5.

The introduction of an essay _____.

is completed in several paragraphs

states the main idea of the entire essay

develops the main idea of the essay

sums up the main idea of the essay

states the main idea of the entire essay

The introduction of an essay typically serves several purposes:

1. It grabs the reader's attention and introduces the topic.
2. It provides necessary background information or context.
3. It presents the thesis statement, which usually states the main idea or argument of the essay.

Therefore, the correct option is:
- The introduction of an essay states the main idea of the entire essay.