the thesis restatement

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How to Restate a Thesis

Last Updated: February 27, 2024 Fact Checked

This article was reviewed by Gerald Posner . Gerald Posner is an Author & Journalist based in Miami, Florida. With over 35 years of experience, he specializes in investigative journalism, nonfiction books, and editorials. He holds a law degree from UC College of the Law, San Francisco, and a BA in Political Science from the University of California-Berkeley. He’s the author of thirteen books, including several New York Times bestsellers, the winner of the Florida Book Award for General Nonfiction, and has been a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in History. He was also shortlisted for the Best Business Book of 2020 by the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 389,887 times.

A thesis statement serves as your paper’s (or speech’s) guiding idea, alerting readers to the main points of your paper and the direction it will take. A thesis restatement, which comes in the paper’s conclusion, is the thesis’s kindred spirit, though not its identical twin. It differs from the thesis in both word choice and sentence structure. Restating your thesis at the end of the paper allows you to remind your readers of what you have proven in your body paragraphs and helps to bring your paper to a successful close.

Working out the Restatement Basics

• Sketching out a rough conclusion (the main points you want to get across) will give you an idea of the best place for the restated thesis before you actually try your hand at writing the restatement.
• Depending on the nature of your paper or of your conclusion, you may want to open your conclusion with a question or some other kind of rhetorical device, rather than a restatement of the thesis. While writing often follows prescribed formulas (such as the 5-paragraph essay), there is no one-size-fits-all approach for writing a concluding paragraph, and you may need to try out several positions for your thesis restatement to find out what works best.

• You can use the restated thesis to provide a greater level of sophistication or emotional impact to the original argument. For example, if your initial argument was that buying pets as holiday gifts is dangerous, you might restate your thesis this way: "Remember: buying that puppy as a Christmas present might seem like a good idea at the time, but it could end in the tragedy of another homeless dog by Easter."
• You can also restate your thesis to incorporate the relationship you've built with your reader. For example, if your essay was about developing business partnerships, you could begin your restatement by saying something like, "As a businessperson...." Not only will this make your restatement different from the original, but it will also help draw connections with important elements from the essay/speech.

• For example, if you have written an essay about alcohol use on college campuses, you could revisit the "So what?" question in your conclusion by providing a statement about what that means for students and for college officials. It could look something like this: "Because alcohol abuse depends on more than just the legal drinking age, it is crucial that students be educated about how alcohol abuse occurs, and also that college officials broaden their perspective to include a greater variety of aspects."

• You may be able to use something like “In conclusion” at the end of a speech, however. Signaling or signposting words—like “in conclusion” or “next”—are very important in speeches because listeners only have one chance to follow along with what you’re saying, and these words help them to keep their place.

• Avoid saying things like, “It seems like” or “It is possible that” in the restatement. One exception would be if this conditional language is part of your original thesis statement and your paper is devoted to discussing a topic that is only a possibility, not something you are stating is definitely the case. Otherwise, maintain a level of confidence.
• While maintaining confidence is crucial to the success of your paper, it’s important to acknowledge when opposition exists and not to use absolute statements which may alienate readers. Confidence in your position and in the fact that you’ve proven your point is one thing; blind certainty in your opinion is another!

Making the Restatement Distinct from the Thesis

• You can use your word processor’s thesaurus function for this, an online thesaurus, or a good old-fashioned paper thesaurus. If you use a thesaurus, however, check your chosen word in the dictionary to ensure that you know its precise meaning. Thesauruses group words very loosely by general meaning, and there is often a significant difference in connotation between them.
• It’s not necessary to change every single word, such as prepositions (“in,” “on,” “above,” “over”) and articles (“a,” “an,” and “the”). Spend your time focusing on words/phrases that receive the most emphasis, like those that are central to the points you’re making.

• Try varying your sentences by starting with different parts of speech. For example, if you began the original thesis with a prepositional phrase, start the restatement with the subject of the sentence. For instance, if the thesis starts out “Around the turn of the nineteenth century in England, women frequently…”, you might start your restatement out with something like “Women in early nineteenth-century….”
• Another way to vary the structure is to present your points in a different order. Many thesis statements include three ideas, presented in the order in which they will be discussed in the body paragraphs. When restating, you can list the points in an alternate order.

Community Q&A

• When restating your thesis, if you find that the statement doesn’t fit your paper anymore, you’ll want to go back to the body of your paper and try to find where things went off track. You may find that you need to revise the original thesis to reflect what you actually wrote in the paper, or that parts of the body of the paper need to be revised to better suit the thesis. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• While restating your thesis is essential to the conclusion of your paper or speech, it’s not enough. You will need to emphasize main points and, depending on the assignment/goal of the paper, you may also need to call your audience to action, discuss the implications of what you have talked about in the paper, or make predictions for the future. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• Think of the restatement as a new, more powerful version of your thesis—you’ve written the paper and learned a lot over that process, and now you have all of this knowledge to draw on. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://wts.indiana.edu/writing-guides/writing-conclusions.html
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/cliches/
• ↑ https://libguides.usc.edu/writingguide/conclusion
• ↑ https://lsa.umich.edu/sweetland/undergraduates/writing-guides/how-do-i-write-an-intro--conclusion----body-paragraph.html

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How to Restate a Thesis: Various Approaches to Restating Your Thesis

Table of contents

• 1 Understanding the Purpose of Restating a Thesis
• 2.1 Paraphrasing.
• 2.2 Summarizing.
• 2.3 Reflecting.
• 2.4 Significance.
• 2.5 Rhetorical Devices.
• 2.6 Emotional Appeal.
• 2.7 Call to Action.
• 2.8 Broader Context.
• 2.9 Engaging Language.
• 2.10 Memorable Statement.
• 3.1 Understand the purpose of restatement
• 3.2 Avoid clichés and overused phrases
• 3.3 Be specific and avoid vague language
• 3.4 Keep it concise
• 3.5 Reflect on the essay’s journey
• 3.6 Emphasize the significance
• 3.7 Check for coherence
• 3.8 Avoid introducing new ideas

A thesis statement guarantees that your essay will be read, and a paraphrased thesis states that the main points of your essay will be remembered. Students have already heard about the importance of formulating a thesis statement to interest the reader in your written work. However, inexperienced authors often forget to restate the thesis.

The purpose of the successful thesis restatement is to reinforce the essay’s main idea. This way, you intensify the original argument and influence the reader’s mind. For your research paper to be convincing, it must be coherent. For this reason, the thesis and the restated thesis should not contradict but complement each other.

In this article, detailed instructions will help you restate your thesis and make your essay memorable. Our experienced specialists are ready to share with you the most working strategies for high-quality rewording of the thesis. Moreover, we want to make it easier for you and have created a checklist of the necessary details to consider to restate your thesis effectively.

Understanding the Purpose of Restating a Thesis

We remind you that the thesis statement is a claim that summarizes the main idea of your essay. It is often used as the first sentence in the introductory paragraph to dedicate the reader to the context of the written work. However, a good thesis statement is not limited to the first paragraph. In academic and persuasive writing, for example, there is a need to restate the original thesis to maintain coherence.

What does restate thesis mean? Let’s start with the fact that a restated thesis is a statement based on the original thesis used in the concluding paragraph or throughout the body paragraphs. Quoting the original thesis statement word by word will not be effective, so you have to analyze the original meaning and reword it. You may use a paraphrasing tool in case you struggle with an issue of how to restate a thesis.

You must be wondering why restating a thesis statement in the conclusion paragraph is so important. It is sometimes difficult for the reader to follow your thought course while reading. Remember when you read a book, then by the last page, you begin to forget about what happened at the beginning. To regularly refresh the reader’s memory of your argument, you need to recall it by restating the original thesis statement in the essay’s conclusion paragraph and body paragraphs.

Thus, the thesis claim should permeate your essay. Each part should contain a reminder of the central idea to reinforce the perceived significance of the thesis word. The restated thesis acts as a link between the main components of your essay. It’s necessary to restate the thesis in conclusion, connect it with topic sentences and provide a logical analysis flow.

Strategies for Restating a Thesis Effectively

Unfortunately, a simple understanding of the importance of restructuring the thesis is insufficient. It is also necessary to understand the primary strategies for good restating. Our PapersOwl experts have prepared a list with good examples for you on how to restate a thesis statement effectively. The most effective strategies are:

Paraphrasing.

Reword your original thesis statement using different words and changing the sentence structure. With this technique, the form changes, but not the main point.

Initial thesis: The desegregation of public schools is considered to be the key purpose of the Civil Rights Movement.

Restatement: The anti-segregation movement in America was aimed at equalizing public schools.

Summarizing.

In this technique, you should analyze and summarize the overall meaning of the original point in the introduction. Thus, the statement will be concise and informative.

Initial thesis: Increased anxiety and stress exposure by the mother during pregnancy can negatively affect the intrauterine development of the child, making his nervous system more vulnerable to stress.

Restatement: A pregnant mother’s stress can make a child more anxious.

Reflecting.

Link your restated thesis to the ideas you uncovered in the body paragraph of the paper.

Initial thesis: The opportunities for women to develop professionally were historically equal to the career prospects of men, or were they?

Restatement of thesis: In the nineteenth century, the inequality in the career opportunities of the two sexes was drastic.

Significance.

Emphasize that the thought you expressed in the original thesis statement is so crucial that it is worth developing in restating the thesis.

Initial thesis: The lack of sex education in schools and families leads to increased unwanted pregnancies among adolescents.

Restatement: Again, 50% of pregnancies among teenagers are unwanted. As a result of the lack of sex education, the total number of teenage pregnancies continues to grow.

Rhetorical Devices.

Use rhetorical techniques in your thesis statement, such as parallelism and repetition, to enhance the persuasiveness of the paper and rephrase the original contribution.

Initial thesis: The film provides a detailed picture for our eyes.

Restatement: The film provides a detailed picture for our eyes, and a book provides an even more detailed image for our mind.

Emotional Appeal.

Use a moving phrase or concept to appeal to the reader’s emotions to enhance interaction. If you don’t know how to apply this technique, try asking for help with college papers , and get expert help.

e.g. How long must pass before people realize that their grandchildren will suffer from the consequences of environmental disasters.

Call to Action.

Formulate your paper’s central argument, and motivate the reader to take action by introducing a thesis restatement in the conclusion.

Example: Do not delay, nature needs your intervention right now, sort garbage responsibly!

Broader Context.

Explain to the reader the background of your thought.

Example: Initial thesis: The world was a millimeter far from a nuclear war.

Restatement: In the 20th century, the development of the nuclear industry reached such a level that the advanced countries were on the verge of starting a nuclear war.

Engaging Language.

Use vocabulary that is close and understandable to the reader.

Example: Lack of sleep is the major reason for heart diseases, so don’t worry, go take a nap!

Memorable Statement.

A powerful version of your original claim has a good potential to be remembered by readers.

Example: Realizing that you owe nothing to anyone is difficult, but only by recognizing this do you begin to live for real.

Checklist to help you ensure an effective restatement of your thesis

Now that you’re familiar with working strategies for paraphrasing a thesis statement, as well as with illustrative examples, it’s time to stock up on all the tips from our experienced writers. We have created a checklist of eight points you need to follow to know how to write a thesis statement for the conclusion section so that most professors truly value your writing.

Understand the purpose of restatement

Understanding the reasons and motivation for your actions gives you the key to rephrase a thesis right. Having realized the primary goal of restating your thesis statement will help you articulate it more clearly. Remember that this writing technique exists to strengthen your arguments and improve their perception by readers. So let’s see how to restate a thesis for your conclusion and write a perfect paper.

Avoid clichés and overused phrases

The reader will not be interested in hackneyed formulations, absolute statements, and overused concepts in your thesis restatement. Our brain always demands novelty, so unique information will attract more attention and arouse interest in your research paper. Try to make your thesis restatement look fresh and intriguing.

Be specific and avoid vague language

Vague concepts, conditional language, overly long sentences, and oversimplification of information will make your thesis statements more boring. Do not think that your reader is a fool. On the contrary, provide him with food for thought. Also, reconsider the sentence structure, for it not to be too weary, use different words to be diverse.

Keep it concise

An excellent conclusion thesis restatement should be concise, giving only the most necessary context to make it easier to understand. You can expand on your idea in more detail in the following main paragraphs. To get a perfect reworded thesis, use the thesis statement generator to make the process easier. Still, to make rephrasing effective, it should be concise, write shorter sentences and use different words.

Reflect on the essay’s journey

Summarize your main ideas. After all, the thesis restatement is precisely the information you want the reader to remember the most. Why don’t you recall once again the main points and central claims of your writing? Use grammar tenses to convey your point. Perhaps your original statement was written in the present or future tense, then use past tense to show you’ve accomplished your ideas. Or, at the beginning of your writing, you used a sentence with a subject. So, restate the thesis in the conclusion with a prepositional phrase instead.

Emphasize the significance

Your opinion and your words must be heard. Emphasize the importance of your ideas with a strong conclusion paragraph thesis restatement. Choose the right strategy for your body paragraphs and paper’s conclusion to sound more convincing. Restate the thesis so that the reader has no doubts regarding the expertise of your writing and the words you say.

Check for coherence

Do not forget about the connection between the thesis sentence in the introduction paragraph and the restatement in the essay conclusion section and the main body. Follow the logic of the presentation of your thoughts when you restate claim. Your paper should not contain contradictory words and statements.

Avoid introducing new ideas

New and creative ideas are good, but they should be pre-planned as part of your paper. An unexpected and unforeseen conclusion that isn’t related to the research problem can confuse the reader at the end of the essay. Stick to your original concepts and the same meaning for the coherence of your writing. Rewrite existing concepts to reinforce your introduction thesis statement.

A thesis statement is an effective technique for attracting the attention of the reader, as well as ensuring his interest. However, using a thesis statement only in the introductory paragraph will not provide you with the desired result. For a more comprehensive result, you will have to rephrase a thesis statement a few more times in the writing process.

No strong conclusion is complete without a good reworded thesis. Remember to connect the rephrasing to the main research question. Use our strategies to write an effective thesis and get a well-deserved assessment from the teacher. Stick to our recommendations to make your paraphrased thesis effective.

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How to Restate a Thesis Statement: Examples & Tips

What is the most important part of any essay or research paper? Of course, it’s the thesis statement —a sentence that expresses the paper’s main idea and guides the readers through your arguments.

But where do you place the thesis? You’ve probably answered, “in the introduction.” However, that’s not all of it—you also need to restate the thesis statement in the conclusion. Moreover, it should be paraphrased using a more diverse vocabulary.

If you’re unsure about how to restate a thesis, this article by Custom-Writing.org will be helpful for you. Here, you will find:

• various rephrasing strategies,
• a step-by-step guide,
• the most actionable thesis restatement tips.
• ✍️ Thesis Restatement Definition
• ✅ Step-By-Step Guide
• 💡 Rephrasing Strategies
• 📋 Example Sentences
• 🖼️ How to Reframe
• ✨ Bonus Tips

🔍 References

✍️ what is a restated thesis.

A restated thesis is a reworded and restructured version of the original statement. It is presented in a conclusion or any other part of the essay requiring a recap of the paper’s main idea. It shouldn’t repeat the thesis statement word for word: instead, it’s better to focus on its content.

Why Restating Your Thesis Is Necessary

For a solid, effective academic work, a restated thesis in a conclusion is a must. Here’s why:

• A restated thesis helps reintroduce your central argument, thus enhancing its perceived significance.
• A correctly restated main claim makes the transition to the implications smoother.
• A paraphrased thesis restatement signals the readers about the wrap-up of your paper.

✅ How to Restate a Thesis Step by Step

Now, let’s dwell on the restatement process in more detail. We recommend you follow the steps we described below. It will help you make your paraphrased thesis effective without undermining your persuasive arguments.

💡 How to Rephrase a Thesis: Different Strategies

You can approach the restatement of thesis in several ways. Here are the best strategies that will make your argument effective and easily understood.

How to Restate a Claim by Substituting Synonyms

English is a language rich in synonyms, so you’ll hardly experience any trouble finding suitable substitutes for the words you’ve used in the original thesis. You can also try out an online reword generator or thesis statement maker to get different versions of your central claim.

