• PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
  • EDIT Edit this Article
  • EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Happiness Hub Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
  • Browse Articles
  • Learn Something New
  • Quizzes Hot
  • Happiness Hub
  • This Or That Game
  • Train Your Brain
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
  • Education and Communications
  • College University and Postgraduate
  • Academic Degrees
  • Doctoral Studies
  • Theses and Dissertations

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 396,008 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 restate the thesis

You Might Also Like

Write a Book Report

  • ↑ 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

About This Article

Gerald Posner

  • Send fan mail to authors

Reader Success Stories

Bob Lanchester

Bob Lanchester

May 26, 2017

Did this article help you?

how to restate the thesis

Madison Luoma

Mar 14, 2019

Petch Phanpha

Petch Phanpha

Oct 2, 2017

Do I Have a Dirty Mind Quiz

Featured Articles

Deal with Braces

Trending Articles

The Meaning Behind Sabrina Carpenter’s Hit "Espresso"

Watch Articles

Make Dijon Mustard

  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info

Don’t miss out! Sign up for

wikiHow’s newsletter

how to restate the thesis

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.

Reread the original thesis statement carefully.
Determine in which person it is written (1 , 2 , or 3 ) and preserve that point of view in the rewrite.
Outline all keywords and main points that should be present in the reworded thesis. Applying synonyms and using closely related words will make the sentence look different while still rendering the same idea.
Think of expanding the thesis with your original contribution without altering its meaning.
Paraphrase the thesis using one of the strategies we’ve laid out below.

💡 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:

Original thesis  Reworded thesis 
Diabetes is a growing problem in the USA, affecting over 100 million people today. With the number of people with diabetes exceeding 100 million these days, one can hardly deny that diabetes is a pressing public health concern.

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.

Original thesis  Reworded thesis 
Assigned seating in canteens can help address the problem of school bullying. Bullying practices like refusing a seat to a classmate will become impossible if students are assigned a fixed seat in the canteen.

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

Original thesis Reworded thesis
Body image distortion is a frequent symptom of eating disorders. The way people perceive their body shape indicates how healthy their self-image is. Research proves that individuals with a distorted body image are vulnerable to developing an eating disorder or already have this condition.

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

Original thesis Reworded thesis
Marijuana legalization opens new paths for teenage substance abuse. The rates of teenage cannabis use have been on the rise because of the recent recreational and medical cannabis laws.

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.

Original thesis Reworded thesis
I will argue that healthy eating habits develop due to a positive family example. The presented evidence proved the prominent role of family eating examples on the child’s development of eating habits.

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:

Never apologize for your opinion or research findings. Any phrases like “though I’m not an expert,” “it’s only my opinion,” and so on reduce your credibility and make the reader doubt your expertise.
✔️ Acknowledge the counterarguments. If you stick to your viewpoint only, the paper may seem biased. So, it’s always more effective to give credit to both sides of the argument.
Avoid using clichés as much as you can. That point is self-explanatory.
✔️ Use effective sentence starters instead of the trivial “in conclusion…” to avoid seeming dull. Some original ideas for your conclusion are:

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
  • Share to Facebook
  • Share to LinkedIn
  • Share to email

How to Write a Formal Essay: Format, Rules, & Example

If you’re a student, you’ve heard about a formal essay: a factual, research-based paper written in 3rd person. Most students have to produce dozens of them during their educational career.  Writing a formal essay is not exactly a piece of cake. But fear not: our custom-writing team is here to...

Rhetorical Analysis Essay Outline: Examples & Strategies

Rhetorical analysis is never a simple task. This essay type requires you to analyze rhetorical devices in a text and review them from varying perspectives. Such an assignment can be a part of an AP Lang exam or a college home task. Either way, you will need a solid outline...

How to Write a Narrative Essay Outline: Template & Examples

Narrative essays are unlike anything you wrote throughout your academic career. Instead of writing a formal paper, you need to tell a story. Familiar elements such as evidence and arguments are replaced with exposition and character development. The importance of writing an outline for an essay like this is hard...

