what is the purpose of an academic essay?\nto develop and advance a central claim, called a thesis\nto tell…

what is the purpose of an academic essay?\nto develop and advance a central claim, called a thesis\nto tell a story to an audience in a way that garners their sympathies\nto create misery for high school students\nto be accepted for publication in top academic journals
Answer
Brief Explanations:
An academic essay's main goal is to present and support a central argument (thesis). Telling a story for sympathy is more narrative - like. Creating misery is not a valid purpose. While publication can be a result for some, it's not the core purpose. The core is thesis development.
Answer:
To develop and advance a central claim, called a thesis.