For instance, imagine that this is your thesis:

People of color have achieved pronounced success in the fight for their civil rights and equality in the USA over the last century,

You may experiment with synonyms as freely as you want. Here are some variants:

• The 20-century civil rights movement gave many rights and freedoms to the minorities in the United States.
• The situation with racial equality improved significantly over the past 100 years, giving racial minorities a strong voice in American society.

Restating Your Thesis by Altering the Sentence Structure

The syntax is also a rich source of inspiration for thesis changes. If the original statement is compound, divide it into several shorter sentences. If you’ve used several simple sentences in the first version, consider combining them into one longer statement.

Here is an example of altering the thesis’ structure without changing the main points:

In the original version, we started by focusing on diabetes. In the reworded thesis, we presented the numbers as the first piece of data. This way, we’re directing the reader’s attention to the gravity of the problem.

How to Restate Your Thesis by Changing the Tense

In most cases, the original thesis statement uses future or present tense. It helps to inform the readers about what they are about to read. For instance, it can start with an introductory phrase:

I will argue that homework should be canceled to give students more free time and ease the burden of high school studies.

In this example, the thesis statement is written in the present tense. It links to the general statistics of time students spend on their homework. You can transform this statement into a past-tense sentence in the conclusion, showing that your argument has been proven.

The presented evidence showed that students benefited from homework cancellation and had more quality time for their hobbies and relaxation.

Restating a Thesis by Shortening or Lengthening It

The length of your thesis statement also matters. You may present it in a shorter way at the beginning of your paper, focusing only on the gist of your research question. Later on, once the arguments are laid out and explained in detail, you can present a more extended version of the initially formulated problem.

In this restates thesis example, we have extended the original idea, explaining what “assigned seating” and “school bullying” mean. This way, the reworded version could embrace the evidence discussed in the argumentative essay’s body.

Restating a Thesis by Linking It to the Research Problem

The strategy we’re about to describe is suitable for use in research paper writing. You will need to tie the thesis statement to the problem you’ve outlined in the introduction, linking it to the issue you’re examining.

For instance, in an essay on child obesity in the USA, you can restate the thesis as follows:

Although preventive healthcare has witnessed much advancement in the past decade, evidence proves that child obesity is still on the rise, with alarming annual increase rates.

📋 How to Restate a Thesis: Example Sentences

Now, let’s examine how to rephrase a sentence in practice. Have a look at these examples:

Example # 1

Here, we expanded the thesis statement by making it longer and adding some details.

Here, we have changed the sentence structure by switching the first and second parts. The first example focuses on the legalization of marijuana, while the second version starts by mentioning the rising rates of teenage weed consumption.

In this example, we’ve changed the thesis statement’s tense from future to past, showing how an intention transformed into a completed task.

🖼️ How to Reframe a Reworded Thesis?

Once you’ve approached the conclusion paragraph of your work, it’s time to think about reframing your main claim. It’s important not to duplicate the introductory thesis because its role in the final section is different. Here are some workable reframing suggestions:

• Reword the original thesis and put it at the beginning of your conclusion. It will bring the focus back to your initial research purpose.
• Enumerate the central claims you’ve focused on. They can be compiled from topic sentences used in the body paragraphs.
• After restating the thesis, you can dwell on the broader significance of the problem you’ve examined. Make a logically related call to action based on the cited evidence. You can also mention your study’s limitations and clarify what additional research is needed.

✨ Bonus Thesis Statement Tips

Now, it’s time to give you a bonus for careful reading: our tried-and-tested tips for good thesis rewriting. Check them out:

As you can see, rephrasing a thesis statement requires effort. Using extensive vocabulary and syntax will help you restructure the content and retain its meaning. And, of course, make sure to follow our tips!

Further reading:

• Best Thesis Statement Examples with Expert Comments
• How to Write a Conclusion for a Research Paper: Examples & Tips
• How to Write a 5-Paragraph Essay: Outline, Examples, & Writing Steps
• What Are the 5 Different Types of Essays? A Complete Guide

❓ How to Restate Thesis in Conclusion FAQs

Restatement of your thesis involves restructuring and changing the vocabulary originally used in the introduction. However, the altered thesis should preserve your work’s meaning and central message.

You will typically need a reworded thesis in a conclusion paragraph. This part of your essay or research paper should wrap up everything you’ve said and summarize your claims in different words.

When composing your essay conclusion paragraph, it is vital to reword your thesis statement initially presented in the introduction. This strategy will help you make the conclusion sound non-redundant while preserving the original main idea.

When restating the claim, you do the same work as when you reword the thesis. You need to change the wording and syntax while preserving the overall meaning of the original claim.

A good example is as follows: “children should wear uniforms at school.” The reworded thesis would contain the same meaning rephrased in your own words: “Uniforms are recommended for all students.”

• Writing the Conclusion: Indiana University Bloomington
• Writing Introductory and Concluding Paragraphs: University of Minnesota
• How to Restate a Thesis Statement: Classroom: Synonym
• Writing a Paper: Conclusions: Walden University
• Conclusions: Purdue University
• Ending the Essay: Conclusions: Harvard University
• Thesis Statements: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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Prism's Guide: How to Restate a Thesis with Confidence

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Prism's Guide: How to Restate a Thesis with Confidence

Restating a thesis is an essential skill for any writer. It is the process of repeating the main argument of an essay or research paper using different words while maintaining the same meaning. This technique is used in the conclusion of an essay to remind the reader of the main points and leave a lasting impression. If you are wondering how to restate a thesis, this article will provide you with some effective tips and strategies.

The thesis statement is the backbone of any essay or research paper. It is a sentence or two that summarizes the main argument or point of view of the essay. Restating a thesis involves rephrasing the thesis statement in different words, but keeping the same meaning. This technique is important because it helps to reinforce the main argument and leave a lasting impression on the reader.

The purpose of restating a thesis is to remind the reader of the main points and leave a lasting impression. It is important to note that restating a thesis is not the same as summarizing the main points. Instead, it involves using different words to rephrase the thesis statement while maintaining the same meaning. By doing this, you can reinforce the main argument and leave a lasting impression on the reader.

Understanding Thesis Restatement

Definition and purpose.

Restating your thesis is the process of rewording the central argument of your essay or paper to remind the reader of your main point. The restated thesis should be clear and concise, and it should reflect the meaning of the original thesis. The purpose of restating your thesis is to reinforce the argument you made in your essay or paper and to help your reader remember what you said.

Differences Between Thesis and Restated Thesis

The restated thesis is not the same as the original thesis. While the original thesis is the central argument of your essay or paper, the restated thesis is a reworded version of the original thesis that reminds the reader of your main point. The restated thesis should be written in a way that is clear and concise, and it should reflect the meaning of the original thesis.

To restate your thesis, you should start by reviewing your original thesis statement and making sure you understand the main argument or assertion you presented. Then, you should determine in which person it is written (1st, 2nd, or 3rd) and preserve that point of view in the rewrite. Finally, you should outline all keywords and main points that should be present in the reworded thesis.

In conclusion, understanding how to restate a thesis is an important skill for any writer. By restating your thesis, you can reinforce the argument you made in your essay or paper and help your reader remember what you said. The restated thesis should be clear and concise, and it should reflect the meaning of the original thesis.

Strategies for Effective Restatement

Restating a thesis is an essential part of writing an effective conclusion to your paper. It provides a summary of your main argument and helps to reinforce the significance of your work. Here are some strategies to help you create an impactful restatement of your thesis.

Paraphrasing Techniques

One of the most effective ways to restate your thesis is to use paraphrasing techniques. Paraphrasing involves restating the thesis in your own words while retaining the original meaning. This technique helps to avoid plagiarism and demonstrates your understanding of the topic. To paraphrase your thesis, you can:

• Change the sentence structure
• Use synonyms
• Replace complex words with simpler ones
• Use different phrasing

Use of Synonyms and Sentence Structure

Using synonyms is another effective strategy for restating your thesis. Synonyms are words that have the same or similar meanings as the original word. By using synonyms, you can avoid repetition and add variety to your writing. Additionally, changing the sentence structure can help to emphasize different aspects of your argument. For example, you can use a rhetorical question or a conditional statement to restate your thesis.

Maintaining Originality while Restating

While restating your thesis, it is important to maintain originality. Avoid using clichés or overused phrases as they can weaken the impact of your conclusion. Instead, try to use unique and creative phrasing to reinforce your argument. You can also reflect on the journey of your essay and emphasize the significance of your work. Remember to keep your restatement concise and to the point.

By implementing these strategies, you can create a restatement that resonates with your audience and reinforces the strength of your argument. Remember to avoid common pitfalls such as using apologetic statements or vague language. With finesse and attention to detail, you can craft an effective restatement of your thesis.

Incorporating Restatement in the Conclusion

Restating the thesis statement in the conclusion is a crucial part of wrapping up your essay. It helps to summarize the central message of your essay and reinforce the main argument. Here are some tips on how to incorporate restatement in the conclusion effectively.

Transition to the Conclusion

Before restating the thesis statement, you need to transition smoothly from the body of your essay to the conclusion. You can use transitional words and phrases such as "In conclusion," "To sum up," or "Finally" to signal the reader that you are about to conclude your essay.

Summarizing Key Points

After transitioning to the conclusion, you should summarize the key points of your essay. This helps to remind the reader of the main ideas of your essay and reinforces your argument. You can use bullet points or a table to summarize the key points of your essay.

For example:

Reinforcing the Main Argument

After summarizing the key points, you should restate the thesis statement in a way that reinforces the main argument of your essay. This means that you should use different words to convey the same idea as the original thesis statement.

For example, if your original thesis statement was "The use of social media has a negative impact on interpersonal communication," you could restate it as "In conclusion, social media has been shown to hinder face-to-face communication, leading to negative consequences."

By restating the thesis statement in this way, you are reinforcing the main argument of your essay and leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

In conclusion, incorporating restatement in the conclusion is an essential part of wrapping up your essay. By transitioning smoothly, summarizing key points, and reinforcing the main argument, you can create a powerful conclusion that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

The Broader Implications of Your Thesis

After presenting your thesis statement and supporting it with evidence in the body of your essay, it is crucial to discuss the broader implications of your thesis in the conclusion. This section will guide you through different ways to discuss the implications of your thesis.

Discussing Research Findings and Limitations

One way to discuss the broader implications of your thesis is to summarize your research findings and limitations. This allows you to demonstrate the significance of your research and acknowledge any potential issues with your study. You can use tables or lists to summarize your findings and limitations in a clear and concise manner.

Explaining the Broader Context and Impact

Another way to discuss the broader implications of your thesis is to explain the broader context and impact of your research. This includes discussing how your research fits into the larger field of study and how it contributes to our understanding of the topic. You can also discuss how your research could be applied in real-world situations.

Offering a Call to Action or Final Thought

Finally, you can offer a call to action or final thought in your conclusion to encourage your readers to take action or think more deeply about the topic. This could include suggesting further research, proposing solutions to a problem, or encouraging readers to consider the implications of your research for their own lives.

Overall, discussing the broader implications of your thesis is an important part of any research paper or essay. By summarizing your research findings and limitations, explaining the broader context and impact of your research, and offering a call to action or final thought, you can demonstrate the significance of your research and encourage your readers to engage with your topic in a meaningful way.

Revising and Finalizing Your Restatement

Restating your thesis is not just about repeating the same words in a different order. It requires careful consideration of the main argument and an effective restatement that summarizes the key points while leaving a lasting impression on the reader. Here are some tips on how to revise and finalize your restatement:

Reviewing and Proofreading

Before finalizing your restatement, it is important to review your original thesis statement and ensure that you have covered all the main points. You can also use this opportunity to summarize the key arguments and evidence presented in your essay.

Once you have completed the review, it is essential to proofread your restatement for any errors in grammar, spelling, or punctuation. A poorly written restatement can undermine the credibility of your argument, so take the time to ensure that it is error-free.

Achieving Clarity and Closure

An effective restatement should achieve clarity and closure. It should clearly and concisely summarize the main argument and provide closure to the reader. To achieve clarity, use simple and direct language that is easy to understand. Avoid using jargon or technical terms that may confuse the reader.

To achieve closure, provide a sense of finality to your restatement. This can be done by using phrases such as "In conclusion," "To summarize," or "Therefore." These phrases signal to the reader that you are wrapping up your argument and leaving them with a clear understanding of your main points.

Leaving a Lasting Impression

Your restatement should leave a lasting impression on the reader. It should be memorable and reinforce the main argument of your essay. To achieve this, consider using a powerful quote, statistic, or anecdote that relates to your thesis statement.

You can also use this opportunity to provide a call to action or suggest future research on the topic. This will leave the reader with a sense of purpose and encourage them to take action or continue exploring the topic further.

In summary, revising and finalizing your restatement requires careful consideration of the main argument, achieving clarity and closure, and leaving a lasting impression on the reader. By following these tips, you can create an effective restatement that summarizes the key points of your essay and reinforces your main argument.

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How to Restate A Thesis: Your Detailed Guide

A thesis acts as your research paper’s main pillar, guiding the readers to the key points on the paper and the direction that you took. A thesis statement comes at the introduction, but you will need to restate it in the conclusion. Notably, a lot of students find this challenging and keep asking, “How do you rephrase a thesis statement?” and “Are you supposed to reword your thesis in the conclusion paragraph?”

To help you restate thesis of your paper appropriately, we have highlighted the key steps that you should follow. Make sure to also check the examples and practice the different ways to restate a thesis until you can hack it like a pro.

What Does Restate Thesis Mean?

Before we can look at the steps involved in restating a thesis, it is important to start by asking the questions, “What does restating means?” and “How long does a thesis restate have to be?”

Restating means that you are highlighting something that you had already brought out, in this case, the “thesis of your paper.” Therefore, you are simply reminding the readers about the points that you were trying to put across in the entire paper, but without sounding repetitive. When it comes to length, there is no specific rule on it, but you should try to make it approximately the same length as the original thesis.

When you restate thesis and conclude the paper well, your work will look complete, professional and earn you a better grade.

Restate Thesis Statement: Decide Where to Position It

In most cases, college students restate the thesis at the start of their conclusion. You might also want to place it on a different section of the conclusion, other than the beginning of the conclusion. When teaching students how to restate a thesis in a conclusion, we recommend them to use the method that will make their work look unique.

For example, instead of restating the thesis as the first sentence, consider starting the conclusion with a rhetoric question followed by your restated thesis statement. Here is an example below. “Will we ever appreciate the importance of saving our rainforests? Rainforests act as the largest carbon sinks on the globe, as well as home to thousands of species, and everyone can play a role in their protection.”

Note that since there is no specific formula on how to restate a thesis statement , it is advisable to start by crafting a draft conclusion and then decide where to position it. Actually, you might consider several positions until you get the perfect spot.

How to Rephrase a Thesis: Make It to have a Deeper Impact

By the time a reader gets to the conclusion of your work, it implies that he/she has already read the entire paper and has a clear idea about your stand on the topic. Therefore, you should take advantage of this and rephrase the thesis statement to deliver a deeper level of emotional effect.

One way of driving this deeper emotional impact is addressing the reader directly, and here is an example. If you were working on a paper with a topic, such as cybersecurity for startups, a good way to start restating the thesis might be:

• “As a startup enterprise owner …”
• “To strengthen your information security as a small business owner …”

Ways to Restate a Thesis: Answer the Question, “So What?”

The stated thesis at the start of your introduction might not provide the answer to the question, “so what?” However, the restated thesis , in your conclusion, should comprehensively answer the question. The answer seeks to inform the reader about the significance of the arguments in the paper to avoid leaving him/her hanging.

For example, if your paper was talking about teenage alcohol and substance abuse, make sure to answer the question “So what?” by showing what it does to teenagers. This can be something such as this; “ Additional awareness of the dangers of substance abuse, such as alcohol, should be emphasized because teenagers are more prone and likely to give in because of peer pressure rather than the implications of substance abuse.”

Avoid Making Apologies when Rewording a Thesis

When working on the conclusion of your paper, it is prudent to be confident that you provided ample proof in the body. Therefore, as you restate the thesis, you should not make apologetic statements because they undermine your argument. Such statements, which you should avoid, include:

“It appears that …. “ “It is possible that …” “It is my opinion that …”

The only time when using such statements when restating your thesis might be okay is when the topic of discussion was simply a possibility.

Restate Thesis Statement by Varying the Tense

When writing an paper, the thesis statement at the introduction might have been done in the future tense, informing the reader what to anticipate in the rest of the paper.

