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How to close your paper without sounding repetitive.

Conclusions pose something of an impossible situation, because your task is to restate your argument and your argument’s significance without sounding repetitive, dull or melodramatic. If you find yourself staring at the final paragraph with a sense of exhaustion or defeat, try one of these techniques:

The Bookend: Recollect an Early Example

Recall a scene, image or quotation that you mentioned early in the essay. This could be material that you used for your opener, or it could be an example that you analyzed in an early body paragraph. How does the evidence appear different or more complicated, in light of your evolved thesis? This is a common strategy in journalism. Writers will often open and close a piece by putting a human face on the topic or problem.

Words of Wisdom: Close With a Meaningful Quotation

This move can go wrong, so execute it carefully. You don’t want your readers to think that you’ve ceded authority in the final moments of your paper. Still, if you make your voice prominent early in the concluding paragraph, and then set up and frame the quotation properly, this move can help to end your paper on a poignant, witty or thought-provoking note.

The Prism: Conclude With a Brief Piece of Analysis

Conclusions are not the place for in-depth close reading, nor — at this stage in the essay — should you present evidence that further complicates or changes the argument. However, you can incorporate one small piece of evidence that allows you to recapitulate your argument — essentially offer a thumbnail sketch of your thesis. In other words, you can repeat your argument without sounding repetitive by filtering the thesis through one last striking image or quotation.

The Prescription: End With a Rousing Call to Arms

Argumentative essays frequently encourage you to embrace complexity — to a look at a situation from multiple angles and consider different interpretations. Nevertheless, after demonstrating your willingness to engage multiple perspectives, it can be immensely powerful to end with a clear and confident prescription. Doing so shows that you can not only take a situation apart and analyze its many facets but put that situation back together and recommend the best path forward.

The Yellow Card: Close With a Warning

This is a variation on the above strategy (the prescription). Rather than envisioning the best of all possible worlds, warn us of what might happen if the current reality goes unchallenged.

This can be hard to pull off, but when it works, it can leave your reader with a great impression. Some examples:

  • An ironic treatment of a cliché.
  • A famous saying or quotation that clearly echo your paper’s project.
  • A play on words (but don’t be gimmicky).

Adapted from Kay Chubbuck’s “It’s a Wrap!” by Cory Elizabeth Nelson, University of Southern California Writing Center, 2017.

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Reference management. Clean and simple.

How to write an excellent thesis conclusion [with examples]

Tips for writing thesis conclusion

Restate the thesis

Review or reiterate key points of your work, explain why your work is relevant, a take-away for the reader, more resources on writing thesis conclusions, frequently asked questions about writing an excellent thesis conclusion, related articles.

At this point in your writing, you have most likely finished your introduction and the body of your thesis, dissertation, or research paper . While this is a reason to celebrate, you should not underestimate the importance of your conclusion. The conclusion is the last thing that your reader will see, so it should be memorable.

A good conclusion will review the key points of the thesis and explain to the reader why the information is relevant, applicable, or related to the world as a whole. Make sure to dedicate enough of your writing time to the conclusion and do not put it off until the very last minute.

This article provides an effective technique for writing a conclusion adapted from Erika Eby’s The College Student's Guide to Writing a Good Research Paper: 101 Easy Tips & Tricks to Make Your Work Stand Out .

While the thesis introduction starts out with broad statements about the topic, and then narrows it down to the thesis statement , a thesis conclusion does the same in the opposite order.

  • Restate the thesis.
  • Review or reiterate key points of your work.
  • Explain why your work is relevant.
  • Include a core take-away message for the reader.

Tip: Don’t just copy and paste your thesis into your conclusion. Restate it in different words.

The best way to start a conclusion is simply by restating the thesis statement. That does not mean just copying and pasting it from the introduction, but putting it into different words.

You will need to change the structure and wording of it to avoid sounding repetitive. Also, be firm in your conclusion just as you were in the introduction. Try to avoid sounding apologetic by using phrases like "This paper has tried to show..."

The conclusion should address all the same parts as the thesis while making it clear that the reader has reached the end. You are telling the reader that your research is finished and what your findings are.

I have argued throughout this work that the point of critical mass for biopolitical immunity occurred during the Romantic period because of that era's unique combination of post-revolutionary politics and innovations in smallpox prevention. In particular, I demonstrated that the French Revolution and the discovery of vaccination in the 1790s triggered a reconsideration of the relationship between bodies and the state.

Tip: Try to reiterate points from your introduction in your thesis conclusion.

The next step is to review the main points of the thesis as a whole. Look back at the body of of your project and make a note of the key ideas. You can reword these ideas the same way you reworded your thesis statement and then incorporate that into the conclusion.

You can also repeat striking quotations or statistics, but do not use more than two. As the conclusion represents your own closing thoughts on the topic , it should mainly consist of your own words.

In addition, conclusions can contain recommendations to the reader or relevant questions that further the thesis. You should ask yourself:

  • What you would ideally like to see your readers do in reaction to your paper?
  • Do you want them to take a certain action or investigate further?
  • Is there a bigger issue that your paper wants to draw attention to?

