When a reader is reading an essay, the thesis statement serves as a map. Think
about when we need a map when we are navigating on foot or in a car. Usually, that
map is in our phone now, rather than on paper. We know we need it before we get
underway, so we're sure we have it handy so we don't get lost. This is the same
thing the reader's brain needs. The introduction of the paper serves to orient the
reader to the new terrain, and then the thesis comes at the end of the introduction
with a detailed, purposeful map for the reader. It says in essence, "This is where we
are going now, and this is why it is important."