For example, a paper looking at coal production might have a thesis such as this, “ I will examine the effects of using coal in Azerbaijan ….” When restating the thesis, you can change the tense, and put it in the past, so that it looks something like this, “ I evaluated the how harmful the use of coal is to the environment in Azerbaijan …”

Seek Writing Help to Restate Thesis of Your Paper

When you work on any piece of assignment, how you wrap it up, especially in the conclusion, is very important to avoid leaving your reader in suspense. In this post, we have demonstrated how to restate a thesis statement, but you should consider reading a carefully done restate thesis and practice more to hone your skills. However, if you are still finding the task a challenge, even after reading a restate thesis example, consider seeking writing help from an expert.

We have a pool of qualified writers who are ready to help you with your academic assignments, and all you have to do is ask us for help to “restate my thesis.” They know how to start a paper, write the body professionally, and restate the thesis like pros. Furthermore, our services are cheap, and you can count on our writers for quality work and top grades.

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How to Restate a Thesis: Techniques for Clear Communication

Restate a thesis with ease! Learn how to do it with pro tips to clearly and confidently reinforce your argument.

When it comes to how to restate a thesis , write essays, or make a point, your thesis statement is like the heart of your argument. It sets the tone and direction for everything that follows. However, many people overlook the importance of bringing the thesis statement back into focus at the end.

Restating a thesis in the conclusion is crucial. It reminds the reader of the main point that has been made throughout the writing. It’s a way to reinforce the argument and leave a strong final impression.

This article examines the importance of restating a thesis. It will discuss how this practice clarifies the message, reinforces the main idea, and ensures the writing feels complete. By understanding the significance of this step, we can appreciate how it enhances the effectiveness of idea communication .

Understanding a Thesis Statement

A thesis statement is a concise declaration that summarizes the main point or claim of an essay or research paper. It typically appears near the beginning of the paper, often in the introduction , and it presents the writer’s stance on the topic being discussed.

The primary purpose of a thesis statement is to guide the reader through the writer’s argument. It is like a roadmap for the paper, outlining the main idea and the direction of the discussion that will follow. A well-crafted thesis statement helps to clarify the scope of the topic and sets the tone for the entire piece of writing.

In essence, a thesis statement not only informs the reader about the central point of the essay but also helps the writer stay focused and organized as they develop their arguments and present their evidence. It is a crucial element that shapes the coherence and effectiveness of the entire paper.

Key Elements Of A Strong Thesis

A strong thesis statement embodies several essential elements that are crucial for effective communication and argumentation:

Clear and Concise Language

A strong thesis statement written in clear and straightforward language avoids ambiguity and communicates the writer’s position or argument on the topic. This clarity helps both the writer and the reader understand the central message of the paper from the outset.

Specificity and Focus

A strong thesis statement is specific and focused. It addresses a particular aspect of the topic and provides a clear direction for the paper. By narrowing down the scope of the discussion, specificity ensures that the thesis statement remains manageable and allows for a more in-depth exploration of the issue at hand.

Argument or Main Point

A strong thesis statement presents a distinct argument or main point. It goes beyond stating a fact or observation; instead, it asserts a position that the writer intends to support and justify throughout the paper. This argumentative stance gives the thesis statement its persuasive power and guides the development of the entire essay or research paper.

A strong thesis statement combines clear and concise language with specificity and focus while presenting a clear argument or main point. These elements work to establish a strong foundation for the writer’s argument and ensure coherence and direction in the paper’s structure .

Related article: What is a Thesis Statement and How to Write It?

The thesis statement is fundamental to restating a thesis because:

Reinforces the Central Argument : The thesis statement is the core argument or claim of your essay or research paper. Restating it in the conclusion reinforces this central argument, reminding readers of the primary focus and purpose of your work.

Provides Consistency : A clear and consistent restatement of the thesis ensures that your paper maintains a coherent narrative. It ties together the introduction, body, and conclusion, providing a unified and well-structured argument.

Emphasizes Importance : By restating the thesis, you emphasize the significance of your argument or research. It helps to highlight why your work matters and what contribution it makes to the field or topic you are discussing.

Creates a Strong Conclusion : Restating the thesis in the conclusion provides a sense of closure and reinforces the main takeaways of your paper. For tips on crafting an excellent thesis conclusion, check out this helpful article: “ How to Write a Conclusion for a Research Paper “.

Engages the Reader : A well-restated thesis can re-engage the reader, encouraging them to reflect on the arguments and evidence presented. It ensures that the central message of your paper is effectively communicated.

Techniques for Restating a Thesis

When concluding an essay or research paper, effectively restating your thesis statement can enhance the clarity and impact of your overall argument. Here are some key techniques for restating a thesis:

Maintaining the Original Meaning

How to restate a thesis: When concluding your essay or research paper, it’s essential to maintain the original meaning of your argument in the restatement of your thesis statement. This ensures clarity and coherence throughout your writing. Here’s how to achieve this:

• Ensure the restated thesis accurately reflects the original argument: The restatement should capture the essence of your original thesis statement without altering its core message. This involves rephrasing the thesis using different words and sentence structures while preserving its central idea and intent.
• Do not introduce new ideas or concepts: Avoid introducing new information or arguments in the restated thesis. The conclusion is not the place to introduce fresh insights or expand on additional points that were not covered in the body of your essay or research paper. Instead, focus on summarizing and reinforcing the main argument that has already been developed.

Ensuring consistency and clarity in your writing involves maintaining the original meaning of your thesis statement when restating it in the conclusion. This approach reinforces your main argument and leaves a strong final impression on your reader, effectively summarizing the insights and findings presented in your paper.

Paraphrasing

Paraphrasing your thesis statement means expressing the central idea using different words and sentence structures while preserving the original meaning. This technique is used for several important purposes:

• Avoiding Repetition : Paraphrasing prevents your conclusion from sounding redundant by presenting your thesis statement in a new light. It keeps the reader engaged and shows your ability to reframe ideas without losing clarity.
• Enhancing Clarity : By using varied language and sentence structures, paraphrasing can clarify your thesis statement further, making it easier for the reader to grasp the significance of your argument.
• Maintaining Original Meaning : While rephrasing, ensure that the essence and intent of your original thesis statement remain intact. This entails conveying the same core message but in a new and insightful manner.

Example of Paraphrasing:

Original Thesis Statement: “Climate change poses a significant threat to global biodiversity .”

Paraphrased Restatement: “The impact of climate change on worldwide biodiversity is a critical concern that demands urgent attention.”

In this example, the paraphrased restatement maintains the original meaning—that climate change is a serious threat to biodiversity—while presenting it in a slightly different way to emphasize urgency and broaden the perspective.

Emphasizing Key Points

When restating your thesis, emphasizing key points means highlighting the most critical aspects of your argument and reinforcing their significance. This technique serves several important purposes:

• Reinforcement of Central Ideas : By emphasizing key points, you remind the reader of the main arguments and evidence that support your thesis statement. This reinforcement helps to solidify your argument in the reader’s mind and reinforces the validity of your perspective.
• Summarization : Emphasizing key points allows you to succinctly summarize the main ideas discussed throughout your essay or research paper. This summary helps to bring closure to your argument and provides a clear overview of the insights gained from your analysis.
• Significance and Implications : Highlighting the significance of your key points, you can discuss the broader implications of your thesis statement. This discussion can connect your argument to larger themes, contexts, or real-world applications, demonstrating the relevance and importance of your research or analysis.

Example of Emphasizing Key Points:

Original Thesis Statement: “Education is the key to empowering individuals and promoting social equality.”

Restatement with Emphasis: “Throughout this essay, we have explored how education serves as a transformative force, empowering individuals to break barriers and fostering a more equitable society. By equipping individuals with knowledge and skills, education becomes not just a tool for personal advancement but a catalyst for societal change.”

In this example, the restatement emphasizes the transformative power of education and its role in promoting social equality, while also summarizing the main points discussed in the essay.

Examples of Restated Thesis Statements

These examples demonstrate how restating the thesis statement in the conclusion can summarize the main argument while adding depth or context that reflects the insights gained throughout the essay or research paper.

• Original Thesis: “The advancement of artificial intelligence poses ethical dilemmas regarding privacy and autonomy.”
• Restated Thesis: “In conclusion, the ethical implications of advancing artificial intelligence extend beyond technological progress, raising profound concerns about individual privacy and autonomy in an increasingly interconnected world.”
• Original Thesis: “Effective communication is essential for fostering positive workplace relationships.”
• Restated Thesis: “To summarize, cultivating effective communication skills within the workplace is not merely advantageous but crucial for nurturing productive relationships and fostering a collaborative environment.”
• Original Thesis : “Renewable energy sources are necessary for reducing global dependence on fossil fuels.”
• Restated Thesis : “In conclusion, the adoption of renewable energy sources is imperative for diminishing our global reliance on fossil fuels and promoting a more sustainable future.”
• Original Thesis : “Social media platforms significantly impact the self-esteem of teenagers.”
• Restated Thesis : “To summarize, social media’s influence on teenagers’ self-esteem is profound, necessitating mindful usage and awareness to mitigate potential negative effects.”

Refining Your Thesis Restatement

Refining your thesis restatement is the process of carefully crafting and polishing the statement that summarizes the main argument presented in the conclusion of your essay or research paper. It ensures that this restated thesis accurately reflects and emphasizes the key points and findings discussed throughout your work. 

The goal is to achieve clarity, coherence, and persuasive impact, reinforcing the significance of your research or essay topic to leave a strong impression on the reader. This refinement process also focuses on using clear language and tone to communicate the main ideas and conclusions of your paper effectively. It is essential for several reasons:

Refinement : This step requires careful attention to detail in adjusting and improving your thesis statement to ensure it succinctly captures the essence of your main points.

Accuracy : The restated thesis should accurately represent the core arguments and findings discussed throughout your paper, providing a clear and concise summary.

Clarity : It’s important to review the restatement for clarity and coherence, ensuring that it effectively communicates your conclusions to the reader without ambiguity.

Language and Tone : Choosing appropriate language and tone is crucial as it helps in conveying your message clearly and leaving a strong impression on the reader. This includes avoiding jargon or overly complex language that may obscure your main points.

Relevance : By refining your thesis restatement, you strengthen the relevance and persuasive impact of your central argument. This ensures that your conclusion effectively reinforces the significance of your research or essay topic.

Refining your thesis restatement through careful revision enhances the overall effectiveness of your conclusion, providing a clear and compelling summary of your paper’s key points and findings.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

When restating your thesis statement in the conclusion of your essay or research paper, it’s important to steer clear of certain pitfalls that can diminish the effectiveness of your conclusion. One common pitfall to avoid is:

Avoiding Clichés

Restating your thesis with clichéd language can weaken the impact of your conclusion and make it less memorable to the reader. Here’s how to navigate this:

• Steer clear of overused phrases and terms: Phrases like “In conclusion,” “To sum up,” or “In summary” are common but can sound formulaic and uninspired if overused. Consider using alternative phrases or structuring your conclusion in a more creative manner to maintain reader engagement.
• Keep the language fresh and unique: Instead of relying on clichéd language, strive to use fresh and unique language that reflects the specific nuances of your argument. This not only keeps your conclusion engaging but also reinforces the originality and significance of your thesis statement.

Repetition Without Adding Value

Simply repeating the thesis statement without adding any new insights can make your conclusion feel redundant. Instead:

• Expand on the original thesis : Highlight the implications of your argument or how your findings contribute to the field. This approach adds depth and demonstrates a thorough understanding of the topic.
• Reflect on the broader context : Discuss the broader implications of your thesis. This helps to show the significance of your argument beyond the scope of your paper.

Lack of Specificity

A vague restatement of your thesis can leave the reader unclear about your main argument. To avoid this:

• Be precise and clear : Ensure your restated thesis is specific and clearly reflects the core message of your paper. Avoid generalizations that can dilute the impact of your conclusion.
• Summarize key points : Briefly summarize the key points that support your thesis, providing a clear and concise wrap-up of your argument.

Introducing New Information

Introducing new arguments or evidence in your conclusion can confuse the reader and disrupt the flow of your paper. To maintain coherence:

• Stick to the main points : Focus on restating the thesis and summarizing the main arguments presented in the body of your paper. Avoid introducing new information that wasn’t covered earlier.
• Ensure coherence : Make sure your restatement logically follows from the preceding discussion and ties together the key points.

Overly Complex Language

Using overly complex or technical language in your restatement can alienate readers and obscure your main argument. To ensure clarity:

• Use straightforward language : Restate your thesis in clear and accessible language. This makes your conclusion more impactful and easier to understand.
• Focus on clarity : Prioritize clarity and simplicity in your language to ensure your restated thesis effectively communicates your main argument.

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How to restate a thesis: basic steps and key strategies

Updated 25 Jul 2024

Reformulating a thesis is a vital skill in academic writing, as it provides closure to an essay while reinforcing the central message. However, many writers often fall into the trap of repetition or cannot add new insight. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the strategies and techniques of how to restate a thesis. We will also explore various approaches to this task, from subtle rephrasing to offering fresh perspectives. By understanding the purpose of rephrasing a thesis and learning how to craft a compelling restatement, writers can elevate the impact of their essays and leave a lasting impression on their readers.

What is a thesis statement, and why must it be restated?

A thesis statement is a concise, declarative sentence that presents the main idea or argument of an essay or other piece of writing. It typically appears in the introduction of college papers and provides the reader with a clear understanding of the writer’s position. 

For a robust and impactful academic piece, it's imperative to include a restated thesis statement in the conclusion for several reasons:

• Reformulating the essential claim at the end of your work reintroduces your argument, emphasizing its importance.
• Rephrasing in slightly different words or with additional commentary facilitates a smoother transition to discussing the implications.
• This technique ties together the various argumentative points and ideas presented throughout the text, leaving the reader with a clear understanding of the writer’s position.
• Paraphrasing the thesis statement in research paper signals that your paper is coming to a close and leaves the reader with a lasting impression.

How to restate a thesis in a conclusion: step-by-step guidelines

Reformulating a central idea of your writing is a critical step to ensure clarity and reinforce your essential message. Here are effective steps on how to create an effective restated thesis statement:

Step 1. Review your statement.

Begin by revisiting your original phrase from the introduction of your argumentative essay . Ensure you understand the main argument or assertion you presented.

Step 2. Identify essential points and keywords. 

Reflect on the main points and arguments you've discussed in your writing. Consider how these points support and contribute to your key idea.

Step 3. Paraphrase your argument. 

Restate thesis in new words, aiming to capture the essence of your original assertion. Use synonyms and alternative phrasing while retaining the core meaning of your thesis.

Step 4. Provide a summary. 

Briefly summarize the main points of your persuasive essay , emphasizing how they collectively support your thesis. This summary helps to reinforce your argument’s significance.

Step 5. Reflect on implications. 

Consider the broader implications of your thesis statement and persuasive arguments in your writing. Discuss the relevance and importance of your findings in the context of the broader topic or field of study.

Step 6. Connect to the introduction. 

Tie your conclusion back to the introduction by referencing key ideas or phrases. This connection helps to create cohesion and closure in your writing.

Step 7. End with a final thought. 

Conclude your work with a final thought or reflection that reinforces the significance of your thesis statement. This closing remark should leave a lasting impression on your reader.

Step 8. Proofread and revise. 

Review your conclusion restate thesis for clarity, coherence, and accuracy. Make any necessary revisions to ensure your message is effectively communicated.

By following these step-by-step guidelines, you can effectively paraphrase your key idea, providing closure and reinforcing the central message of your writing.

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8 strategies to restate your thesis

When reformulating a thesis, simply changing every word isn’t enough. The goal is to craft a captivating restatement. To achieve this, mastering the art of writing thesis statement and rewording is essential. Our EduBirdie specialists have prepared a list with recommendations and examples on how to restate a thesis most effectively.

