Question

what is the goal of a thesis statement?
to establish focus and make a claim
to explain the author’s point of view to the audience
to act as evidence supporting a claim
to summarize what the essay is about

Explanation:

A thesis statement's main goal is to establish the focus of the essay and present the author's claim (the main argument) that the essay will develop. The other options are incorrect: explaining the point of view is part of it but not the primary goal, evidence supports claims (not what a thesis does), and summarizing the essay is more like a conclusion or abstract, not the thesis's role.

Answer:

A. to establish focus and make a claim