Which of the following defines a thesis statement?

A thesis statement is best defined as a central argument or claim made in a piece of writing. It serves as the backbone of the paper, providing a clear and concise summary of the main point that the writer intends to discuss or prove throughout the text. The thesis statement typically appears in the introduction and sets the direction for the entire work, guiding the reader on what to expect in terms of content and the writer’s stance on the topic.

In contrast, a summary of the article merely recaps the main points without indicating the author's argument or position. A conclusion at the end of a paper summarizes the findings and may reiterate the thesis, but it does not function as the thesis itself. A literary device refers to various techniques used in writing to convey meaning, but it does not encapsulate the function of a thesis statement. A thesis statement is fundamentally about articulating an argument that is developed and supported throughout the piece.