• Restructure your statement: Ensure your restated assertion differs from the original. Experiment with altering the word structure, clauses, vocabulary choices, and parts of speech. Consider starting with a prepositional phrase if the original statement begins with a subject.
• Utilize synonyms: When rephrasing your thesis, maintain its meaning while avoiding repetition. Employ synonyms or alternative expressions to convey the same message. Consulting a thesaurus can enrich your vocabulary and aid in this process.
• Break it down: Modify sentence structure by breaking up lengthy sentences into shorter, more digestible segments. This not only enhances clarity but also makes comprehension easier for your readers.
• Adjust tenses: Experiment with changing verb tenses in your essay. Switch between past and present tenses to breathe new life into your reformulated thesis. For instance, if your original sentence uses the past tense, consider restating it in the present tense and vice versa.
• Mind the length: If you don’t know how to restate a claim, adhere to guidelines on paragraph length. Aim to keep your rephrased sentence concise, comprising no more than 5-7% of the total word count. Prioritize quality over quantity, ensuring your rephrasing aligns with your text's overall tone and style.
• Sum up your essential idea: Summarizing involves analyzing the original thesis statement to capture its main meaning concisely. By distilling the essence of the argument, this technique creates a clear and informative reformulated assertion. It condenses complex ideas, ensuring clarity and impact for the reader.
• Use rhetorical devices: Stylistic techniques, like parallelism and repetition, enhance your thesis statement's persuasiveness and originality. By employing these techniques, your restated thesis gains impact and cohesion, captivating the reader and improving your paper's overall quality and persuasiveness.
• Provide broader context: Offering a relevant context involves explaining the historical, social, or conceptual background that shapes your perspective. By providing this overview, you enrich the reader's understanding and establish the relevance of your argument. This contextualization helps situate your ideas within a larger framework, enhancing the reader's appreciation of the complexities and encouraging deeper engagement with your work.

By mastering these techniques, you’ll be equipped to craft a compelling restated sentence that reinforces your argument while captivating your readers. If you’re unsure about word count, prioritize crafting a high-quality restatement over adhering strictly to length guidelines.

Dos and don’ts 

If you need help with my assignment as soon as the restatement of the thesis is concerned, discover the essential dos and don’ts you should keep in mind.

• Pose the “so what” question.

Effective thesis statements should elucidate the importance of your argument, clarifying why readers should engage with your paper. If you’re uncertain about your restatement, consider addressing the “so what” question. To effectively address this query, elaborate on the initial assumptions embedded within your thesis. By expanding upon these foundational premises, you provide readers with a deeper understanding of the significance and implications of your argument.

• Think about the purpose of your restated thesis example .

Understanding this action's underlying purpose and intent is crucial for effectively rephrasing your statement. By comprehending the primary objective of reformulating your thesis, you can articulate it more clearly. This writing technique strengthens your arguments and enhances readers' reception. 

• Decide where to restate your thesis. 

While the conclusion is the typical location, the exact placement within this section requires careful consideration. Consider incorporating a restatement towards the end as the final sentence. Alternatively, you may opt to weave it into a broader context or support your argument elsewhere in the conclusion.

• Craft compelling and robust conclusions.

Despite the potential challenges of not fully substantiating your initial thesis, it’s important not to sound apologetic. Factors such as the unavailability of expert opinions or primary data or the absence of consensus on the subject matter among published sources may contribute to this. In this case, restate your main idea and provide readers with insights into why your original promise may not have been fully fulfilled. 

Don’ts

• Avoid apologies.

Avoid weakening your stance by apologizing in your reformulated thesis. Phrases like “It is possible that” or “It seems like” suggest uncertainty and can undermine your argument’s impact. Confidence should emanate from your restatement. Address counter-arguments logically rather than using absolute statements, maintaining the strength of your position.

• Steer clear of clichés.

Refrain from using clichéd and overused phrases such as “in conclusion” or “as these college papers for sale explain” in your restate thesis example. Your readers will already be familiar with the paper’s content by the conclusion. Repetition of the same information can render the thesis redundant and may be perceived as lacking creativity. Inject fresh perspectives into your restatement, ensuring transparency and appeal.

• Avoid vague language.

Ensure specificity and steer clear of vague language in your writing. Vagueness, conditional expressions, lengthy sentences, and oversimplified ideas can detract from the clarity and engagement of your thesis. Respect your reader’s intelligence by offering thought-provoking content. Additionally, vary your sentence structure and word choice to maintain diversity and prevent reader fatigue.

• Refrain from introducing new ideas.

While novel insights are valuable, they should be integrated into your paper from the outset. A sudden and unrelated conclusion can leave readers confused. Maintain coherence by adhering to your original concepts. Instead of introducing fresh ideas, focus on revisiting and reinforcing existing ideas to strengthen the connection with your introduction.

Final thoughts

Understanding how to restate thesis is vital for writers creating compelling essays. By adhering to the strategies in this guide, you can craft restatements that reinforce your central message and provide new perspectives. Whether concluding an academic essay, blog post, or professional report, clarity, creativity, and conviction in restating thesis will captivate the audience and provide a sense of closure and satisfaction.

For additional support and guidance in your writing endeavors, consider leveraging the expertise of  paper writing service EduBirdie, the premier writing helper. With our team of experienced writers and commitment to excellence, we provide invaluable assistance to writers at every stage of their journey. So, take the next step in refining your writing skills and partner with EduBirdie to unlock your full writing potential!

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Written by Meredith Anderson

Meredith, a dedicated editor at EduBirdie, specializes in academic writing. Her keen eye for grammar and structure ensures flawless papers, while her insightful feedback helps students improve their writing skills and achieve higher grades.

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How to Rephrase a Thesis Statement for the Conclusion

A thesis statement is the most critical part of any essay, research paper, term paper, or academic paper.

Most professors, instructors, or teachers will look forward to reading an engaging thesis statement. Another thing they will also focus on is how you restate the thesis in the conclusion of an essay or research paper.

For every thesis in the introduction, there must be a restated thesis statement at the beginning of the conclusion.

If you are not conversant with how to restate a thesis, you came to the right place because we will look at the steps, tips, and strategies to use so that you keep the spirits of your readers high even as they exit reading your piece of written text.

Restating a Thesis

A thesis restatement comes at the beginning of the conclusion paragraph . Note that when restating the thesis, you are simply rewording, restructuring, reorganizing, and representing the original thesis statement in the introduction within your conclusion.

There are many reasons why many professors and guides for writing various types of papers will insist on having a restated thesis as part of the first section of the conclusion paragraph.

Restating the thesis helps the readers to close the loop of reading your text by seeing how you have proven the thesis in your body paragraphs.

It also helps to bring closure to the readers without leaving them in suspense. You are also reintroducing the central argument, enhancing the perceived significance your readers developed as they started reading.

A restated thesis also makes an excellent transition to other parts of the conclusion, such as a call to action, recommendations, or implications.

Steps for Restating a Thesis in a Conclusion

Understanding the thesis restatement process will go a long way in ensuring you achieve the benefits we have discussed above. You want to paraphrase your thesis so that even though they deliver the same message; they have a different organization, structure, and flow, making your writing persuasive and compelling.

1. Read the original thesis statement

After writing your introduction and body paragraphs, it is expected that you will have refined the preliminary thesis statement into a final thesis statement. Now, when you need to restate the thesis, for the purposes of concluding, begin by reading the final thesis statement of your essay or research paper, whatever writing you are undertaking. Reading the original thesis helps you to identify its focus and have a good picture of how to restate it in the conclusion.

2. Decide where you want to place it

Although many people might think that a restated thesis must appear at the beginning of the conclusion, that is not always the case. Therefore, you have to decide where you will place the restatement. At this stage, having an outline of the conclusion paragraph would be ideal, and it will help you figure out where to restate the thesis without making mistakes. All the same, having the restated thesis at the beginning of the introduction saves you time. Writing a conclusion is not cast in stone; you can take whatever approach you like as long as you achieve the intended purpose.

3. Look at the perspective of the original thesis

To restate the thesis better, consider the original thesis's point of view or perspective. You want to maintain the same person you wrote the thesis and the subject, even if it means rewriting the entire thesis.

4. Focus on the main points in the body paragraph

If you feel lost in how to restate the thesis, outline the main points and keywords you presented in the body paragraphs. An excellent way to quickly do this is by reading each topic sentence of the body paragraphs. Remember, your restatement should have the information you have discussed and portray the links you have established in your paper.

5. Express the significance of your argument

You have to justify your paper's central argument to validate the restated thesis. You should let your readers know why they should care about the topic you are writing about. Expand the thesis, so you have the original contribution without altering the intended meaning.

6. Paraphrase the thesis

Having identified everything that sets you up for successful thesis restatement, ensure that you paraphrase the thesis so that you have a restated thesis that meets all the criteria set in the rubric. Let's look at some ways to make the restated thesis stand out.

How to Rephrase or Paraphrase a thesis Effectively

Restating a thesis is about achieving different wording and flow but maintaining the meaning of the original thesis. This can be achieved in many ways. In a nutshell, you can restate the thesis using synonyms, changing the sentence structure and tenses, shortening or lengthening the thesis, and writing the message by linking it to research. Let's have a detailed look at each of these strategies.

Link your thesis to research

If you are writing a research paper or an essay, you must tie the thesis to the research problem stated in your introduction.

Change the Sentence Structure

You can take advantage of the fact that you can play around with the arrangement of words (syntax) as an inspiration to alter your original thesis statement when restarting it. You can restructure the original thesis into smaller or shorter sentences and then combine them again without altering the meaning you presented earlier in the introduction paragraph. You can rearrange the clauses in a sentence but maintain the same meaning.

Shortening or extrapolating the original thesis

A thesis statement is clear and concise. If your initial thesis statement was shorter, consider having a longer restated thesis at the end of your paper. This is always the case with most restatements. It helps spread out the main arguments or points in the body paragraph so that the readers are reminded about what they just read and how your promise in the thesis statement has been achieved. Summarizing the thesis statement when restating it should be done when focusing on the main idea.

Substitute synonyms

To effectively rephrase, paraphrase, or reword a thesis, you can use synonyms of the words used in your original thesis statement. Take advantage of dictionaries and word thesaurus but ensure that you maintain the same meaning without being ambiguous. Thanks to the richness of English in synonyms that mean the same thing, you will not have a lot of challenges restating a thesis using synonyms.

Change the tense

There is power in the way you can use tenses when restating a thesis statement. In most instances, the thesis statement is written in either present or future tense. You can take advantage of this and write a thesis statement in the past tense, emphasizing the main points you discussed in the body paragraphs.

Tips for Thesis Restatement (what works and what doesn't)

We are in the business of writing custom papers for diverse groups of clients, from students to professionals and scholars. Therefore, we keep trying, researching, and reading more about how to perfect the papers we write. Out of the many essays, theses, proposals, research papers, term papers, and dissertations we have written, we can confidently give the tips below as surefire ways to restate the thesis in the conclusion.

• Never apologize when restating a thesis. After all, you have fielded the best proof through evidence and examples supporting your claims in the essay. An apology at this point only weakens your conclusion paragraph, leaving your readers confused even more.
• When writing the thesis statement in the conclusion, acknowledge the counterarguments and counterclaims. Instead of sticking to your main point of view, show maturity by giving credit to either side of an argument.
• Don't use clichés when restating the thesis. It is the same thing as using filler words within your body paragraphs; it dilutes the sweetness of your writing.
• Use conclusion sentence starters to introduce your restatement. You should try as much to avoid the common conclusion starters such as "to sum up, in conclusion, …etc."
• You should reword the original thesis and put it effectively within the beginning of your conclusion, even though you can put it anywhere. It is the easiest approach and makes it easy to locate the restated thesis and allows readers to refocus on the research purpose or purpose of the essay.
• You should be concise while making meaning at the same time.
• You should be objective, focused, and neutral in your stance . Instead of using judgmental language, stay neutral when rewriting the thesis for your introduction.
• You can compile the topic sentences in the body paragraphs and enumerate the central claims when restating the thesis.
• After restating the thesis, you should expound on the significance of your topic . You should logically explain why your readers should care based on the findings. You should call the readers top action and discuss implications and limitations.
• Don't contradict yourself when writing the thesis a second time, as this leaves your readers confused. You should also avoid introducing new information.
• Ensure that your restated thesis has a good choice of words and sound flow and does not counter the meaning of the original thesis . Remember, the thesis and restated thesis are sisters only that have different appearances but stand for the same thing.
• You should view the restated thesis statement as a powerful version of the original thesis that cements your central idea in the readers' minds.
• Avoid using incorrect tenses and modifiers when restating the thesis. When you use the wrong tenses, you confuse the readers, as when you incorrectly modify the subject.
• Be confident as you restate the thesis to have a strong conclusion paragraph.

Examples of Original and Restates Thesis Statements

Below are examples of restating a thesis statement to help you figure out how to do it when writing your conclusion paragraph.

What are the components of a strong thesis?

A strong thesis statement should answer the question of "how?" and "why?" about the topic and should do so with specificity. It takes a stance, justifies discussion, and is specific. Therefore, it should have a specific noun, action verb, and assertive predicate. For instance,

Example: The tax policies (specific noun) of the current administration threaten to reduce (action verb) the tax burden on the middle class by sacrificing education and healthcare programs for anyone ( assertive predicate ). These should also feature when you restate the thesis, even if you rephrase, change the structure or tenses, or shorten the original thesis.

What does rephrasing or restating the thesis statement mean?

It means reading the original thesis and expressing it differently but maintaining the original meaning. The restated thesis is placed in the conclusion paragraph, preferably in the begging immediately after the conclusion starter.

Where does the restated thesis go?

When restating the thesis, placing it at the beginning of your conclusion paragraph immediately after the conclusion paragraph starter helps you to avoid losing your readers. It is the most convenient location, although you can place it anywhere within the conclusion. Placing it at the beginning helps you to have a narrow to the broad conclusion that gives better closure to the readers.

How does one restate the thesis?

To restate the thesis statement, read the original thesis statement, then rephrase it by changing the tenses and structure, using synonyms and different vocabulary, shortening or lengthening it, and paraphrasing it but maintaining the original meaning. Avoid using a thesis generator when restating your thesis because it will not give you the correct feel if you did it alone.

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How to Restate Your Thesis: 5 Strategies

November 22, 2023

Examining the Purpose of Restating Your Thesis

Restating your thesis in the conclusion of your essay serves a vital purpose in reinforcing the main argument and leaving a lasting impact on your readers. This section will explore the significance of restating your thesis and why it is not merely a repetitive exercise.

• Reinforcement: Restating your thesis reaffirms the central idea of your essay. By reasserting your main argument, you emphasize its importance and remind readers of the key point you want them to remember.
• Summarization: Restating your thesis allows you to summarize the main points and evidence presented in your essay. It provides a succinct overview that helps consolidate the information and reinforce your main argument.
• Closure: Restating your thesis brings a sense of closure to your essay. It signals to the reader that you have reached the end of your discussion and allows for a satisfying and cohesive conclusion.
• Lasting Impact: By restating your thesis effectively, you can leave a lasting impression on your readers. It helps solidify your argument in their minds and prompts them to reflect upon the ideas presented long after reading your essay.

In the following sections, we will explore various strategies and examples to help you master the art of restating your thesis in a compelling and impactful way.

5 Strategies for Effective Restatement of Your Thesis

Restating your thesis effectively requires more than simply repeating your thesis statement. Instead, it involves summarizing your main points and findings while communicating the overall significance of the argument.

Summarize Your Main Points

Summarizing your main points is a crucial step in restating your thesis effectively. It allows you to remind your readers of the key arguments, evidence, and examples presented in your essay. Here are some strategies to help you summarize your main points:

• Identify the main points: Review your essay and identify the main arguments or supporting points that you have made. These are the key ideas that contribute to your overall thesis.
• Condense the information: Take each main point and condense it into a concise statement that captures its essence. Avoid going into too much detail or providing new information. Focus on the core message of each point.
• Use bullet points or numbered lists: If applicable, present your main points as a list. This can help readers grasp the key arguments quickly and easily. Bullet points or numbered lists also create a visual break in the text, making it more reader-friendly.
• Order your main points strategically: Arrange your main points in a logical order that reinforces the flow of your essay. Consider prioritizing the most impactful or strongest evidence first.
• Avoid repetition: While summarizing your main points, be mindful of avoiding repetition. Restate each point in a way that adds value and emphasizes its significance without redundantly restating the exact same information.

By effectively summarizing your main points, you provide a concise overview of your essay’s key arguments and reinforce the foundation of your thesis.

