They vary in that argumentative thesis statements are one-sided and serve only to defend the author's case. Explanatory thesis statements often establish the groundwork for debate and outline what the reader and author will consider. They can also explain how things work or why they happen as described by the topic sentence. Explanatory thesis statements are used in academic writing to introduce topics for discussion or analysis in essays, reports, articles, and reviews. They usually begin with a word such as "why," "how," or "what," and then go on to describe or illustrate this topic. These statements help readers understand the subject matter and are useful for introducing new ideas or concepts. They are also helpful in organizing information within essays and articles. Argumentative thesis statements are one-sided and serve only to defend the author's case. They often begin with a word such as "who," "which means" or "that," and then go on to name who, what, when, where, or how the topic sentence fits into the whole story or argument. Argumentative thesis statements are used in academic writing to make points during debates or discussions. They are also useful in expressing opinions on issues before making arguments for or against them.