After reading the passage from a speech given in 1872, we can choose the following statement as the one directly expressing the author's thesis:
D. "[R]eal excellence often comes unheralded and from unexpected quarters." (paragraph 1, sentence 5)
<h3>What is a thesis statement?</h3>
- A thesis statement consists of one or two sentences that inform the reader of the author's opinion and of what idea will be developed in the text. The thesis also guides the author, so that she will not lose sight of her purpose with the text.
<h3>Where is the thesis in the passage?</h3>
- As usual, the thesis statement can be found at the end of the first paragraph. This passage is no exception. The thesis is the last sentence of paragraph 1, shown in option D.
- According to this thesis, the author will discuss how some people, although not perceived as special or as geniuses, can often achieve great success and excellence.
The complete passage is attached.
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