Paraphrase Your Thesis Statement

Paraphrasing your thesis statement is an essential aspect of restating your thesis effectively. It involves expressing the main idea of your essay in a different way, using different words and sentence structures. Here are some strategies to help you paraphrase your thesis statement:

Change the sentence structure: Instead of using the same sentence structure as your original thesis statement, try rearranging the words and sentence structure to create a fresh and engaging restatement.

Example: Original thesis: “Climate change is a global problem that requires immediate action.” Paraphrased restatement: “Urgent measures are necessary to address the worldwide issue of climate change.”

Use synonyms and alternative words: Replace specific terms in your thesis statement with synonyms or related words. This not only helps avoid repetition but also adds depth and clarity to your restatement.

Example: Original thesis: “Education is crucial for societal progress.” Paraphrased restatement: “The advancement of societies heavily relies on the importance of education.”

Maintain the core message: While paraphrasing your thesis statement, ensure that the main idea or message remains intact. The restatement should still convey the central argument of your essay.

Example: Original thesis: “The government should implement stricter regulations on the usage of plastic to reduce environmental pollution.” Paraphrased restatement: “To combat environmental pollution, it is imperative for the government to enforce more stringent regulations regarding plastic consumption.”

By effectively paraphrasing your thesis statement, you provide a fresh perspective on your argument while staying true to the core message of your essay.

Connect Your Thesis to a Larger Idea or Context

Connecting your thesis to a larger idea or context helps emphasize the broader significance of your argument. It allows readers to understand the relevance and implications of your thesis statement in a broader context. Here are some strategies to help you connect your thesis to a larger idea or context:

Highlight the broader impact: Discuss how your thesis statement relates to a larger societal, cultural, or academic issue. Explain why understanding or addressing your thesis statement is essential in the larger scheme of things.

Example: Original thesis: “The portrayal of women in media perpetuates harmful stereotypes.” Restatement connected to a larger context: “Challenging the portrayal of women in media is an integral part of the ongoing fight for gender equality and empowering women.”

Provide historical or current examples: Demonstrate how your thesis statement connects to historical events, current affairs, or prominent figures. This highlights the relevance of your argument in a larger and recognizable context.

Example: Original thesis: “Corruption undermines the integrity of democratic systems.” Restatement connected to a larger context: “Throughout history, instances of corruption have been notorious for eroding trust in democratic institutions and fostering public disillusionment.”

Discuss the wider implications: Analyze the consequences or wider implications of your thesis statement beyond the scope of your essay. This helps readers understand the significance of your argument and its potential impact.

Example: Original thesis: “Automation in the workforce necessitates the need for reskilling and upskilling.” Restatement connected to a larger context: “The rapid advancement of automation technology not only requires individuals to adapt and acquire new skills but also poses significant challenges for educational institutions and policymakers in preparing the workforce of the future.”

By connecting your thesis to a larger idea or context, you demonstrate the broader relevance and impact of your argument, providing a deeper understanding for your readers.

Adding New Information or Ideas

While restating your thesis, you may want to introduce new information or ideas that support or expand upon your original argument. This can help enrich your restatement and provide further insight for your readers. Here are some strategies to add new information or ideas when restating your thesis:

• Present additional evidence: Introduce new evidence or examples that strengthen your argument and support your thesis statement. This shows that your original thesis is well-founded and backed by solid evidence.
• Include relevant statistics or research findings: Incorporate relevant statistics or research findings that further validate your thesis statement. This adds credibility and demonstrates a deep understanding of your topic.
• Discuss alternative perspectives: Address counterarguments or opposing viewpoints and explain how your thesis statement still holds strong despite these alternatives. This showcases critical thinking and strengthens the overall persuasiveness of your argument.
• Propose future implications or areas for further exploration: Suggest possible future developments or areas for further research and analysis related to your thesis statement. This expands the scope of your argument and encourages further engagement with the topic.
• Connect to current events or trends: Relate your thesis statement to ongoing current events or emerging trends. By highlighting the relevance of your argument to contemporary issues, you make your restatement more relatable and impactful.

Remember to integrate new information or ideas seamlessly into your restatement, ensuring they enhance and build upon your original thesis in a cohesive and logical manner.

Changing the Stance of Your Thesis

Sometimes, it can be effective to restate your thesis by presenting a different perspective or changing the stance of your original argument. This adds complexity and nuance to your restatement, engaging readers with a fresh viewpoint. Here are some strategies for changing the stance of your thesis:

• Acknowledge counterarguments: Address opposing viewpoints or critiques of your original thesis statement. Show that you have considered alternative perspectives and are open to a balanced discussion.
• Present a different angle: Introduce a related but contrasting aspect of your topic. This allows you to present a new interpretation or highlight a lesser-known aspect, challenging conventional thinking.
• Offer a qualified stance: Adjust the certainty or absoluteness of your thesis statement. Use words and phrases like “it is probable,” “it is likely,” or “there may be exceptions” to indicate a more nuanced or conditional stance.
• Explore the limitations: Discuss the limitations or constraints of your original thesis statement. This demonstrates critical thinking and an understanding of the complexities involved in your topic.

By changing the stance of your thesis, you demonstrate intellectual flexibility and engage readers with a thought-provoking restatement that encourages further exploration and discussion.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Restating Your Thesis

Restating a thesis statement is a crucial step in effectively summarizing your main argument and reinforcing its significance. However, there are some common mistakes that should be avoided in order to maintain clarity and coherence. Here are some pitfalls to steer clear of when restating your thesis:

• Repetition of the exact same words: While restating your thesis, strive to express the main idea using different words and sentence structures. Repetition can make your restatement sound monotonous and redundant.
• Adding new information or ideas: Remember that restating your thesis is about summarizing and reaffirming your original argument, rather than introducing new information or ideas. Avoid incorporating unrelated or irrelevant content in your restatement.
• Changing the meaning of your thesis: Ensure that the restatement maintains the same core message or main argument as your original thesis statement. Avoid altering the meaning or taking a completely different stance without proper justification.
• Being too vague or general: Avoid being overly broad or generic when restating your thesis. Aim to provide a concise and specific restatement that accurately captures the main focus of your essay.
• Not addressing the main points of your essay: Your restatement should reflect the key points and supporting arguments discussed in your essay. Neglecting to encompass these important elements can weaken the overall effectiveness of your restatement.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can successfully restate your thesis statement in a manner that reinforces your main argument while maintaining clarity and coherence.

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Master the Art: How to Restate a Thesis

Mastering the art of restating a thesis: your guide to academic precision, hook: unveiling the power of thesis restatement.

In academic writing, mastering how to restate a thesis effectively is paramount for leaving a lasting impact on your readers. Similar to a conductor orchestrating a symphony, skillful restatement harmonizes your ideas, ensuring clarity and resonance. Crafting an effective restatement of the thesis is akin to distilling the essence of your argument into a potent elixir—one that leaves a lasting impression on your readers. While the task may seem daunting, employing the right techniques can transform this endeavor nce of restating your thesis and explore strategies for achieving this in the thesis conclusion of your paper.

By condensing these sections, you can maintain the article’s clarity and coherence while making it more concise and reader-friendly.

The Significance of Thesis Restatement in Academic Writing

In the intricate tapestry of academic discourse, the thesis statement stands as a beacon of clarity, guiding readers through the labyrinth of your arguments. However, its significance extends beyond mere introduction; it serves as the linchpin of your entire paper, encapsulating the essence of your research or analysis. Yet, as the final crescendo approaches, the thesis deserves a moment of resplendent reaffirmation—a chance to resonate in the minds of your audience.

Overview of What the Article Will Cover

Throughout this guide, we’ll unravel the mysteries of thesis restatement, exploring its significance and providing strategies for crafting impactful restatements. From dissecting the anatomy of a thesis statement to showcasing examples and offering practical exercises, we’ll equip you with the tools necessary for academic precision. Additionally, we’ll demonstrate restate thesis example instances to illustrate effective application.

Understanding and Crafting a Strong Thesis Statement

In academic writing, a strong thesis statement serves as the cornerstone of your argument, guiding your readers through the complexities of your paper. Let’s outline the key characteristics that make a thesis statement effective:

• Specificity: A strong thesis statement is clear and precise, providing a focused direction for your paper. For example: Thesis: “The rise of social media has transformed communication, but it has also raised concerns about privacy and authenticity.”
• Debatable: An effective thesis statement presents an argument or perspective that invites discussion and analysis rather than stating an indisputable fact. For instance: Thesis: “The portrayal of female characters in classic literature reflects societal attitudes towards gender roles and expectations.”
• Evidence-Based: A robust thesis statement is supported by evidence or reasoning, demonstrating your engagement with the topic and your ability to construct a compelling argument. Consider: Thesis: “Drawing on cognitive psychology theories, this study investigates the impact of mindfulness meditation on reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression among college students.”

Restating your thesis effectively in the conclusion of your paper is crucial for reinforcing your main argument and leaving a lasting impression on your audience. But how do you restate a thesis in a way that is both impactful and memorable? Let’s explore some strategies and techniques to achieve this.

The Purpose of Restating a Thesis

In academic writing, the restatement of the thesis serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it acts as a guiding light, illuminating the main argument and reminding readers of the paper’s central proposition. By encapsulating the main argument in a succinct and memorable manner, the restatement ensures that readers depart with a crystal-clear understanding of the writer’s intentions. Additionally, as the final act of the paper unfolds, the restatement serves as a poignant reminder of the intellectual journey that has transpired. It echoes like a refrain, drawing attention to the central theme or argument that has permeated every paragraph and citation, reinforcing its enduring relevance in the broader scholarly discourse. Lastly, the restatement strengthens the overall coherence and cohesion of the paper, binding together the various strands of thought and ensuring structural integrity.

Techniques for Effective Restatement

Crafting an effective restatement of the thesis is akin to distilling the essence of your argument into a potent elixir—one that leaves a lasting impression on your readers. While the task may seem daunting, employing the right techniques can transform this endeavor into a seamless and impactful conclusion to your academic paper. Let’s explore some key techniques for how to restate your thesis in a compelling manner:

• Summarizing Without Repetition

Avoid the temptation to simply repeat the original thesis verbatim. Instead, strive to encapsulate the main argument in a fresh and succinct manner. Consider paraphrasing the thesis statement while retaining its core essence. Focus on conveying the central idea without regurgitating the exact wording, allowing for a sense of closure while avoiding redundancy.

Example: Original Thesis: “The proliferation of social media has revolutionized communication, but it has also raised concerns about privacy and authenticity.” Restatement: “In summary, while social media has transformed how we communicate, it has also sparked debates surrounding privacy and authenticity.”

• Emphasizing Key Points

Highlighting the key points of your argument in the restatement can reinforce their significance and leave a lasting impression on your readers. Identify the main themes or findings of your paper and ensure that they are prominently featured in the restatement. This serves to underscore the importance of your argument and provides a concise recapitulation of your paper’s main contributions.

Example: Original Thesis: “The implementation of sustainable farming practices is essential for mitigating the environmental impact of agriculture and ensuring food security.” Restatement: “In conclusion, the adoption of sustainable farming methods is crucial not only for environmental preservation but also for safeguarding our global food supply.”

• Incorporating New Insights or Perspectives

While the restatement should echo the main argument of your paper, it also offers an opportunity to introduce fresh insights or perspectives that have emerged throughout your discussion. Consider how your analysis has evolved and whether there are any additional points you wish to emphasize in the conclusion. By integrating new insights into the restatement, you demonstrate the depth of your engagement with the topic and leave readers with food for thought.

Example: Original Thesis: “The portrayal of female characters in classic literature reflects societal attitudes towards gender roles and expectations.” Restatement: “In retrospect, the depiction of female characters in classic literature not only mirrors historical gender norms but also invites critical reflection on the evolution of societal perceptions of femininity and empowerment.”

Incorporating these techniques into your restatement can elevate it from a mere summary to a compelling synthesis of your paper’s main arguments. By summarizing without repetition, emphasizing key points, and incorporating new insights, you can craft a restatement that resonates with your readers and leaves a lasting impression long after they’ve finished reading.

Strategies for Crafting Impactful Restatements

Crafting an impactful restatement of the thesis requires strategic approaches tailored to the nuances of each situation. Here are concise strategies to consider:

• Analyzing the Context and Audience: Consider the broader context in which your paper exists and the expectations of your audience. Tailor your restatement to resonate with the interests and concerns of your readers, ensuring relevance and engagement within the larger scholarly discourse.
• Tailoring the Restatement to Suit Different Types of Papers: Recognize that different types of academic papers may require different approaches. While a concise summary may suffice for shorter papers, a more comprehensive restatement may be necessary for longer works. Consider the scope and complexity of your paper when determining the appropriate level of detail and nuance.
• Using Language that Reflects Confidence and Authority: Adopt a tone of confidence and conviction in your restatement. Avoid hedging or equivocation, and make declarative statements that leave no doubt about the significance of your argument and the validity of your conclusions.

By implementing these strategies, you can craft restatements that resonate with your audience, reinforce the strength of your argument, and leave a lasting impression.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid in Restating a Thesis

Crafting an effective restatement of the thesis requires finesse and attention to detail. Here are the key pitfalls to avoid and straightforward guidance on how to steer clear of them:

• Merely Repeating the Thesis Without Adding Value: Avoid simply regurgitating the original thesis statement without offering any additional insight or analysis. Expand upon the original thesis by summarizing the main argument in a fresh and engaging way. Reflect on the key points of your paper and consider their broader implications or significance to add depth and nuance to your restatement.
• Introducing New Information in the Restatement: Resist the temptation to introduce new information or ideas in the restatement of the thesis. The conclusion of your paper is not the place to unveil novel findings or introduce fresh arguments. Stick to summarizing and reinforcing the main argument, avoiding tangential topics or straying from the scope of your paper.
• Underestimating the Importance of Clarity and Coherence: Prioritize clarity and coherence in your restatement. Ensure that your restatement ties together the various threads of your argument in a cohesive and compelling manner, providing readers with a sense of closure and resolution. Avoid ambiguity or vagueness, and use language that is clear, concise, and to the point.

By avoiding these common pitfalls, you can craft restatements that enhance the clarity and impact of your paper, leaving a lasting impression on your readers.

Examples of Effective Restatements

Examining successful restatements from academic papers offers valuable insights into the strategies and techniques employed to reinforce the thesis and leave a lasting impression on the reader. Let’s deconstruct a few restate thesis example, and highlight the key elements that contribute to their effectiveness:

Example 1: Original Thesis: “The rise of social media has revolutionized communication, but it has also raised concerns about privacy and authenticity.” Restatement: “In conclusion, the transformative impact of social media on communication cannot be overstated. However, as we navigate this digital landscape, it is imperative to address the pressing issues of privacy and authenticity.” Key Elements: Synthesis of Main Points: The restatement succinctly summarizes the main argument while emphasizing the transformative nature of social media on communication. Relevance to Conclusion: It sets the stage for the conclusion by highlighting the importance of addressing privacy and authenticity in the digital age. Clarity and Conciseness: The language is clear and concise, ensuring that the restatement effectively reinforces the thesis without unnecessary repetition. Example 2: Original Thesis: “Effective leadership is essential for driving organizational success and fostering a positive work culture.” Restatement: “In summary, the role of effective leadership in shaping organizational success and cultivating a supportive work environment cannot be overstated. As we strive to navigate the complexities of the modern workplace, it is crucial to prioritize the development of strong leadership skills.” Key Elements: Emphasis on Importance: The restatement underscores the significance of effective leadership in achieving organizational goals and fostering a positive work culture. Forward-Looking Perspective: It looks to the future, urging readers to prioritize the development of leadership skills in the face of evolving workplace challenges. Elegance in Expression: The language is elegant and persuasive, enhancing the impact of the restatement and leaving a memorable impression on the reader. Example 3: Original Thesis: “The findings of this study highlight the importance of early childhood education in promoting cognitive development and academic success.” Restatement: “In conclusion, the findings of this study underscore the critical role of early childhood education in shaping cognitive development and laying the foundation for academic achievement. As we consider the implications of these findings, it is evident that investing in quality early childhood education programs is essential for the future success of our society.” Key Elements: Summarization of Findings: The restatement summarizes the key findings of the study, reinforcing the importance of early childhood education. Call to Action: It goes beyond summary to advocate for action, emphasizing the need to invest in quality early childhood education programs. Clarity and Conviction: The language is clear and persuasive, conveying a sense of urgency and conviction that resonates with the reader.

