Which statement BEST summarizes the passage? A)
A group of soldiers plan to execute an innocent man.
B)
A group of soldiers treat a man's execution with a cruel lack of dignity.
A condemned man seeks revenge upon his captors, and begins to plan an
elaborate escape.
D)
A condemned man studies his predicament, then becomes lost in his own
wild thoughts shortly before he is hanged.
a O

An effective thesis statement establishes the focus of a compare-and-contrast essay by:

B. orienting and engaging the audience as well as setting the tone for the piece.

Explanation:

A thesis statement appears at the beginning of an essay, usually towards the end of the very first paragraph. Its purpose is to convey what the essay will be about, that is, which topic will be discussed, and to engage readers. It also shows the tone and position the author has in relation to the topic.

The thesis statement does NOT mention details and important information; it does NOT address possible counter-arguments; and it does NOT provide two reasons why the argument is valid. All of those elements shall come after the thesis statement, properly developed in their specific paragraphs.