Which of the following is a characteristic of a thesis statement?

A thesis statement serves as the foundation for an essay, guiding both the writer and the reader. A key characteristic of an effective thesis statement is that it should be clear and concise. This clarity ensures that the main point or argument of the paper is easily understood, allowing the reader to grasp the central idea right away. A concise thesis avoids unnecessary complexity, making it easier for the writer to stay focused on their argument throughout the essay.

By being clear and concise, the thesis also helps to limit the scope of the paper, which is crucial for maintaining a coherent structure and providing a focused argument. This contrasts with other characteristics that could undermine the effectiveness of a thesis statement, such as being vague, overly complex, or including excessive background information. Each of these would detract from the clarity and impact that a strong thesis statement should have.