In conclusion, these examples illustrate how effective restatements reinforce the thesis, set the stage for the conclusion, and leave a lasting impression on the reader. By synthesizing main points, emphasizing importance, and using clear and persuasive language, these restatements effectively encapsulate the essence of the paper and underscore its significance in the broader context of academic discourse.

Refining Your Restatement Skills

Improving your ability to craft effective restatements requires a proactive approach and dedication to practice. Here are actionable steps and tips to refine your restatement skills:

• Seeking Feedback from Peers or Instructors: Share your restatements with peers, instructors, or mentors and solicit their input. Ask for specific feedback on clarity, coherence, and effectiveness in reinforcing the thesis. Constructive criticism can provide valuable insights and help identify areas for improvement.
• Utilizing Online Resources and Writing Centers: Take advantage of the wealth of online resources and writing centers available to support your academic writing endeavors. Many universities offer writing assistance services, including workshops, tutorials, and one-on-one consultations with writing tutors. These resources can provide guidance on structuring restatements, refining language, and enhancing overall writing proficiency.
• The Importance of Continuous Practice and Refinement: Set aside dedicated time for writing exercises focused specifically on crafting restatements. Experiment with different techniques, styles, and approaches to see what works best for you. Keep a journal or log of your restatements and reflect on your progress over time. Consistent practice will help sharpen your skills and deepen your understanding of effective restatement strategies.

By incorporating these steps and tips into your writing process, you can refine your restatement skills and enhance the clarity, coherence, and impact of your academic writing.

Mastering the art of thesis restatement is transformative, elevating academic writing to new heights of clarity and impact. As we conclude our exploration, let’s recap the significance of this vital aspect of academic discourse and its profound implications for your writing prowess.

Recap of Significance:

Restating the thesis serves as a beacon of clarity, guiding readers through the labyrinth of your arguments and reinforcing the central proposition of your paper. It provides a moment of reflection amidst the intellectual journey, offering a succinct summary of key points while underscoring their enduring relevance in the broader scholarly discourse.

Encouragement for Implementation:

To my fellow scholars, I encourage you to implement the techniques and strategies discussed with confidence and enthusiasm. By mastering thesis restatement, you’ll refine your ability to distill complex ideas into clear and persuasive arguments, leaving a lasting impression on your readers.

Emphasizing Transformative Impact:

As you incorporate these strategies into your writing process, you’ll experience a transformative impact on your academic writing prowess. Your restatements will become more concise, compelling, and impactful, resonating with clarity, coherence, and conviction.

In conclusion, the art of thesis restatement is not merely a technical skill but a powerful tool that can elevate your academic writing to new heights. Embrace it with confidence, implement the techniques learned, and watch as your papers resonate with clarity, coherence, and conviction.

Thesis Statements

What this handout is about.

This handout describes what a thesis statement is, how thesis statements work in your writing, and how you can craft or refine one for your draft.

Introduction

Writing in college often takes the form of persuasion—convincing others that you have an interesting, logical point of view on the subject you are studying. Persuasion is a skill you practice regularly in your daily life. You persuade your roommate to clean up, your parents to let you borrow the car, your friend to vote for your favorite candidate or policy. In college, course assignments often ask you to make a persuasive case in writing. You are asked to convince your reader of your point of view. This form of persuasion, often called academic argument, follows a predictable pattern in writing. After a brief introduction of your topic, you state your point of view on the topic directly and often in one sentence. This sentence is the thesis statement, and it serves as a summary of the argument you’ll make in the rest of your paper.

What is a thesis statement?

A thesis statement:

• tells the reader how you will interpret the significance of the subject matter under discussion.
• is a road map for the paper; in other words, it tells the reader what to expect from the rest of the paper.
• directly answers the question asked of you. A thesis is an interpretation of a question or subject, not the subject itself. The subject, or topic, of an essay might be World War II or Moby Dick; a thesis must then offer a way to understand the war or the novel.
• makes a claim that others might dispute.
• is usually a single sentence near the beginning of your paper (most often, at the end of the first paragraph) that presents your argument to the reader. The rest of the paper, the body of the essay, gathers and organizes evidence that will persuade the reader of the logic of your interpretation.

If your assignment asks you to take a position or develop a claim about a subject, you may need to convey that position or claim in a thesis statement near the beginning of your draft. The assignment may not explicitly state that you need a thesis statement because your instructor may assume you will include one. When in doubt, ask your instructor if the assignment requires a thesis statement. When an assignment asks you to analyze, to interpret, to compare and contrast, to demonstrate cause and effect, or to take a stand on an issue, it is likely that you are being asked to develop a thesis and to support it persuasively. (Check out our handout on understanding assignments for more information.)

How do I create a thesis?

A thesis is the result of a lengthy thinking process. Formulating a thesis is not the first thing you do after reading an essay assignment. Before you develop an argument on any topic, you have to collect and organize evidence, look for possible relationships between known facts (such as surprising contrasts or similarities), and think about the significance of these relationships. Once you do this thinking, you will probably have a “working thesis” that presents a basic or main idea and an argument that you think you can support with evidence. Both the argument and your thesis are likely to need adjustment along the way.

Writers use all kinds of techniques to stimulate their thinking and to help them clarify relationships or comprehend the broader significance of a topic and arrive at a thesis statement. For more ideas on how to get started, see our handout on brainstorming .

How do I know if my thesis is strong?

If there’s time, run it by your instructor or make an appointment at the Writing Center to get some feedback. Even if you do not have time to get advice elsewhere, you can do some thesis evaluation of your own. When reviewing your first draft and its working thesis, ask yourself the following :

• Do I answer the question? Re-reading the question prompt after constructing a working thesis can help you fix an argument that misses the focus of the question. If the prompt isn’t phrased as a question, try to rephrase it. For example, “Discuss the effect of X on Y” can be rephrased as “What is the effect of X on Y?”
• Have I taken a position that others might challenge or oppose? If your thesis simply states facts that no one would, or even could, disagree with, it’s possible that you are simply providing a summary, rather than making an argument.
• Is my thesis statement specific enough? Thesis statements that are too vague often do not have a strong argument. If your thesis contains words like “good” or “successful,” see if you could be more specific: why is something “good”; what specifically makes something “successful”?
• Does my thesis pass the “So what?” test? If a reader’s first response is likely to  be “So what?” then you need to clarify, to forge a relationship, or to connect to a larger issue.
• Does my essay support my thesis specifically and without wandering? If your thesis and the body of your essay do not seem to go together, one of them has to change. It’s okay to change your working thesis to reflect things you have figured out in the course of writing your paper. Remember, always reassess and revise your writing as necessary.
• Does my thesis pass the “how and why?” test? If a reader’s first response is “how?” or “why?” your thesis may be too open-ended and lack guidance for the reader. See what you can add to give the reader a better take on your position right from the beginning.

Suppose you are taking a course on contemporary communication, and the instructor hands out the following essay assignment: “Discuss the impact of social media on public awareness.” Looking back at your notes, you might start with this working thesis:

Social media impacts public awareness in both positive and negative ways.

You can use the questions above to help you revise this general statement into a stronger thesis.

• Do I answer the question? You can analyze this if you rephrase “discuss the impact” as “what is the impact?” This way, you can see that you’ve answered the question only very generally with the vague “positive and negative ways.”
• Have I taken a position that others might challenge or oppose? Not likely. Only people who maintain that social media has a solely positive or solely negative impact could disagree.
• Is my thesis statement specific enough? No. What are the positive effects? What are the negative effects?
• Does my thesis pass the “how and why?” test? No. Why are they positive? How are they positive? What are their causes? Why are they negative? How are they negative? What are their causes?
• Does my thesis pass the “So what?” test? No. Why should anyone care about the positive and/or negative impact of social media?

After thinking about your answers to these questions, you decide to focus on the one impact you feel strongly about and have strong evidence for:

Because not every voice on social media is reliable, people have become much more critical consumers of information, and thus, more informed voters.

This version is a much stronger thesis! It answers the question, takes a specific position that others can challenge, and it gives a sense of why it matters.

Let’s try another. Suppose your literature professor hands out the following assignment in a class on the American novel: Write an analysis of some aspect of Mark Twain’s novel Huckleberry Finn. “This will be easy,” you think. “I loved Huckleberry Finn!” You grab a pad of paper and write:

Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn is a great American novel.

You begin to analyze your thesis:

• Do I answer the question? No. The prompt asks you to analyze some aspect of the novel. Your working thesis is a statement of general appreciation for the entire novel.

Think about aspects of the novel that are important to its structure or meaning—for example, the role of storytelling, the contrasting scenes between the shore and the river, or the relationships between adults and children. Now you write:

In Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain develops a contrast between life on the river and life on the shore.

• Do I answer the question? Yes!
• Have I taken a position that others might challenge or oppose? Not really. This contrast is well-known and accepted.
• Is my thesis statement specific enough? It’s getting there–you have highlighted an important aspect of the novel for investigation. However, it’s still not clear what your analysis will reveal.
• Does my thesis pass the “how and why?” test? Not yet. Compare scenes from the book and see what you discover. Free write, make lists, jot down Huck’s actions and reactions and anything else that seems interesting.
• Does my thesis pass the “So what?” test? What’s the point of this contrast? What does it signify?”

After examining the evidence and considering your own insights, you write:

Through its contrasting river and shore scenes, Twain’s Huckleberry Finn suggests that to find the true expression of American democratic ideals, one must leave “civilized” society and go back to nature.

This final thesis statement presents an interpretation of a literary work based on an analysis of its content. Of course, for the essay itself to be successful, you must now present evidence from the novel that will convince the reader of your interpretation.

Works consulted

We consulted these works while writing this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find additional publications. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial . We revise these tips periodically and welcome feedback.

Anson, Chris M., and Robert A. Schwegler. 2010. The Longman Handbook for Writers and Readers , 6th ed. New York: Longman.

Lunsford, Andrea A. 2015. The St. Martin’s Handbook , 8th ed. Boston: Bedford/St Martin’s.

Ramage, John D., John C. Bean, and June Johnson. 2018. The Allyn & Bacon Guide to Writing , 8th ed. New York: Pearson.

Ruszkiewicz, John J., Christy Friend, Daniel Seward, and Maxine Hairston. 2010. The Scott, Foresman Handbook for Writers , 9th ed. Boston: Pearson Education.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

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Workshop Resources: Thesis Statements & Outlines

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Thesis Statement

Your thesis statement should be a one sentence, declarative, controversial statement

Controversial meaning it is possible someone could disagree with it--you will have to ARGUE your case

Of course when you are writing a 15-20 page paper, it will be more than 5 paragraphs. But you can scaffold this out in various ways. Add additional Evidence Paragraphs, or make 3 Evidence Sections with multiple paragraphs each.

Introduction

Lead: One sentence that makes a general statement and tries to get the reader’s attention.

Background Information: One or two sentences that give you some general information about the topic of the essay.

Main Point of Paragraph: One or two sentences telling what your body paragraphs will discuss in the order they appear in the essay.

Thesis Statement: One sentence that gives a clear, concise representation of your topic and argument

Evidence Paragraphs

Topic Sentence: One sentence that tells the topic of the paragraph AND acts as a transition from the previous paragraph.

Details/Examples/Support/Quotes/Evidence: Several sentences related to the topic of the paragraph

Closing/Conclusion for the Paragraph: One sentence that relates to paragraph’s topic sentence and points back to the thesis.

Restatement of Thesis: One sentence that restates the thesis from the introductory paragraph.

Review of Main Points: One or two sentences that briefly reviews the main points from your body paragraphs.  No new information should be discussed here.

Closing for Essay: One or two sentences that wrap up the essay so that there is a feeling of finality.

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How can I restate a thesis statement effectively?

This is the second of three chapters about Thesis Restatements . To complete this reader, read each chapter carefully and then unlock and complete our materials to check your understanding.   

– Introduce four tips for writing effective thesis restatements

– Explore the four elements of a thesis restatement 

– Provide guidance on restating a thesis restatement using paraphrasing techniques

Chapter 1: Why are concluding thesis restatements important?

Chapter 2: How can I restate a thesis statement effectively?

Chapter 3: Can I see example academic thesis restatements?

Before you begin reading...

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In Chapter 1 of this short reader we introduced the basic elements of a concluding paragraph and compared the introductory thesis statement   with the concluding thesis restatement . In Chapter 2, we next attempt to deconstruct and reconstruct some example thesis restatements to exemplify how these elements can be written most effectively. This exemplification can be broken down into four tips. Continue reading to learn about how to apply these simple tips to your own writing.

Tip 1: Include the Elements

As was mentioned at the end of Chapter 1, there are four key elements that build a thesis statement – and these same elements can be used to build thesis restatements too. The first is the inclusion of task language. The task language provided in the table below works to inform the reader of both the format of the assignment  ( essay , dissertation , etc) and its type ( discuss , evaluate , etc.). From this information, an experienced reader should then be able to predict the likely structure of the essay based on their experience:

The second and third aspects are usually constructed from the topic of the essay and its key arguments. While the topic is simple as it’s often taken directly from the essay question, the writer’s key arguments are somewhat more complex as they’re drawn from the body-paragraph main ideas – as outlined in the essay’s topic sentences . As can be seen in the following table, however, these aspects are straightforward enough to write once the body section is complete (a thesis restatement should not be written before this stage):

When writing a thesis restatement, students should also remember to provide their main ideas in the same order as presented in the body section of their essay, also including stance (writer opinion) as the fourth element wherever required:

Tip 2: Paraphrase the Thesis Statement

While it’s important that the meaning of the original thesis   is restated by the writer in the concluding paragraph , this doesn’t mean that precisely the same words should be used. In fact, doing so might appear lazy or repetitive to the reader. Instead, writers should use a wide variety of techniques to help them restate their thesis in different words and linguistic structures.

The most helpful techniques are listed for students below:

• alter the grammar
• alter the sentence structure
• change the order of information
• change the word order
• modify the word forms
• use antonyms and synonyms

Students should remember, of course, that it’s not necessary to paraphrase every word. Names, collocates  and subject-specific words should be maintained, as can small grammatical words such as prepositions and determiners .

Tip 3: Be Specific and Concise

An effective thesis restatement should always be specific and concise . Specificity is critical as being vague will only confuse your reader or lead them to believe that you’re as unsure about your topic as they are. Likewise, overwritten text may be tiring for the reader and will use up your limited word count . To see this in action, take a look at the two example thesis restatements below and see why example A has the best balance of specificity and concision:

Tip 4: Edit Carefully

Finally, remember to check every aspect of your essay carefully for grammar and spelling errors before submission, including your concluding thesis restatement. Should a reader spot too many errors in your writing, their confidence in your argumentation will be reduced (and so too may your grade).

To reference this reader:

Academic Marker (2022) Thesis Restatements . Available at: https://academicmarker.com/essay-writing/concluding-paragraphs/thesis-restatements/ (Accessed: Date Month Year).

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Chapter 1 explores the topic: Why are concluding thesis restatements important? Our Chapter 1 Worksheet (containing guidance, activities and answer keys) can be accessed here at the click of a button. 

Chapter 2 explores the topic: How can I restate a thesis statement effectively? Our Chapter 2 Worksheet (containing guidance, activities and answer keys) can be accessed here at the click of a button. 

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Writing conclusions.

Though expectations vary from one discipline to the next, the conclusion of your paper is generally a place to explore the implications of your topic or argument. In other words, the end of your paper is a place to look outward or ahead in order to explain why you made the points you did.

Writing the Conclusion

In the past, you may have been told that your conclusion should summarize what you have already said by restating your thesis and main points. It is often helpful to restate your argument in the conclusion, particularly in a longer paper, but most professors and instructors want students to go beyond simply repeating what they have already said. Restating your thesis is just a short first part of your conclusion. Make sure that you are not simply repeating yourself; your restated thesis should use new and interesting language.

After you have restated your thesis, you should not just summarize the key points of your argument. Your conclusion should offer the reader something new to think about—or, at the very least, it should offer the reader a new way of thinking about what you have said in your paper.