What Is a Discourse Analysis Essay: Example & Guide

Discourse is the way people talk about any specific topic. It’s also the way in which language is used to convey social and historical meanings. Discourse analysis is the process that helps to understand the underlying message of what is being said. Sounds interesting? Keep reading to learn more.  This in...

How to Write a Precis: Definition, Guide, & Examples

A précis is a brief synopsis of a written piece. It is used to summarize and analyze a text’s main points. If you need to write a précis for a research paper or the AP Lang exam, you’ve come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide by Custom-Writing.org, you’ll...

How to Write a Synthesis Essay: Examples, Topics, & Outline

A synthesis essay requires you to work with multiple sources. You combine the information gathered from them to present a well-rounded argument on a topic. Are you looking for the ultimate guide on synthesis essay writing? You’ve come to the right place! In this guide by our custom writing team,...

How to Write a Catchy Hook: Examples & Techniques

Do you know how to make your essay stand out? One of the easiest ways is to start your introduction with a catchy hook. A hook is a phrase or a sentence that helps to grab the reader’s attention. After reading this article by Custom-Writing.org, you will be able to...

How to Write a Critical Analysis Essay: Examples & Guide

A critical analysis essay is an academic paper that requires a thorough examination of theoretical concepts and ideas. It includes a comparison of facts, differentiation between evidence and argument, and identification of biases. Crafting a good paper can be a daunting experience, but it will be much easier if you...

How to Write a Critical Thinking Essay: Examples & Outline

Critical thinking is the process of evaluating and analyzing information. People who use it in everyday life are open to different opinions. They rely on reason and logic when making conclusions about certain issues. A critical thinking essay shows how your thoughts change as you research your topic. This type...

How to Write a Process Analysis Essay: Examples & Outline

Process analysis is an explanation of how something works or happens. Want to know more? Read the following article prepared by our custom writing specialists and learn about: So, let’s start digging deeper into this topic! ♻️ What Is Process Analysis? A process analysis describes and explains the succession of...

Visual Analysis Essay: Example, Template & Writing Guide

A visual analysis essay is an academic paper type that history and art students often deal with. It consists of a detailed description of an image or object. It can also include an interpretation or an argument that is supported by visual evidence. In this article, our custom writing experts...

How to Write a Reflection Paper: Example & Format

Want to know how to write a reflection paper for college or school? To do that, you need to connect your personal experiences with theoretical knowledge. Usually, students are asked to reflect on a documentary, a text, or their experience. Sometimes one needs to write a paper about a lesson...

  • How It Works
  • PhD thesis writing
  • Master thesis writing
  • Bachelor thesis writing
  • Dissertation writing service
  • Dissertation abstract writing
  • Thesis proposal writing
  • Thesis editing service
  • Thesis proofreading service
  • Thesis formatting service
  • Coursework writing service
  • Research paper writing service
  • Architecture thesis writing
  • Computer science thesis writing
  • Engineering thesis writing
  • History thesis writing
  • MBA thesis writing
  • Nursing dissertation writing
  • Psychology dissertation writing
  • Sociology thesis writing
  • Statistics dissertation writing
  • Buy dissertation online
  • Write my dissertation
  • Cheap thesis
  • Cheap dissertation
  • Custom dissertation
  • Dissertation help
  • Pay for thesis
  • Pay for dissertation
  • Senior thesis
  • Write my thesis

How to Restate A Thesis: Your Detailed Guide

how to restate a thesis

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.

how to write a counterclaim

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comment * Error message

Name * Error message

Email * Error message

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

As Putin continues killing civilians, bombing kindergartens, and threatening WWIII, Ukraine fights for the world's peaceful future.

