What is the primary purpose of a thesis in an essay?

The primary purpose of a thesis in an essay is to present a clear and specific statement that establishes the main topic and argument of the essay. It serves as a roadmap for the reader, outlining what the essay will discuss and presenting the writer's stance on the issue. A well-crafted thesis not only indicates the subject matter but also reflects the writer's position, guiding the structure and content of the entire essay.

The other options do not accurately describe the role of a thesis. While supporting details play a vital role in bolstering arguments made in the essay, they are not the same as the thesis, which is broader in scope. A brief summary of the essay is usually found in the conclusion or an abstract, rather than in the thesis itself, which is typically introduced in the introduction. Lastly, a concluding remark summarizes the main idea but does not introduce or establish the framework for the argument as the thesis does. Thus, option A correctly captures the essence of what a thesis statement accomplishes within an essay.