Also, try to reference your introduction in your conclusion. You have already taken a first step by restating your thesis. Now, check whether there are other key words, phrases or ideas that are mentioned in your introduction that fit into your conclusion. Connecting the introduction to the conclusion in this way will help readers feel satisfied.

I explored how Mary Wollstonecraft, in both her fiction and political writings, envisions an ideal medico-political state, and how other writers like William Wordsworth and Mary Shelley increasingly imagined the body politic literally, as an incorporated political collective made up of bodies whose immunity to political and medical ills was essential to a healthy state.

Tip: Make sure to explain why your thesis is relevant to your field of research.

Although you can encourage readers to question their opinions and reflect on your topic, do not leave loose ends. You should provide a sense of resolution and make sure your conclusion wraps up your argument. Make sure you explain why your thesis is relevant to your field of research and how your research intervenes within, or substantially revises, existing scholarly debates.

This project challenged conventional ideas about the relationship among Romanticism, medicine, and politics by reading the unfolding of Romantic literature and biopolitical immunity as mutual, co-productive processes. In doing so, this thesis revises the ways in which biopolitics has been theorized by insisting on the inherent connections between Romantic literature and the forms of biopower that characterize early modernity.

Tip: If you began your thesis with an anecdote or historical example, you may want to return to that in your conclusion.

End your conclusion with something memorable, such as:

  • a call to action
  • a recommendation
  • a gesture towards future research
  • a brief explanation of how the problem or idea you covered remains relevant

Ultimately, you want readers to feel more informed, or ready to act, as they read your conclusion.

Yet, the Romantic period is only the beginning of modern thought on immunity and biopolitics. Victorian writers, doctors, and politicians upheld the Romantic idea that a "healthy state" was a literal condition that could be achieved by combining politics and medicine, but augmented that idea through legislation and widespread public health measures. While many nineteenth-century efforts to improve citizens' health were successful, the fight against disease ultimately changed course in the twentieth century as global immunological threats such as SARS occupied public consciousness. Indeed, as subsequent public health events make apparent, biopolitical immunity persists as a viable concept for thinking about the relationship between medicine and politics in modernity.

Need more advice? Read our 5 additional tips on how to write a good thesis conclusion.

The conclusion is the last thing that your reader will see, so it should be memorable. To write a great thesis conclusion you should:

The basic content of a conclusion is to review the main points from the paper. This part represents your own closing thoughts on the topic. It should mainly consist of the outcome of the research in your own words.

The length of the conclusion will depend on the length of the whole thesis. Usually, a conclusion should be around 5-7% of the overall word count.

End your conclusion with something memorable, such as a question, warning, or call to action. Depending on the topic, you can also end with a recommendation.

In Open Access: Theses and Dissertations you can find thousands of completed works. Take a look at any of the theses or dissertations for real-life examples of conclusions that were already approved.

how to write a conclusion without restating thesis

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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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In a short paper—even a research paper—you don’t need to provide an exhaustive summary as part of your conclusion. But you do need to make some kind of transition between your final body paragraph and your concluding paragraph. This may come in the form of a few sentences of summary. Or it may come in the form of a sentence that brings your readers back to your thesis or main idea and reminds your readers where you began and how far you have traveled.

So, for example, in a paper about the relationship between ADHD and rejection sensitivity, Vanessa Roser begins by introducing readers to the fact that researchers have studied the relationship between the two conditions and then provides her explanation of that relationship. Here’s her thesis: “While socialization may indeed be an important factor in RS, I argue that individuals with ADHD may also possess a neurological predisposition to RS that is exacerbated by the differing executive and emotional regulation characteristic of ADHD.”

In her final paragraph, Roser reminds us of where she started by echoing her thesis: “This literature demonstrates that, as with many other conditions, ADHD and RS share a delicately intertwined pattern of neurological similarities that is rooted in the innate biology of an individual’s mind, a connection that cannot be explained in full by the behavioral mediation hypothesis.”  

Highlight the “so what”  

At the beginning of your paper, you explain to your readers what’s at stake—why they should care about the argument you’re making. In your conclusion, you can bring readers back to those stakes by reminding them why your argument is important in the first place. You can also draft a few sentences that put those stakes into a new or broader context.

In the conclusion to her paper about ADHD and RS, Roser echoes the stakes she established in her introduction—that research into connections between ADHD and RS has led to contradictory results, raising questions about the “behavioral mediation hypothesis.”

She writes, “as with many other conditions, ADHD and RS share a delicately intertwined pattern of neurological similarities that is rooted in the innate biology of an individual’s mind, a connection that cannot be explained in full by the behavioral mediation hypothesis.”  

Leave your readers with the “now what”  

After the “what” and the “so what,” you should leave your reader with some final thoughts. If you have written a strong introduction, your readers will know why you have been arguing what you have been arguing—and why they should care. And if you’ve made a good case for your thesis, then your readers should be in a position to see things in a new way, understand new questions, or be ready for something that they weren’t ready for before they read your paper.