Ukraine Live Updates

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 restate the 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:

Step What to Do
1. Understand Your Thesis Statement 🤔 Before you can rephrase it, you need to fully understand your thesis. Go back to your original statement and make sure you know exactly what argument you're making. No guesswork here!
2. Sum Up Your Key Points 📚 Think about how your body paragraphs supported your thesis statement. Your restatement should remind the reader of all the points of evidence you provided without diving into the details all over again.
3. Use Synonyms 🔄 Avoid copy-pasting. Instead, find new ways to express the same ideas. Swap out key words in your thesis with similar ones, so you’re not repeating it word-for-word.
4. Change the Structure 🔄 Mix up the sentence flow. If your original thesis statement said, "X leads to Y," flip it around: start with Y and explain how X caused it. This helps it sound fresh and not robotic.
5. Broaden the Perspective 🌍 In your conclusion, your restated thesis should reflect the bigger picture. Make it relevant to the larger topic or even to the reader's life.

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 restate the 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:

Technique Used Original Thesis Restated Thesis Example
Using Synonyms "Excessive screen time harms children's development by reducing social interaction." "Too much time on devices hinders kids' growth by limiting their personal interactions."
Altering Sentence Structure "Climate change is accelerated by human activities like deforestation and fossil fuel consumption." "Human actions such as cutting down forests and burning fossil fuels accelerate climate change."
Changing the Tense "Technology improves education by increasing access to information." "This essay showed how technology improved education by broadening access to information."
Shortening the Thesis "A healthy diet improves overall well-being by providing essential nutrients and reducing disease risk." "Eating well boosts your health significantly."
Lengthening the Thesis "Social media impacts self-esteem among teenagers." "As we've discussed, social media plays a significant role in shaping teenagers' self-esteem by influencing their perceptions of themselves and others."
Linking to the Research Problem "Urban sprawl leads to environmental degradation." "Implementing smart city planning can mitigate the environmental damage caused by urban sprawl, addressing a critical ecological concern."
Broaden the Perspective "Regular exercise improves mental health by reducing stress." "Embracing physical activity doesn't just reduce stress — it enhances overall mental wellness, benefitting every aspect of life."
Posing a Rhetorical Twist "Renewable energy can replace fossil fuels to combat climate change." "Could embracing renewable energy be the key to combating climate change and phasing out fossil fuels?"
Using a Quote "Education reform is necessary for improving student outcomes." "As education experts agree, reforming our schools is essential to boost how students perform."

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 restate the thesis

how to restate the thesis

Verify originality of an essay

Get ideas for your paper

Cite sources with ease

How to restate a thesis: basic steps and key strategies

Updated 26 Sep 2024

how to restate a thesis

A good thesis statement 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 the thesis statement effectively 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 a 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 paragraph: step-by-step guidelines

How to restate a thesis statement 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 the body paragraphs 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, ensuring you convey the same idea in a different way. 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 in the conclusion paragraph 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 paper's conclusion to restate the 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.

Get plagiarism-free papers in just 3 hours

  • Zero AI - 100% human-crafted content
  • Tailored to your writing style
  • Sourced from the latest, reliable sources

Guaranteed Turnitin success ✌️

Banner

8 strategies for thesis restatement

When performing a thesis restatement, 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 effectively restate a thesis.

  • 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.

Restating the Thesis in Different Types of Essays

The approach to restating a thesis can vary depending on the type of essay you are writing. While the core principles of rephrasing the central argument and reinforcing the main points remain the same, different essay types require different focuses in the conclusion. Below are some guidelines for restating the thesis in various essay formats:

Argumentative Essays

In an argumentative essay , your goal is to persuade the reader to adopt your viewpoint or at least recognize the validity of your argument. When restating the thesis, emphasize the strength of your argument and highlight how the evidence and reasoning presented in the body of the essay support your position. The restatement should reinforce the urgency or importance of the argument.

Example : Original Thesis: "Renewable energy is the only viable solution to combat climate change." Restated Thesis: "Given the overwhelming evidence, it’s clear that transitioning to renewable energy is crucial in the fight against climate change."

Expository Essays

In an expository essay , the thesis explains a concept or provides information on a subject. When restating the thesis, reinforce the explanation  and summarize the key insights or explanations provided throughout the essay. The restated thesis should underline the clarity and significance of the subject.

Example : Original Thesis: "Photosynthesis is a complex process that is essential for plant life." Restated Thesis: "The detailed breakdown of photosynthesis reveals its crucial role in sustaining plant life and the ecosystem."

