Question

Read the introduction to a student’s essay about space exploration.

(1) Space: the final frontier! (2) Many people see space as a true frontier. (3) They are excited by both the exploration of space and the potential of space. (4) Not everyone agrees with this. (5) Some people think that the money would be better spent solving Earth’s problems. (6) However, the truth is that the money spent on space exploration is critical to solving our problems on Earth.

Which of the following is the thesis statement?
sentence 2
sentence 3
sentence 5
sentence 6

Answer 1

Sentence 6 is the thesis statement.

A thesis statement is generally made up of one or two sentences and it presents the reader the subject matter that is going to be discussed in the essay. In that way, the thesis statement functions as a is a road map. Moreover, sometimes, it makes a claim which other people might disagree with. In general, the thesis statement is found at the end of the first paragraph. Sentence 6 is the last sentence and it also presents an idea that others might be against: the idea that money spent on space exploration is critical to solve problems on Earth.

Answer 2

The correct answer is Sentence 6 "However, the truth is that the money spent on space exploration is critical to solving our problems on Earth"

Explanation:

In essays, a thesis statement, also called a claim, is a sentence or statement that guides the essay and expresses a position of someone in regards to some topic, situation or issue. This type of statements go beyond reporting facts or telling the opinion of someone by formulating a claim that requires evidence to be supported or proved as valid, this implies thesis statements are debatable. Additionally, in essays, the thesis statement is presented at the end of the introduction paragraph and after the context of the topic has been provided in this way the reader can know the discussion that the author will develop during the text. Considering the previous ideas, the sentence that is the thesis statement in the paragraph presented is Sentence 6 "However, the truth is that the money spent on space exploration is critical to solving our problems on Earth" because this sentence is the only one from the options provided that express a specific position and not an opinion or fact, also, this statement is debatable which means it is suitable for an essay as the author will need to provide evidence to prove it and it appears after the introduction of the general topic which is common for presenting thesis statements in essays.