In her conclusion, Roser offers two “now what” statements. First, she explains that it is important to recognize that the flawed behavioral mediation hypothesis “seems to place a degree of fault on the individual. It implies that individuals with ADHD must have elicited such frequent or intense rejection by virtue of their inadequate social skills, erasing the possibility that they may simply possess a natural sensitivity to emotion.” She then highlights the broader implications for treatment of people with ADHD, noting that recognizing the actual connection between rejection sensitivity and ADHD “has profound implications for understanding how individuals with ADHD might best be treated in educational settings, by counselors, family, peers, or even society as a whole.”

To find your own “now what” for your essay’s conclusion, try asking yourself these questions:

  • What can my readers now understand, see in a new light, or grapple with that they would not have understood in the same way before reading my paper? Are we a step closer to understanding a larger phenomenon or to understanding why what was at stake is so important?  
  • What questions can I now raise that would not have made sense at the beginning of my paper? Questions for further research? Other ways that this topic could be approached?  
  • Are there other applications for my research? Could my questions be asked about different data in a different context? Could I use my methods to answer a different question?  
  • What action should be taken in light of this argument? What action do I predict will be taken or could lead to a solution?  
  • What larger context might my argument be a part of?  

What to avoid in your conclusion  

  • a complete restatement of all that you have said in your paper.  
  • a substantial counterargument that you do not have space to refute; you should introduce counterarguments before your conclusion.  
  • an apology for what you have not said. If you need to explain the scope of your paper, you should do this sooner—but don’t apologize for what you have not discussed in your paper.  
  • fake transitions like “in conclusion” that are followed by sentences that aren’t actually conclusions. (“In conclusion, I have now demonstrated that my thesis is correct.”)
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Home › Study Tips › How to Write an Essay Conclusion: Proven Strategies and Common Mistakes to Avoid

How to Write an Essay Conclusion: Proven Strategies and Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Published December 16, 2024

essay writing

If you want your essay to leave a lasting impression on your readers, you need to make your conclusion stand out.

A solid essay conclusion reinforces your essay’s main points and ensures your readers leave with a clear understanding of the argument. It will help you shine in essay competitions like the Immerse Essay Competition , where you can win a full scholarship to university and career preparation programmes.

However, a solid conclusion should not only round off your essay but also engage the reader’s emotions. This is why a conclusion paragraph is one of the hardest parts of essay writing. You need to recap your central points without repeating yourself while making it thought-provoking.

This post is for you if you’re wondering how to write a conclusion for an essay. It will discuss the elements of a great conclusion as well as what to avoid in your conclusion.

Key Elements of a Great Conclusion

Understanding the elements of a great essay conclusion helps you create one that leaves a lasting impression.

The key elements of a great essay conclusion are:

Restatement of Your Thesis

When concluding your essay, it is wise to remind the reader of its purpose. This is why an essay conclusion should begin by revisiting your thesis statement.

However, do not just copy and paste it from the introduction. Instead, rephrase it to reflect how you developed your argument throughout the essay.

For example, consider the thesis statement, “ Social media has a negative impact on teenager’s mental health .” Revisit the thesis with a statement like “ It is clear that the excessive use of social media contributes to mental health issues among teenagers .”

Review of Your Main Points

An effective conclusion paragraph should reinforce your arguments. A summary of your essay’s main points reminds the reader of the evidence you used to support your argument.

However, do not simply repeat what you already wrote. Instead, go through your body paragraphs, extract the main points, and piece them together. Remember that the best conclusions do not just summarise the main points but synthesise them.

This means connecting the points in a way that clearly shows their connections, especially how they add up to form a coherent whole.

Reflection of the Significance

A strong conclusion should convey why your argument matters. For this reason, after summarising your main points, reflect on the significance of your thesis by answering the “so what?” question.

After a reader sees all your supporting evidence and arguments, they may still wonder, “Why should I care about this?” or “What’s the bigger picture here?” Address this in your essay conclusion.

Does it provide a new understanding of the topic or raise new questions for future study? Whatever your essay is about, after reiterating your main points, make sure you provide the broader implications of your argument. Help the reader see how the essay relates to their lives or the wider world. This will elevate your essay from just a simple presentation of facts to a meaningful discussion.

Final Thought or Call-To-Action

You should always end your essay conclusion with a thought-provoking statement to encourage the reader to think critically about the topic.

Remember that a solid essay conclusion should engage the reader’s emotions. This is the part that does that. A thought-provoking statement or a prediction about the future as the final sentence of your essay conclusion leaves the reader with something to reflect on long after they have finished reading your essay.

For example, if your essay explores the dangers of AI, you may end the conclusion paragraph with something like, “ As we move forward with AI, we must ask ourselves—are we creating tools that serve humanity or that will ultimately control us?” This invites your readers to consider the ethical implications of AI long after reading your essay.For more detailed writing guides, check out Immerse’s social channels . You can also explore our Succeed platform for writing workshops and expert practical tips.

What to Avoid in an Essay Conclusion

Certain elements shouldn’t be in your essay paragraph because their presence will weaken your overall argument. The elements that you should avoid in an essay conclusion include:

Introducing New Information

The conclusion of your essay is not the place to introduce new arguments or evidence. Doing this will likely confuse your reader and disrupt the flow of your essay. Instead, stick to reiterating and synthesising the main points you already made in the essay’s main body.

