A thesis statement is your answer to the question your essay explorers. For example, think of a thesis statement as the opening statement in a trial. The question is “who done it?” as the prosecuting attorney, your thesis statement lays out your case for your reader, the jury. The defendant had motive, opportunity, and access to the weapon or method used to commit the crime. Your opening statement or thesis introduces this evidence to your reader. The trial (body of your essay) supports your evidence and proves the validity of your argument.