You can employ one of several strategies for taking your conclusion that important step further:

• Answer the question, "So what?"
• Connect to a larger theme from the course
• Complicate your claim with an outside source
• Pose a new research question as a result of your paper's findings
• Address the limitations of your argument

The strategy you employ in writing a conclusion for your paper may depend upon a number of factors:

• The conventions of the discipline in which you are writing
• The tone of your paper (whether your paper is analytical, argumentative, explanatory, etc.)
• Whether your paper is meant to be formal or informal

Choose a strategy that best maintains the flow and tone of your paper while allowing you to adequately tie together all aspects of your paper.

The Final "So what?" Strategy

Part of generating a thesis statement sometimes requires answering the "so what?" question—that is, explaining the significance of your basic assertion. When you use the "so what?" strategy to write your conclusion, you are considering what some of the implications of your argument might be beyond the points already made in your paper. This strategy allows you to leave readers with an understanding of why your argument is important in a broader context or how it can apply to a larger concept.

For example, consider a paper about alcohol abuse in universities. If the paper argues that alcohol abuse among students depends more on psychological factors than simply the availability of alcohol on campus, a "so what?" conclusion might tie together threads from the body of the paper to suggest that universities are not approaching alcohol education from the most effective perspective when they focus exclusively on limiting students' access to alcohol.

To use this strategy, ask yourself, "How does my argument affect how I approach the text or issue?"

The "Connecting to a Course Theme" Strategy

When you use the "connecting to a course theme" strategy to write your conclusion, you are establishing a connection between your paper's thesis and a larger theme or idea from the course for which you are writing your paper.

For example, consider a paper about mothers and daughters in Eudora Welty's Delta Wedding for a class called "The Inescapable South." This paper argues that a strong dependence on the mother is analogous to a strong dependence on the South. A "connecting to a course theme" conclusion for this paper might propose that Welty's daughter characters demonstrate what type of people can and cannot escape the South.

To use this strategy, ask yourself, "What is an overall theme of this course? How does my paper's thesis connect?"

The "Complicating Your Claim" Strategy

When you use the "complicating your claim" strategy to write your conclusion, you are using one or more additional resources to develop a more nuanced final thesis. Such additional resources could include a new outside source or textual evidence that seemingly contradicts your argument.

For example, consider a paper about Ireland's neutrality during World War II. This paper argues that Ireland refused to enter the war because it wanted to assert its sovereignty, not because it had no opinion about the conflict. A "complicating your claim" conclusion for this paper might provide historical evidence that Ireland did aid the Allies, suggesting that the Irish were more influenced by international diplomacy than their formal neutrality might suggest.

To use this strategy, ask yourself, "Is there any evidence against my thesis?" or "What does an outside source have to say about my thesis?"

The "Posing a New Question" Strategy

When you use the "posing a new question" strategy to write your conclusion, you are inviting the reader to consider a new idea or question that has appeared as a result of your argument.

For example, consider a paper about three versions of the folktale "Rapunzel." This paper argues that German, Italian, and Filipino versions of "Rapunzel" all vary in terms of characterization, plot development, and moral, and as a result have different themes. A "posing a new question" conclusion for this paper might ask the historical and cultural reasons for how three separate cultures developed such similar stories with such different themes.

To use this strategy, ask yourself, "What new question has developed out of my argument?"

The "Addressing Limitations" Strategy

When you use the "addressing limitations" strategy to write your conclusion, you are discussing the possible weaknesses of your argument and, thus, the fallibility of your overall conclusion. This strategy is often useful in concluding papers on scientific studies and experiments.

For example, consider a paper about an apparent correlation between religious belief and support for terrorism. An "addressing limitations" conclusion for this paper might suggest that the apparent correlation relies on the paper's definition of "terrorism" and, since the definition is not objective, the apparent correlation might have been wrongly identified.

To use this strategy, ask yourself, "In what aspects is my argument lacking? Are there circumstances in which my conclusions might be wrong?"

Polishing Your Conclusion—and Your Paper

After you've completed your conclusion, look over what you have written and consider making some small changes to promote clarity and originality:

• Unless your discipline requires them, remove obvious transitions like "in conclusion," "in summary," and "in result" from your conclusion; they get in the way of the actual substance of your conclusion.
• Consider taking a strong phrase from your conclusion and using it as the title or subtitle of your paper.

Also, be sure to proofread your conclusion carefully for errors and typos. You should double-check your entire paper for accuracy and correct spelling as well.

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Tips and Examples for Writing Thesis Statements

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Tips for Writing Your Thesis Statement

1. Determine what kind of paper you are writing:

• An analytical paper breaks down an issue or an idea into its component parts, evaluates the issue or idea, and presents this breakdown and evaluation to the audience.
• An expository (explanatory) paper explains something to the audience.
• An argumentative paper makes a claim about a topic and justifies this claim with specific evidence. The claim could be an opinion, a policy proposal, an evaluation, a cause-and-effect statement, or an interpretation. The goal of the argumentative paper is to convince the audience that the claim is true based on the evidence provided.

If you are writing a text that does not fall under these three categories (e.g., a narrative), a thesis statement somewhere in the first paragraph could still be helpful to your reader.

2. Your thesis statement should be specific—it should cover only what you will discuss in your paper and should be supported with specific evidence.

3. The thesis statement usually appears at the end of the first paragraph of a paper.

4. Your topic may change as you write, so you may need to revise your thesis statement to reflect exactly what you have discussed in the paper.

Thesis Statement Examples

Example of an analytical thesis statement:

The paper that follows should:

• Explain the analysis of the college admission process
• Explain the challenge facing admissions counselors

Example of an expository (explanatory) thesis statement:

• Explain how students spend their time studying, attending class, and socializing with peers

Example of an argumentative thesis statement:

• Present an argument and give evidence to support the claim that students should pursue community projects before entering college

How to Restate a Thesis Statement-With Examples

A thesis statement is a sentence that states the main idea of your paper. In many cases, it is not enough to simply state the topic-you must also present an argument for why you believe this topic should be explored in greater depth. You may need to restate your thesis statement at various points throughout your paper so that readers can easily follow what you are writing about and how you are supporting your argument.

Restating a thesis statement is a process that can take several forms. You may have to use different words from your original thesis statement to make it fit better with your subject matter, or you may need to expand on its meaning to include new evidence and support for your argument. You must also be careful not to contradict or argue against yourself while restating your thesis statement.

How to Restate a Thesis Statement

The steps below will help you restate your thesis statement with ease.

STEP 1: Determine the focus of your thesis statement.

The first step is to determine the exact focus of your thesis statement. For example, if you are writing a paper about how certain political practices in the United States have influenced its development as a nation, you might write something like this:

“The political ideology that has shaped the United States’ development as a nation is conservatism.”

STEP 2: Reword the thesis statement.

This part of the process is largely subjective, and you will need to consider your writing style carefully to determine whether or not you feel that your thesis statement is clear enough for your readers. You may choose to use synonyms for certain words, or you may need to rearrange the order of the words in your sentence.

Say, for instance, that you are writing a paper about how certain religious attitudes have shaped society and culture in the United States. You could restate your thesis like this:

“Its political ideologies like conservatism that have largely shaped the development of the United States.”

STEP 3: Expand on keywords in your thesis statement.

Often, certain words within a thesis statement carry significant weight with regards to supporting your argument. You can strengthen your thesis statement by restating these words in a more precise way; you could also add new evidence or support for your claim as you refine your thesis’s focus.

STEP 4: Discuss how you will develop your argument in your paper.

Finally, it is helpful to include a brief statement that indicates the direction you will be taking with regards to developing and supporting your argument. This can act as a “roadmap” for your readers-a sentence or two that tells them what they should expect to find in the rest of the paper.

“In this paper, I will explore how conservatism has influenced various aspects of American history and politics.”

What to Keep in Mind while Restating the Thesis Statement?

It is always a good idea to take careful and thorough notes whenever you write a paper because it will help you save time when you are restating your thesis statement. The following guidelines will also help you avoid common errors in this process.

Stay neutral and objective.

One of the most common mistakes writers make in restating a thesis statement is to slip into judgmental language. You should always stay as neutral as possible when describing your subject matter; avoid words like “obviously” or “clearly.” This could make your paper sound obvious or unclear to your readers.

Be concise.

A good thesis statement should not be too long, and it should not include unnecessary words. Try to reword the idea in the fewest possible number of sentences. You can continuously develop and support this claim more fully as you go along with the rest of your paper. Avoid jargon.

If you use words that are not familiar to your readers or have a specialized meaning within your field, it will make your paper very difficult to understand. You should try to stick with ordinary and simple language whenever possible.

Write from your own perspective.

There is nothing wrong with a personal opinion as long as you are clear that this is your subjective perception and not an objective fact. Keep your readers in mind; they will need to understand where you are coming from to follow your argument’s development.

Stay focused on central ideas.

You should avoid straying from your central idea and focus as much as possible. Your thesis statement should include an action verb (e.g., shaped, influenced) followed by the subject with which it is associated (e.g., development of the U.S.) and a modifier (such as “largely” or “primarily”) if necessary to make your argument more specific.

Make your thesis statement stand out.

You should try to make your thesis statement easy for readers to locate. Using an odd or unusual sentence structure might make it easier for readers to spot.

For example, instead of writing “The conservative movement in the United States has influenced various aspects of American history and politics,”

you could write:

“Because of its influence on the course of U.S. history, the conservative movement is a crucial element in understanding the development of the United States.”

What to Avoid when Restating a Thesis Statement

Do not switch words or phrases.

Switching words around can lead to confusion for your readers. Most thesis statements have a clear subject and verb, which should remain unchanged, or else you will end up confusing your readers and making your argument unclear.

Do not introduce new information.

The initial argument should be maintained while restating the thesis statement. Remember that a thesis statement is not the same as an introduction ; it will need to be supported by evidence rather than introducing new material.

Do not contradict yourself.

If you wrote one sentence about the pros of conservatism and then immediately wrote another sentence negating your previous point, you readers would be left confused on your stand. If you have multiple sources that contradict themselves, it would be best to omit them from your paper.

Avoid using vague language or words with various meanings.

If you use a word with more than one meaning in your thesis statement, you should use a different word when restating this idea, so there is no room for misinterpretation.

Do not link to outside resources.

Links to outside resources should not be included in your thesis statement, and these sources should only be used when you are trying to develop or prove a point outside the scope of your subject matter.

Do not use passive voice when restating a thesis statement.

Passive voice often makes writing unclear and weak. You should avoid it when possible and always use an active voice whenever you restate a thesis statement.

Avoid using incorrect modifiers in a restatement of your thesis statement.

If you incorrectly modify the subject or action when restarting your idea, it could lead to confusion for your readers and weaken the strength of your argument. If you make this error, you should correct the statement immediately or rewrite it to make the meaning clearer.

When and Where to Restate Your Thesis Statement

There are various instances when the need for thesis restatement in the body paragraphs rises. So, when do you exactly decide this is the perfect time and place for you to restate the thesis statement?

1. When you are trying to develop your argument, use a restatement of your thesis statement to back up the evidence you have presented to reinforce your idea or prove its existence.

2. When you want to change direction- if you decide it is necessary, you can use a restatement of your thesis statement to change the direction of your argument, make an additional point, or add extra clarification.

3. When you want to summarize – for a restatement of a thesis statement to be effective when summarizing, it is best to be concise and clear. This version should give readers a small glimpse into what you are trying to argue.

4. When you want to make a transition -restating your thesis statement can help smooth the transition between paragraphs or ideas. This will also clarify a complex concept or idea that your readers are trying to understand.

5. To create cohesion- restating your thesis statement can help guide your paper and give it unity, especially if you are trying to create a paper with several different points.

Examples of Restating Your Thesis Statement

“Initially, the Gilded Age was a time of optimism and positive change where citizens felt that their future was secure due to the industriousness of America’s working class.”

Restated statement- “Many Americans during the 1800s felt that their future was secure due to the industriousness of America’s working class.”

“The idea that immigrants are directly responsible for unemployment is not supported by statistical evidence. Rather, this belief stems from a general fear of foreigners.”

Restated statement- “Although there is no direct evidence that immigrants are responsible for unemployment, this idea stems from a fear of foreigners.”

“Overpopulation is defined as the state in which there exists an excess number of people that live in an area with limited resources. This issue can lead to various economic problems such as poverty and lower life expectancy.”

Restated statement- “Overpopulation is defined as an excess number of people living in an area with limited resources. Because of this, overpopulated areas tend to have lower life expectancies and higher poverty rates.”

“The need to instill a sense of national pride within the population has led governments throughout history to set aside public funds for memorials and monuments.”

Restated statement- “Because governments throughout history have wanted to instill a sense of national pride in their citizens, they have set aside public funds for memorials and monuments.”

“The U.S. government has some inherent limitations which provide for the upholding of civil liberties and human rights by protecting citizens from federal overreach.”

Restated statement- “The U.S. government is limited to protect citizens from federal overreach.”

“People tend to think of the past as a simpler time. However, this view is too simplistic considering all of the changes and advancements that have occurred over time.”

Restated statement- “Although people may view the past as a simpler time, it would be more accurate to say that many advancements and changes have occurred over time.”

“The factor that acts as only a possibility is luck. This is only a possibility because the outcome of only one aspect can lead to good results while another aspect might end in bad results.”

Restated statement- “Luck is the only factor that acts as a possibility because there is no way to predict what will happen due to multiple different possibilities.”

“Although academic writing is often thought of as unnecessarily complex, there are several benefits to this form of writing.”

Restated statement- “Despite the belief that academic writing is overly complex, it has several benefits.”

A restated thesis statement can be used to reinforce your main point, change direction in your argument, summarize, create cohesion or simply answer the so what question in a research paper. The restatement must be concise and clear so that it does not distract from the overall idea being presented.

I ‘m a freelance content and SEO writer with a passion for finding the perfect combination of words to capture attention and express a message . I create catchy, SEO-friendly content for websites, blogs, articles, and social media. My experience spans many industries, including health and wellness, technology, education, business, and lifestyle. My clients appreciate my ability to craft compelling stories that engage their target audience, but also help to improve their website’s search engine rankings. I’m also an avid learner and stay up to date on the latest SEO trends. I enjoy exploring new places and reading up on the latest marketing and SEO strategies in my free time.

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Writing a Research Paper Conclusion | Step-by-Step Guide

Published on October 30, 2022 by Jack Caulfield . Revised on April 13, 2023.

• Restate the problem statement addressed in the paper
• Summarize your overall arguments or findings
• Suggest the key takeaways from your paper

The content of the conclusion varies depending on whether your paper presents the results of original empirical research or constructs an argument through engagement with sources .

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Table of contents

Step 1: restate the problem, step 2: sum up the paper, step 3: discuss the implications, research paper conclusion examples, frequently asked questions about research paper conclusions.

The first task of your conclusion is to remind the reader of your research problem . You will have discussed this problem in depth throughout the body, but now the point is to zoom back out from the details to the bigger picture.

While you are restating a problem you’ve already introduced, you should avoid phrasing it identically to how it appeared in the introduction . Ideally, you’ll find a novel way to circle back to the problem from the more detailed ideas discussed in the body.

For example, an argumentative paper advocating new measures to reduce the environmental impact of agriculture might restate its problem as follows:

Meanwhile, an empirical paper studying the relationship of Instagram use with body image issues might present its problem like this:

“In conclusion …”

Avoid starting your conclusion with phrases like “In conclusion” or “To conclude,” as this can come across as too obvious and make your writing seem unsophisticated. The content and placement of your conclusion should make its function clear without the need for additional signposting.

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Having zoomed back in on the problem, it’s time to summarize how the body of the paper went about addressing it, and what conclusions this approach led to.

Depending on the nature of your research paper, this might mean restating your thesis and arguments, or summarizing your overall findings.

Argumentative paper: Restate your thesis and arguments

In an argumentative paper, you will have presented a thesis statement in your introduction, expressing the overall claim your paper argues for. In the conclusion, you should restate the thesis and show how it has been developed through the body of the paper.

Briefly summarize the key arguments made in the body, showing how each of them contributes to proving your thesis. You may also mention any counterarguments you addressed, emphasizing why your thesis holds up against them, particularly if your argument is a controversial one.

Don’t go into the details of your evidence or present new ideas; focus on outlining in broad strokes the argument you have made.

Empirical paper: Summarize your findings

In an empirical paper, this is the time to summarize your key findings. Don’t go into great detail here (you will have presented your in-depth results and discussion already), but do clearly express the answers to the research questions you investigated.

Describe your main findings, even if they weren’t necessarily the ones you expected or hoped for, and explain the overall conclusion they led you to.