The conclusion may include minor information, like a quotation that nicely summarises your main argument or a sentence or two that provides broader implications. However, new ideas or analyses essential to supporting your thesis statement should not come to the conclusion paragraph. Instead, move these to one of the supporting paragraphs.

Repeating the Introduction

Your conclusion should feel like a purposefully considered closing statement, not a repeat of earlier points. Therefore, while restating your thesis in your conclusion paragraph, it is important to avoid repeating your introduction word for word.

Remember that the introduction presents your thesis, and the main body provides evidence and argumentation to support it. Thus, the conclusion should reflect how the argument developed and provide a final perspective based on the evidence and analysis.

Repeating your introduction verbatim prevents your conclusion from offering a fresh perspective or demonstrating a deeper analysis. It makes you miss the chance to show how your main ideas fit together and reinforce the significance of your argument. It will also give the impression of a lack of effort.

Making General Statements

An essay conclusion should be specific and clear. Avoid general statements and vague assertions that do not reinforce your arguments.

For example, instead of saying, “ Social media affects everyone differently ,” make a specific statement that ties back to your argument, like “ The harmful effects of social media are particularly evident in teenagers, where it leads to mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression .”

Using Concluding Phrases

Avoid concluding phrases like “In conclusion,” “In Summary,” or “To sum up” because they are redundant, taking up word count that might be better used elsewhere, and can weaken your essay.

Returning to your thesis statement as you start the conclusion paragraph will tell the reader you are concluding the essay, so you don’t have to spell it out with concluding phrases. These phrases will come across as fillers that contribute nothing to the essay since the reader already knows you are concluding.

Overly Short or Long Conclusions

An essay conclusion should be concise and thorough. It should not be a single sentence, nor should it be overly long. Instead, it should be a length that effectively wraps up your essay without going overboard.

An overly short essay conclusion may not provide enough depth to make the essay leave an impression. For example, it may only restate the arguments without elaboration (like summarising key points, demonstrating the significance of your arguments, and leaving the reader with something to ponder).

Conversely, an overly long conclusion can risk repeating information already presented in the body paragraphs, making it largely redundant. This can also overwhelm readers, making the conclusion less impactful.

Using Apologetic Phrases

Your conclusion is your final chance to reinforce your argument, demonstrate its significance, and leave a lasting impression. However, apologetic phrases that sound uncertain do the opposite. They’ll make your argument appear less convincing and authoritative.

Apologetic phrases include “I’m not sure,” “It could be argued,” “Perhaps,” “I think,” and more. Avoid them like a plague in your conclusion, as they’ll bring in a sense of doubt, which is the exact opposite of what a strong conclusion should achieve. For example, instead of a last sentence like “ I think the evidence points to a need for stronger climate policies ,” go with a more confident statement like “ The evidence clearly shows the urgent need for stronger climate policies .”

Overly Dramatic Statements

If you want your arguments taken seriously, you should sound confident without veering into exaggeration or sensationalism.

Overly dramatic statements can make your essay look like a sensationalised opinion piece rather than a well-reasoned, scholarly argument.

Consider a dramatic statement like “ If we don’t act now, the entire planet will collapse on our heads .” It can make readers question the reliability of your arguments, potentially undermining your entire essay. Such statements can even alienate readers by making them feel like you’re trying to manipulate their emotions.

Practical Tips for Writing a Strong Essay Conclusion

Having discussed the key elements of a conclusion and what to avoid, let’s move on to some practical tips to help you write a strong essay conclusion.

Take Your Time

Do not rush through your conclusion. It’s your last chance to leave an impression on your readers, so take your time to craft the conclusion carefully.

Take a step back and reflect on the key insights of your essay. Carefully consider how you will rephrase your thesis statement and reinforce the connection between the introduction and body paragraphs.

Taking your time to write your conclusion allows you to refine the wording, structure, and flow. This ensures the conclusion is clear, sounds professional, and effectively reinforces your argument.

how to write a conclusion without restating thesis

Consider the Bigger Picture

Considering the bigger picture elevates your essay conclusion by showing how your essay fits into a larger context. This step allows you to tie your specific points to real-world concerns. It makes your readers reflect on the larger implications of your essay’s argument, contributing to a broader understanding of your topic.

Use Transition Words

Ensure your conclusion flows naturally from the body of your essay using transition words. They can help guide your reader’s expectations. For example, using “therefore” can show how points made in the essay body logically lead to the final conclusion.

Transition words also help you smoothly transition from one part of the conclusion to another. Whether you are revisiting your thesis, synthesising your key points, or offering a final thought, transition words connect the different components. Without them, the conclusion will feel disconnected.

Mirror Your Introduction

Your conclusion should mirror the tone of your introduction to create a sense of unity throughout the essay.

If your introduction is formal and analytical, use the same style in the conclusion – and indeed, throughout the main body – to maintain a consistent voice. If the introduction used a conversational tone, echo this in the conclusion.

Revisit Your Hook

If you used an intriguing question, quote, or anecdote to hook readers in the introduction, reference it in the conclusion to provide closure. For example, if you asked a provocative question in the introduction, your conclusion should discuss how your essay addressed that question.

Explore our Research Idea articles for more inspiration to write essays with captivating endings.

