College Composition CLEP Prep Practice Exam

A thesis statement is a crucial component of any essay, and it serves as the main argument or point that the writer is trying to make. While writing down ideas (option A) and brainstorming (option B) can be helpful in generating potential topics, they do not necessarily lead to a cohesive and effective thesis statement. Similarly, summarizing the essay's primary ideas (option D) does not involve conducting thorough research and examining evidence, which are essential steps in developing a strong thesis statement. Therefore, option C - researching the topic and closely examining evidence - is the best way to develop a working thesis statement for an essay.