Why does your paper need a thesis statement before you can write it$?$

The thesis statement is all of the evidence or support for the main argument you are making in your paper.

The thesis statement is a list of how you will support your main argument so you have an organized plan to work from.

The thesis statement is the main argument you are making in your paper, which you will support with evidence in each paragraph.

The thesis statement is the visual statement you are making with the font you choose for your paper, which is consistent throughout.