Examples of Essay Conclusions

Here are a few examples of essay conclusions that will help you understand these strategies:

The evidence shows that climate change is an urgent global issue that demands immediate action. Transitioning to renewable energy sources, adopting sustainable practices, and holding corporations accountable can help mitigate the devastating effects of environmental degradation. Simply recognising the problem is not enough. We must take decisive action now to safeguard the future of our planet .

See how this example incorporates the key elements of a great essay conclusion:

Restatement of the thesis :

The thesis restatement is, “ The evidence clearly shows that climate change is an urgent global issue that demands immediate action. ”

The original thesis likely argued that climate change is a pressing issue that requires immediate action. This restatement reinforces the essay’s main argument, reminding the reader of the central claim.

Review of main points

“ Transitioning to renewable energy sources, adopting sustainable practices, and holding corporations accountable can help mitigate the devastating effects of environmental degradation. ”

This part condenses the main solutions discussed in the essay body into a brief overview, showing how the body supports the thesis.

Reflection of the significance

The sentence showing the significance of the thesis is, “ Simply recognising the problem is not enough. We must take decisive action now to safeguard the future of our planet .”

This statement shows the broader significance of the issue by emphasising the real-world consequence of inaction, which reinforces the essay’s relevance.

Final thought

“ We must take decisive action now to safeguard the future of our planet .”

This statement urges the reader to take concrete steps towards solving the problem.

“It is important that we invest in mental health care to ensure the well-being of future generations. The benefits of early intervention and increased support for mental health services far outweigh the costs. Prioritising mental health will help us create a healthier society for all. The time to act is now.”

Restatement of the thesis

The thesis restatement is, “ It is important that we invest in mental health care to ensure the well-being of future generations .”

The original thesis argued that investing in mental health care is key to the well-being of future generations. This restatement reminds the reader of the main argument of the essay.

Review of the main points

“ The benefits of early intervention and increased support for mental health services far outweigh the costs .”

The sentence summarises the key points (early intervention and increased support for mental health services) discussed in the essay and highlights their importance by emphasising that their benefits outweigh the costs.

Reflection on the significance

The statement reflecting the significance of the thesis is, “ Prioritising mental health will help us create a healthier society for all .”

This part of the conclusion highlights the broader significance of the issue by emphasising that prioritising mental health will create a healthier society.

The final thought is, “ The time to act is now. ”

This powerful statement encourages the reader to take immediate steps toward addressing mental health care.

A strong conclusion enhances your essay as it ensures your readers have a clear understanding of your argument.

To create a strong conclusion, include key elements like a thesis restatement, a review of the main points, the thesis significance, and a final thought). Avoid introducing new information, repeating your introduction, making general statements, using concluding phrases, and more.

Not sure how to start a conclusion in an essay? This is where Immerse Education comes in!

Immerse Education has educated thousands of students aged 13 – 18 through our exceptional academic, career, and skill enrichment programmes. Our programmes are designed by tutors from top global universities and help prepare participants for future success.

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how to write a conclusion without restating thesis

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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.

The picture enumerates the 5 best thesis restatement strategies.

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
  • 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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How to Restate A Thesis: A Step-by-Step Guide

how to restate a thesis

Many students struggle with this exact thing: how to restate the thesis statement in a way that sounds natural. The good news is that there’s a formula to make it easier. 

Here's the game plan to nail your thesis restatement:

  • Understand your thesis
  • Use synonyms
  • Sum up your key points
  • Change the structure
  • Broaden the perspective

In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps on how to restate a thesis without repeating yourself. You’ll learn how to use synonyms, adjust your sentence structure, and reinforce your argument in a compelling way. 

If after reading, you’re still stuck, DoMyEssay is a fantastic service that can help with anything from crafting a thesis statement to writing an entire research paper. Check out our guide on writing thesis statement for even more tips.

What Is a Restated Thesis?

A restated thesis is when you take your original thesis statement and rephrase it in your conclusion, giving it a fresh spin. You’re not changing your argument. Rather, you’re simply expressing it in a new way, so it doesn’t feel repetitive. 

The goal is to remind your reader of your main point while showing how your essay has reinforced or even expanded on it. Think of it like summarizing the heart of your argument but with different words and a broader perspective. 

Thesis Giving You a Headache?

Restating a thesis doesn’t have to feel like hitting replay.

how to write a conclusion without restating thesis

How to Restate a Thesis Step-by-Step

Restating the thesis might seem tricky, but it’s really just about giving your main point a fresh look. Let’s break it down step by step, so you can nail this without any stress. Here's your guide to doing it smoothly:

How to Rephrase a Thesis: Different Strategies

Restatement of thesis doesn’t mean just swapping a few words. It’s about presenting your main idea in a new way that strengthens your argument. 

Here are some strategies to help you rephrase your thesis statement effectively.

Restating Thesis by Substituting Synonyms

One of the most useful ways to rephrase a claim is by rewording your original thesis with synonyms. 

Let’s say your original thesis statement is: “Excessive screen time harms children’s development by reducing social interaction.” Now, instead of copying that exact sentence into your conclusion, you could reword it: “Too much screen exposure impacts children’s growth by limiting face-to-face interactions.”

