main points or themes within parts of the text, helping organize sections or paragraphs, rather than stating the overarching claim of the whole work. Audience is about who the writer is talking to, not the claim being made.

The central claim an author defends throughout a work is expressed by the thesis. The thesis states the main position or argument the writer will support with evidence and reasoning, and it sets the purpose and direction for the entire piece. It’s usually a concise, debatable statement that the rest of the work works to prove or develop.

Controlling idea and key idea refer more to the main points or themes within parts of the text, helping organize sections or paragraphs, rather than stating the overarching claim of the whole work. Audience is about who the writer is talking to, not the claim being made.