The ____ in an essay should contain the essay's topic and viewpoint.

• A. Thesis
• B. Evidence
• C. Focus
• D. Purpose

Answer: (A)

The thesis statement presents the topic and your point of view, and it should be a clear, debatable claim that guides the whole essay. By putting topic and stance into one sentence, it tells readers what you will argue and how you’ll structure your evidence. This is why it’s the best fit for describing the part that contains the essay’s topic and viewpoint. Evidence, on the other hand, is the material you use to support the claim, not the claim itself. Focus refers to the specific angle or scope you’re pursuing within the topic, but it doesn’t necessarily state your position. Purpose is about why you’re writing (to inform, persuade, etc.), which shapes tone and approach but doesn’t itself express the topic and viewpoint.