Notice the difference? The core message is still the same, but it feels new because you’ve changed up the language. This method is great because it keeps your reader engaged without sounding like you’re just copying from earlier in the essay.

A quick tip: don’t just grab any synonym that sounds fancy — make sure it actually fits. For example, "well-being" works as a natural replacement for "mental health," but something like "mental satisfaction" wouldn’t make sense. The goal is to keep the meaning consistent while avoiding repetition.

Restating Your Thesis by Altering the Sentence Structure

You don’t have to change the meaning at all, just play around with how you present it. This simple adjustment can make your conclusion feel more dynamic and less like a repeat of your introduction.

Let’s say your original thesis is something like, “Social media negatively affects mental health by increasing anxiety and loneliness.” Instead of repeating that directly, switch the order: “Anxiety and loneliness are worsened by the impact of social media on mental health.” You’re still making the same point, but the shift in structure makes it sound more interesting without adding new information.

Why does this work? It gives your thesis statement a new rhythm, which keeps your reader engaged. Plus, it allows you to emphasize different parts of your argument. If you’ve spent a lot of time in your essay focusing on anxiety, for example, leading with that in your restatement can reinforce that emphasis.

How to Restate Your Thesis by Changing the Tense?

It’s a small shift, but it can make a significant difference in how your conclusion feels, giving it a natural flow. Here’s how to restate your thesis using this method:

  • Start with your original thesis statement : Let’s say your thesis was “Technology improves education by increasing access to information and enhancing learning tools.” This is likely in the present tense, as it sets up your argument.
  • Switch to past tense in your restatement : When you reach your conclusion, change the tense to reflect what you’ve proven throughout the essay. For example, you could rephrase it as “This essay has demonstrated how technology improved education by expanding access to information and enhancing learning tools.”  
  • Use the past tense to wrap things up : Changing the tense helps show that you’re bringing everything together. It signals to the reader that you’ve laid out your argument and are now reflecting on it, rather than just restating it.
  • Keep it clear and simple : Don’t overthink it. Just make sure the sentence still makes sense and stays connected to your original thesis. The shift in tense does the work of making it feel different.

Restating a Thesis by Shortening or Lengthening It

You know that moment when you're wrapping up your essay and your thesis restatement just doesn't feel right? Maybe it's too wordy, or perhaps it's not saying enough. Adjusting the length of your thesis restated statement can make a world of difference.

Sometimes, less truly is more. By trimming down your thesis, you cut straight to the heart of your message. For example, if your original thesis was, "Regular exercise improves mental health by reducing stress, boosting mood, and enhancing sleep quality," you could simplify it to, "Exercise is a powerful boost for mental well-being."  

On the flip side, there are moments when adding a bit more gives your thesis the depth it deserves. Let's say your initial thesis was, "Technology advances education by providing access to online resources." In your conclusion, your restated thesis example might expand it to, "As we've explored, technology doesn't just provide resources—it transforms education into an interactive and accessible experience like never before."  

Restating a Thesis by Linking It to the Research Problem

Restating your thesis can be more than wrapping things up; it’s your chance to show how your argument solves the research problem you set out to tackle. 

Here’s how it works:

  • Tie it back to the problem : Connect your thesis directly to the issue you’ve discussed. This makes it clear that your argument offers a solution or deeper understanding.
  • Example : If your research focused on how urban sprawl harms the environment, your restated thesis could look like this: “Implementing smart city planning strategies can help mitigate the environmental damage caused by urban sprawl, ensuring more sustainable growth.”

Stuck in the Thesis Loop?

Trying to restate your thesis but it keeps sounding the same? Let us freshen it up for you!

how to write a conclusion without restating thesis

Restate Thesis Example Sentences

We've covered a lot so far, but let's dig a bit deeper. Seeing more examples can really help solidify how to restate your thesis using different techniques. Here's a handy table with even more techniques:

How to Reframe a Reworded Thesis?

Restating your thesis is an opportunity to give your conclusion the impact it needs. Here's how to make your restated thesis stand out:

  • Connect Back to Your Introduction: Loop back to a story or example you mentioned at the start. This brings your essay full circle and gives your argument more impact.
  • Highlight Its Importance: Emphasize why your thesis matters in the real world. Show how it affects the reader or relates to everyday life. This makes your point more compelling.
  • Keep It Clear and Direct: Don't overcomplicate things. Make sure your restated thesis is straightforward and easy to grasp.
  • Inspire Action or Reflection: Encourage your reader to think differently or take action. This leaves a lasting impression.

Bonus Thesis Statement Tips

A great thesis statement is the backbone of any strong essay. It gives your argument direction, helps guide your writing, and shows your reader exactly what to expect. If your thesis isn’t clear or focused, your entire essay can feel scattered. 

Here are some actionable tips to help you craft a powerful thesis statement:

  • Be Specific : Avoid generalizations. Instead of writing, “Pollution is harmful,” focus on the exact type of pollution and its impact, like “Air pollution from factories increases respiratory illnesses in urban communities.”
  • Make It Debatable : Your thesis should make a point someone could argue against. Instead of stating the obvious, like “Exercise is good for health,” say, “Strength training is more effective than cardio for long-term fat loss.”
  • Keep It Focused : Stick to one idea to avoid confusion. Instead of “Technology is changing every industry,” focus on one: “In healthcare, technology improves patient outcomes through remote monitoring.”
  • Position It Correctly : Place your thesis at the end of your introduction so it clearly outlines your main argument and sets up the rest of your essay.

