In a persuasive or informative passage, where is the main claim most commonly located?

• A. Look for the thesis near the introduction
• B. Read only the title
• C. Focus on the last sentence
• D. Count how many times the author uses 'I'

Answer: (A)

In persuasive or informative writing, the main claim is usually stated early, within the introduction. The author uses that opening section to tell you the purpose and direction of the piece, and a clear thesis sentence often states the main point the author will argue or explain. Because the claim is introduced at the start, you can identify it by looking for a concise statement that makes the writer’s argument or purpose explicit.

Reading only the title doesn’t reveal the argument or evidence that follows. The last sentence is more likely to wrap up or restate what’s been said, not introduce the main point. Counting how many times the author uses “I” doesn’t reliably signal the main claim, as voice and perspective vary and aren’t tied to where the claim is stated.