Having summed up your key arguments or findings, the conclusion ends by considering the broader implications of your research. This means expressing the key takeaways, practical or theoretical, from your paper—often in the form of a call for action or suggestions for future research.

Argumentative paper: Strong closing statement

An argumentative paper generally ends with a strong closing statement. In the case of a practical argument, make a call for action: What actions do you think should be taken by the people or organizations concerned in response to your argument?

If your topic is more theoretical and unsuitable for a call for action, your closing statement should express the significance of your argument—for example, in proposing a new understanding of a topic or laying the groundwork for future research.

Empirical paper: Future research directions

In a more empirical paper, you can close by either making recommendations for practice (for example, in clinical or policy papers), or suggesting directions for future research.

Whatever the scope of your own research, there will always be room for further investigation of related topics, and you’ll often discover new questions and problems during the research process .

Finish your paper on a forward-looking note by suggesting how you or other researchers might build on this topic in the future and address any limitations of the current paper.

Full examples of research paper conclusions are shown in the tabs below: one for an argumentative paper, the other for an empirical paper.

• Argumentative paper
• Empirical paper

While the role of cattle in climate change is by now common knowledge, countries like the Netherlands continually fail to confront this issue with the urgency it deserves. The evidence is clear: To create a truly futureproof agricultural sector, Dutch farmers must be incentivized to transition from livestock farming to sustainable vegetable farming. As well as dramatically lowering emissions, plant-based agriculture, if approached in the right way, can produce more food with less land, providing opportunities for nature regeneration areas that will themselves contribute to climate targets. Although this approach would have economic ramifications, from a long-term perspective, it would represent a significant step towards a more sustainable and resilient national economy. Transitioning to sustainable vegetable farming will make the Netherlands greener and healthier, setting an example for other European governments. Farmers, policymakers, and consumers must focus on the future, not just on their own short-term interests, and work to implement this transition now.

As social media becomes increasingly central to young people’s everyday lives, it is important to understand how different platforms affect their developing self-conception. By testing the effect of daily Instagram use among teenage girls, this study established that highly visual social media does indeed have a significant effect on body image concerns, with a strong correlation between the amount of time spent on the platform and participants’ self-reported dissatisfaction with their appearance. However, the strength of this effect was moderated by pre-test self-esteem ratings: Participants with higher self-esteem were less likely to experience an increase in body image concerns after using Instagram. This suggests that, while Instagram does impact body image, it is also important to consider the wider social and psychological context in which this usage occurs: Teenagers who are already predisposed to self-esteem issues may be at greater risk of experiencing negative effects. Future research into Instagram and other highly visual social media should focus on establishing a clearer picture of how self-esteem and related constructs influence young people’s experiences of these platforms. Furthermore, while this experiment measured Instagram usage in terms of time spent on the platform, observational studies are required to gain more insight into different patterns of usage—to investigate, for instance, whether active posting is associated with different effects than passive consumption of social media content.

If you’re unsure about the conclusion, it can be helpful to ask a friend or fellow student to read your conclusion and summarize the main takeaways.

• Do they understand from your conclusion what your research was about?
• Are they able to summarize the implications of your findings?
• Can they answer your research question based on your conclusion?

You can also get an expert to proofread and feedback your paper with a paper editing service .

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The conclusion of a research paper has several key elements you should make sure to include:

• A restatement of the research problem
• A summary of your key arguments and/or findings
• A short discussion of the implications of your research

No, it’s not appropriate to present new arguments or evidence in the conclusion . While you might be tempted to save a striking argument for last, research papers follow a more formal structure than this.

All your findings and arguments should be presented in the body of the text (more specifically in the results and discussion sections if you are following a scientific structure). The conclusion is meant to summarize and reflect on the evidence and arguments you have already presented, not introduce new ones.

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Developing a Thesis Statement

Many papers you write require developing a thesis statement. In this section you’ll learn what a thesis statement is and how to write one.

Keep in mind that not all papers require thesis statements . If in doubt, please consult your instructor for assistance.

What is a thesis statement?

A thesis statement . . .

• Makes an argumentative assertion about a topic; it states the conclusions that you have reached about your topic.
• Makes a promise to the reader about the scope, purpose, and direction of your paper.
• Is focused and specific enough to be “proven” within the boundaries of your paper.
• Is generally located near the end of the introduction ; sometimes, in a long paper, the thesis will be expressed in several sentences or in an entire paragraph.
• Identifies the relationships between the pieces of evidence that you are using to support your argument.

Not all papers require thesis statements! Ask your instructor if you’re in doubt whether you need one.

Identify a topic

Your topic is the subject about which you will write. Your assignment may suggest several ways of looking at a topic; or it may name a fairly general concept that you will explore or analyze in your paper.

Consider what your assignment asks you to do

Inform yourself about your topic, focus on one aspect of your topic, ask yourself whether your topic is worthy of your efforts, generate a topic from an assignment.

Below are some possible topics based on sample assignments.

Sample assignment 1

Analyze Spain’s neutrality in World War II.

Identified topic

Franco’s role in the diplomatic relationships between the Allies and the Axis

This topic avoids generalities such as “Spain” and “World War II,” addressing instead on Franco’s role (a specific aspect of “Spain”) and the diplomatic relations between the Allies and Axis (a specific aspect of World War II).

Sample assignment 2

Analyze one of Homer’s epic similes in the Iliad.

The relationship between the portrayal of warfare and the epic simile about Simoisius at 4.547-64.

This topic focuses on a single simile and relates it to a single aspect of the Iliad ( warfare being a major theme in that work).

Developing a Thesis Statement–Additional information

Your assignment may suggest several ways of looking at a topic, or it may name a fairly general concept that you will explore or analyze in your paper. You’ll want to read your assignment carefully, looking for key terms that you can use to focus your topic.

Sample assignment: Analyze Spain’s neutrality in World War II Key terms: analyze, Spain’s neutrality, World War II

After you’ve identified the key words in your topic, the next step is to read about them in several sources, or generate as much information as possible through an analysis of your topic. Obviously, the more material or knowledge you have, the more possibilities will be available for a strong argument. For the sample assignment above, you’ll want to look at books and articles on World War II in general, and Spain’s neutrality in particular.

As you consider your options, you must decide to focus on one aspect of your topic. This means that you cannot include everything you’ve learned about your topic, nor should you go off in several directions. If you end up covering too many different aspects of a topic, your paper will sprawl and be unconvincing in its argument, and it most likely will not fulfull the assignment requirements.

For the sample assignment above, both Spain’s neutrality and World War II are topics far too broad to explore in a paper. You may instead decide to focus on Franco’s role in the diplomatic relationships between the Allies and the Axis , which narrows down what aspects of Spain’s neutrality and World War II you want to discuss, as well as establishes a specific link between those two aspects.

Before you go too far, however, ask yourself whether your topic is worthy of your efforts. Try to avoid topics that already have too much written about them (i.e., “eating disorders and body image among adolescent women”) or that simply are not important (i.e. “why I like ice cream”). These topics may lead to a thesis that is either dry fact or a weird claim that cannot be supported. A good thesis falls somewhere between the two extremes. To arrive at this point, ask yourself what is new, interesting, contestable, or controversial about your topic.

As you work on your thesis, remember to keep the rest of your paper in mind at all times . Sometimes your thesis needs to evolve as you develop new insights, find new evidence, or take a different approach to your topic.

Derive a main point from topic

Once you have a topic, you will have to decide what the main point of your paper will be. This point, the “controlling idea,” becomes the core of your argument (thesis statement) and it is the unifying idea to which you will relate all your sub-theses. You can then turn this “controlling idea” into a purpose statement about what you intend to do in your paper.

Look for patterns in your evidence

Compose a purpose statement.

Consult the examples below for suggestions on how to look for patterns in your evidence and construct a purpose statement.

• Franco first tried to negotiate with the Axis
• Franco turned to the Allies when he couldn’t get some concessions that he wanted from the Axis

Possible conclusion:

Spain’s neutrality in WWII occurred for an entirely personal reason: Franco’s desire to preserve his own (and Spain’s) power.

Purpose statement

This paper will analyze Franco’s diplomacy during World War II to see how it contributed to Spain’s neutrality.

• The simile compares Simoisius to a tree, which is a peaceful, natural image.
• The tree in the simile is chopped down to make wheels for a chariot, which is an object used in warfare.

At first, the simile seems to take the reader away from the world of warfare, but we end up back in that world by the end.

This paper will analyze the way the simile about Simoisius at 4.547-64 moves in and out of the world of warfare.

Derive purpose statement from topic

To find out what your “controlling idea” is, you have to examine and evaluate your evidence . As you consider your evidence, you may notice patterns emerging, data repeated in more than one source, or facts that favor one view more than another. These patterns or data may then lead you to some conclusions about your topic and suggest that you can successfully argue for one idea better than another.

For instance, you might find out that Franco first tried to negotiate with the Axis, but when he couldn’t get some concessions that he wanted from them, he turned to the Allies. As you read more about Franco’s decisions, you may conclude that Spain’s neutrality in WWII occurred for an entirely personal reason: his desire to preserve his own (and Spain’s) power. Based on this conclusion, you can then write a trial thesis statement to help you decide what material belongs in your paper.

Sometimes you won’t be able to find a focus or identify your “spin” or specific argument immediately. Like some writers, you might begin with a purpose statement just to get yourself going. A purpose statement is one or more sentences that announce your topic and indicate the structure of the paper but do not state the conclusions you have drawn . Thus, you might begin with something like this:

• This paper will look at modern language to see if it reflects male dominance or female oppression.
• I plan to analyze anger and derision in offensive language to see if they represent a challenge of society’s authority.

At some point, you can turn a purpose statement into a thesis statement. As you think and write about your topic, you can restrict, clarify, and refine your argument, crafting your thesis statement to reflect your thinking.

As you work on your thesis, remember to keep the rest of your paper in mind at all times. Sometimes your thesis needs to evolve as you develop new insights, find new evidence, or take a different approach to your topic.

Compose a draft thesis statement

If you are writing a paper that will have an argumentative thesis and are having trouble getting started, the techniques in the table below may help you develop a temporary or “working” thesis statement.

Begin with a purpose statement that you will later turn into a thesis statement.

Assignment: Discuss the history of the Reform Party and explain its influence on the 1990 presidential and Congressional election.

Purpose Statement: This paper briefly sketches the history of the grassroots, conservative, Perot-led Reform Party and analyzes how it influenced the economic and social ideologies of the two mainstream parties.

Question-to-Assertion

If your assignment asks a specific question(s), turn the question(s) into an assertion and give reasons why it is true or reasons for your opinion.

Assignment : What do Aylmer and Rappaccini have to be proud of? Why aren’t they satisfied with these things? How does pride, as demonstrated in “The Birthmark” and “Rappaccini’s Daughter,” lead to unexpected problems?

Beginning thesis statement: Alymer and Rappaccinni are proud of their great knowledge; however, they are also very greedy and are driven to use their knowledge to alter some aspect of nature as a test of their ability. Evil results when they try to “play God.”

Write a sentence that summarizes the main idea of the essay you plan to write.

Main idea: The reason some toys succeed in the market is that they appeal to the consumers’ sense of the ridiculous and their basic desire to laugh at themselves.

Make a list of the ideas that you want to include; consider the ideas and try to group them.

• nature = peaceful
• war matériel = violent (competes with 1?)
• need for time and space to mourn the dead
• war is inescapable (competes with 3?)

Use a formula to arrive at a working thesis statement (you will revise this later).

• although most readers of _______ have argued that _______, closer examination shows that _______.
• _______ uses _______ and _____ to prove that ________.
• phenomenon x is a result of the combination of __________, __________, and _________.

What to keep in mind as you draft an initial thesis statement

Beginning statements obtained through the methods illustrated above can serve as a framework for planning or drafting your paper, but remember they’re not yet the specific, argumentative thesis you want for the final version of your paper. In fact, in its first stages, a thesis statement usually is ill-formed or rough and serves only as a planning tool.

As you write, you may discover evidence that does not fit your temporary or “working” thesis. Or you may reach deeper insights about your topic as you do more research, and you will find that your thesis statement has to be more complicated to match the evidence that you want to use.

You must be willing to reject or omit some evidence in order to keep your paper cohesive and your reader focused. Or you may have to revise your thesis to match the evidence and insights that you want to discuss. Read your draft carefully, noting the conclusions you have drawn and the major ideas which support or prove those conclusions. These will be the elements of your final thesis statement.

Sometimes you will not be able to identify these elements in your early drafts, but as you consider how your argument is developing and how your evidence supports your main idea, ask yourself, “ What is the main point that I want to prove/discuss? ” and “ How will I convince the reader that this is true? ” When you can answer these questions, then you can begin to refine the thesis statement.

Refine and polish the thesis statement

To get to your final thesis, you’ll need to refine your draft thesis so that it’s specific and arguable.

• Ask if your draft thesis addresses the assignment
• Question each part of your draft thesis
• Clarify vague phrases and assertions
• Investigate alternatives to your draft thesis

Consult the example below for suggestions on how to refine your draft thesis statement.

Sample Assignment

Choose an activity and define it as a symbol of American culture. Your essay should cause the reader to think critically about the society which produces and enjoys that activity.

• Ask The phenomenon of drive-in facilities is an interesting symbol of american culture, and these facilities demonstrate significant characteristics of our society.This statement does not fulfill the assignment because it does not require the reader to think critically about society.

Drive-ins are an interesting symbol of American culture because they represent Americans’ significant creativity and business ingenuity.

Among the types of drive-in facilities familiar during the twentieth century, drive-in movie theaters best represent American creativity, not merely because they were the forerunner of later drive-ins and drive-throughs, but because of their impact on our culture: they changed our relationship to the automobile, changed the way people experienced movies, and changed movie-going into a family activity.

While drive-in facilities such as those at fast-food establishments, banks, pharmacies, and dry cleaners symbolize America’s economic ingenuity, they also have affected our personal standards.

While drive-in facilities such as those at fast- food restaurants, banks, pharmacies, and dry cleaners symbolize (1) Americans’ business ingenuity, they also have contributed (2) to an increasing homogenization of our culture, (3) a willingness to depersonalize relationships with others, and (4) a tendency to sacrifice quality for convenience.

This statement is now specific and fulfills all parts of the assignment. This version, like any good thesis, is not self-evident; its points, 1-4, will have to be proven with evidence in the body of the paper. The numbers in this statement indicate the order in which the points will be presented. Depending on the length of the paper, there could be one paragraph for each numbered item or there could be blocks of paragraph for even pages for each one.

Complete the final thesis statement

The bottom line.

As you move through the process of crafting a thesis, you’ll need to remember four things:

• Context matters! Think about your course materials and lectures. Try to relate your thesis to the ideas your instructor is discussing.
• As you go through the process described in this section, always keep your assignment in mind . You will be more successful when your thesis (and paper) responds to the assignment than if it argues a semi-related idea.
• Your thesis statement should be precise, focused, and contestable ; it should predict the sub-theses or blocks of information that you will use to prove your argument.
• Make sure that you keep the rest of your paper in mind at all times. Change your thesis as your paper evolves, because you do not want your thesis to promise more than your paper actually delivers.

In the beginning, the thesis statement was a tool to help you sharpen your focus, limit material and establish the paper’s purpose. When your paper is finished, however, the thesis statement becomes a tool for your reader. It tells the reader what you have learned about your topic and what evidence led you to your conclusion. It keeps the reader on track–well able to understand and appreciate your argument.

Writing Process and Structure

This is an accordion element with a series of buttons that open and close related content panels.

Getting Started with Your Paper

Interpreting Writing Assignments from Your Courses

Generating Ideas for

Creating an Argument

Thesis vs. Purpose Statements

Architecture of Arguments

Working with Sources

Quoting and Paraphrasing Sources

Using Literary Quotations

Citing Sources in Your Paper

Drafting Your Paper

Generating Ideas for Your Paper

Introductions

Paragraphing

Developing Strategic Transitions

Conclusions

Revising Your Paper

Peer Reviews

Reverse Outlines

Revising an Argumentative Paper

Revision Strategies for Longer Projects

Finishing Your Paper

Twelve Common Errors: An Editing Checklist

How to Proofread your Paper

Writing Collaboratively

Collaborative and Group Writing