Why Restating Your Thesis Is Necessary?

Ever watched a movie that leaves you hanging at the end? Frustrating, right? That's how readers feel when an essay wraps up without restating your thesis. Here's why it's so important:

  • When you wrap up an essay, the restated thesis is a key move. Think of it like the final note in a song that leaves an impact.
  • Your original point needs to come back, not as a repeat, but as a restated thesis, refreshed by everything you’ve just explored.
  • It helps remind your reader what they’re taking away. It's the takeaway from the argument, re-emphasized in a way that shows growth.
  • The restated thesis shows you didn’t get lost in your own writing. You stayed focused.
  • Without this, your essay can feel like it just trails off. 

When restating a thesis, keep these three main points in mind:

  • Rephrase, Don’t Repeat : Use different words to express the same core idea.
  • Summarize The Main Points : Reinforce the argument without diving into too much detail.
  • Tie it to a Bigger Picture : Show how your argument connects to broader ideas or real-world implications.

If you’re still scratching your head about how to restate your thesis, DoMyEssay has you covered. Seriously, we make it look easy. 

For more details, check out our ‘ write my thesis for me ’ service.

How to Restate a Thesis Statement?

Where would you find a restatement of the thesis, what does restate thesis mean.

WTS Indiana University. (n.d.). Writing conclusions . Retrieved September 12, 2024, from https://wts.indiana.edu/writing-guides/writing-conclusions.html

how to write a conclusion without restating thesis

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PhD Solutions Hub: Scholarly articles to simplify your PhD.

Writing a Thesis Conclusion: A Step-by-Step Guide

THesis Conclusion

  • X (Twitter)

Last updated on December 12th, 2024 at 11:29 am

A good thesis conclusion can make a significant impact on the credibility and quality of the research study. It is a critical section that demonstrates the researcher’s knowledge in the field and simplifies the evaluation of a thesis.

This step-by-step guide elaborates how to summarize your key findings, reiterate the significance of your work in your thesis conclusion, and provide a sense of closure and a glimpse into future possibilities.

Why Does a Powerful Thesis Conclusion Matter?

Think of your thesis as a journey of discovery. The introduction sets the stage, the body paragraphs explore the terrain, and the conclusion serves as the summit, offering a breathtaking view of your accomplishments and the vast landscape beyond.

Here’s why a good conclusion is essential:

Researchers are too busy to read your entire paper even if it is well-written. The general approach is to view if the title, looks appealing and then read the abstract , the thesis conclusion, and possibly the introduction to make a quick evaluation.

The other important factors include:

  • Clinches Your Argument: A strong conclusion reminds readers of your thesis statement and how your research provides compelling evidence to support it. It leaves a lasting impression of a well-reasoned and substantiated argument.
  • Highlights Significance: It emphasizes the contribution of your research to the field.  a) Does your work fill a gap in existing knowledge that you identified by conducting your literature review, and b) Does it offer new insights or challenge existing assumptions?
  • A strong thesis conclusion showcases the potential impact of your research.
  • Provides Closure: It offers a sense of completion by combining the key takeaways of your research.
  • It reminds readers of the journey you’ve taken and leaves them with a sense of satisfaction and understanding.

Reader Expectations for a Thesis Conclusion

How to write a thesis conclusion.

Now that you understand the importance of a powerful conclusion, let’s explore the key elements you need to consider when crafting yours:

Step 1: Summarize Key Findings

  • Briefly restate the main takeaways from your research without simply repeating the discussion section.
  • Use clear and concise language to highlight the most critical points.

Step 2: Restate the Thesis

  • Briefly remind readers of your research topic and how your findings address it.
  • This reinforces the connection between your research objectives and the achieved results.

Step 3: Explain the Significance

  • Explain why your findings matter. How does your research contribute to existing knowledge?
  • Does it offer new perspectives, challenge established theories, or create new avenues for exploration?

Step 4: Address Limitations

  • Acknowledge any limitations of your study and how they might affect the generalizability of your results.
  • Being transparent about limitations demonstrates intellectual honesty and strengthens the credibility of your research.

Step 5: Propose Future Research

  • Suggest avenues for further investigation based on your findings. What questions remain unanswered?
  • This demonstrates your understanding of the broader field and the potential for future exploration.

Step 6:Engaging Your Readers

  • Length:  There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but your conclusion should be long enough to adequately address all the elements mentioned above.
  • Focus on Context: Ensure your conclusion provides context for your arguments so readers understand the bigger picture.

Avoid Jargon:   Maintain clarity by avoiding overly technical language.

  • Structure: Your conclusion can be structured as a single paragraph or multiple paragraphs, depending on the complexity of your findings.
  • Acknowledge the Importance: Briefly acknowledge the importance of introductions and conclusions

Useful Tips

Statistics: Reviewers prioritize the introduction and the thesis conclusion sections of a research study . This highlights the importance of crafting strong conclusions that capture their attention and leave a positive final impression.

