What editing check ensures a paragraph supports the thesis?

• A. Ensure each paragraph has a topic sentence that ties to the thesis and that all evidence supports it.
• B. Only the introduction needs to tie to the thesis.
• C. Every sentence must mention the thesis.
• D. The conclusion restates the thesis.

Answer: (A)

The idea here is to make sure every paragraph pushes the overall argument by tying its main idea to the thesis and using evidence that backs that idea. When each paragraph opens with a topic sentence that links directly to the thesis, and then sticks to evidence and analysis that support that sentence, the piece stays cohesive from start to finish. The reader can see how each part contributes to the main claim, not just a scattered collection of facts.

This approach is better than just tying the thesis in the introduction, because the body paragraphs remain focused and directed, ensuring the entire essay builds toward the thesis. It’s also more flexible than insisting every sentence mention the thesis, which is impractical and can make writing feel artificial. And it’s different from relying on the conclusion to restate the thesis; that restatement alone doesn’t guarantee that the body actually argues or supports the claim.