Structure: Your thesis conclusion can be structured as a single paragraph or multiple paragraphs, depending on the complexity of your findings.

Remember: Don’t underestimate the power of a strong thesis conclusion. Invest time in crafting a well-written conclusion that summarizes your research effectively, emphasizes its significance, and paves the way for future exploration.

For further assistance, The University of Melbourne’s Writing Centre offers a guide on “Structuring Your Thesis” .

How long should a conclusion be?

It must be long enough to cover all the major findings of your research, no more and no less. Though most of these will have already been mentioned in the abstract and elaborated on in the introduction and the results and discussion sections, the conclusion is a researcher’s last opportunity to ensure that nothing is overlooked and the thesis counts.

What is the most important element of a conclusion?

The most important element is to provide relevant context for your arguments. Ensure that the reader understands the research question and the analysis you provided perfectly. It must provide a unique level of perception about your thesis to reaffirm the objective of the research study.

What are the most important characteristics of a thesis conclusion?

A thesis conclusion must coney as much as possible in a few sentences. It should be crisp and to the point and answer all the intended relevant questions that the research set out to achieve without using unnecessary jargon, as this can distort the readability, especially when new ideas and concepts are introduced that can affect its quality.

Should a conclusion be one paragraph?

When a single paragraph becomes excessively long in a conclusion, it can be expanded to encompass two or even three paragraphs, without being repetitive. In addition to summarizing the main points you made throughout the paper, it should also provide your concluding thoughts on the main theme

Conclusion: Leaving a Lasting Impression

Composing a powerful thesis conclusion is an investment that pays off. It ensures your research resonates with readers, leaving them with a clear understanding of your findings and their significance. By following the steps outlined above and prioritizing clarity, conciseness, and engagement, you can write a conclusion that elevates your thesis and positions your research for future exploration.

Remember, a strong conclusion doesn’t just end your work; it opens doors for further understanding and impactful contributions to your field!

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My journey in academia began as a dedicated researcher, specializing in the fascinating world of biochemistry. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of mentoring Master’s and PhD students, collaborating on research papers that pushed the boundaries of knowledge. Now, post-retirement, I’ve embarked on a new chapter, sharing my academic expertise through freelance work on platforms like YouTube and Upwork. Here, I investigate the finer points of scholarly research, guiding aspiring writers through the intricacies of formatting, composing compelling narratives, and navigating the publication process.

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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 397,343 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

Step 1 Decide on a place for the restatement.

  • 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.

Step 2 Capitalize on the work you’ve done.

  • 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.

Step 3 Answer the

  • 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."

Step 4 Avoid clichés.

  • 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.

Step 5 Don’t apologize.

  • 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

Step 1 Use different words.

  • 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.

Step 2 Change the structure.

  • 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.

Step 3 Split the points up.

Community Q&A

Community Answer

  • 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

how to write a conclusion without restating thesis

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  • ↑ 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 write a conclusion without restating thesis

COMMENTS

  1. How to Close Your Paper Without Sounding Repetitive

    In other words, you can repeat your argument without sounding repetitive by filtering the thesis through one last striking image or quotation. The Prescription: End With a Rousing Call to Arms Argumentative essays frequently encourage you to embrace complexity — to a look at a situation from multiple angles and consider different interpretations.

  2. How to write an excellent thesis conclusion [with examples]

    This article provides an effective technique for writing a conclusion adapted from Erika Eby's The College Student's Guide to Writing a Good Research Paper: 101 Easy Tips & Tricks to Make Your Work Stand Out.. While the thesis introduction starts out with broad statements about the topic, and then narrows it down to the thesis statement, a thesis conclusion does the same in the opposite order.

  3. Writing Conclusions: Writing Guides: Writing Tutorial Services: Indiana

    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.

  4. Conclusions

    What to avoid in your conclusion . a complete restatement of all that you have said in your paper. a substantial counterargument that you do not have space to refute; you should introduce counterarguments before your conclusion. an apology for what you have not said.

  5. How to Write an Essay Conclusion: Proven Strategies and Common Mistakes

    Restatement of the thesis. The thesis restatement is, "It is important that we invest in mental health care to ensure the well-being of future generations." The original thesis argued that investing in mental health care is key to the well-being of future generations. This restatement reminds the reader of the main argument of the essay.

  6. How to Restate a Thesis Statement: Examples & Tips

    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 ...

  7. How to Restate a Thesis: Avoid Repetition in Conclusion

    Restating your thesis means taking your original thesis statement and rewording it in the conclusion. It's about expressing the same idea differently after the evidence has been presented, giving the reader a fresh way to understand the central argument without repeating the exact wording.

  8. Writing a Research Paper Conclusion

    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 ...

  9. Writing a Thesis Conclusion: A Step-by-Step Guide

    Structure: Your thesis conclusion can be structured as a single paragraph or multiple paragraphs, depending on the complexity of your findings. Remember: Don't underestimate the power of a strong thesis conclusion. Invest time in crafting a well-written conclusion that summarizes your research effectively, emphasizes its significance, and ...

  10. How to Restate a Thesis: 9 Steps (with Pictures)

    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 ...