Compare-and-Contrast Essays

In a compare-and-contrast essay , the thesis highlights the similarities and differences between two subjects. When restating the thesis, focus on summarizing the main points of comparison and how these comparisons or contrasts lead to a broader understanding of the subject matter.

Example : Original Thesis: "While online learning offers flexibility, traditional classroom education provides a more structured learning environment." Restated Thesis: "Ultimately, both online learning and traditional classrooms have their unique advantages, but the choice depends on the student’s individual learning needs."

Analytical Essays

In an analytical essay , the thesis presents an analysis of a text, event, or concept. When restating the thesis, focus on the key points of analysis and how they contribute to a deeper understanding of the subject. The restatement should reflect the insights gained from the analysis and their broader implications.

Example : Original Thesis: "In Shakespeare's 'Hamlet,' the protagonist’s indecision serves as a metaphor for human uncertainty." Restated Thesis: "Through Hamlet’s indecision, Shakespeare effectively captures the complexities of human thought and the universal struggle with uncertainty."

By adapting your thesis restatement to the specific type of essay you’re writing, you can create a conclusion that not only reaffirms your argument but also aligns with the essay's broader purpose. This tailored approach helps ensure clarity, cohesion, and impact in your writing.

Common Mistakes in Restating a Thesis

When restating a thesis in the conclusion, it's easy to fall into common traps that undermine the effectiveness of your final argument. Understanding and avoiding these mistakes can significantly strengthen your conclusion and leave a lasting impression on your reader. Here are some common errors to watch out for:

Repeating the Thesis Verbatim

One of the most frequent mistakes writers make is simply repeating the thesis from the introduction word for word. While the purpose of restating is to reinforce your argument, direct repetition adds no new value to the conclusion. Instead, rephrase the thesis using different wording and synonyms to provide a fresh take on the same core idea.

Example of Mistake : Original thesis: "Climate change is the most pressing global issue because it affects the environment, economies, and human health." Restated thesis: "Climate change is the most pressing global issue because it affects the environment, economies, and human health."

Improved Restatement : "With its profound impact on ecosystems, economies, and public health, climate change remains the greatest challenge facing the world today."

Introducing New Ideas

Another common error is introducing new arguments or information in the restatement. The conclusion is not the place to present fresh ideas that haven't been discussed in the body of the essay. Introducing new points can confuse your reader and disrupt the flow of your argument. Stick to summarizing the ideas already covered in the essay to provide a sense of closure.

Example of Mistake : Restated thesis introducing a new idea: "Climate change, driven by industrial pollution, will lead to severe economic downturns and even societal collapse."

Correct Approach : "Throughout this paper, we’ve seen how climate change threatens the environment, destabilizes economies, and endangers human health, underscoring the urgency of taking action."

Overcomplicating the Restatement

Some writers may overcomplicate their thesis restatement, using overly complex language or sentence structures. This can make the restated thesis difficult to understand, diluting the clarity of the original argument. Your restatement should be concise and easy to follow , mirroring the tone and clarity of the rest of your essay.

Example of Mistake : "Given the multifaceted interdependencies of global economic frameworks, environmental sustainability metrics, and societal well-being indices, the phenomena of climate change demand immediate intervention."

Simplified Restatement : "Climate change continues to pose significant threats to global stability, making it essential for societies to take immediate action."

Neglecting to Summarize Main Points

A strong restated thesis ties together the main points of the essay. Some writers may forget to summarize or connect back to the central arguments, leaving the conclusion feeling disjointed. Ensure your restated thesis emphasizes how the supporting points in the body of the essay reinforce the thesis.

Example of Mistake : Restated thesis without summarizing main points: "Climate change is a global issue that requires attention."

Improved Restatement : "By exploring the effects of climate change on the environment, the economy, and public health, we can see why immediate action is necessary to address this global challenge."

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure your thesis restatement reinforces your argument, providing a clear and compelling conclusion to your writing.

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 restated 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 a thesis word 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 a thesis word 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!

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback.

Article author picture

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.

Related Blog Posts

Learn how to write a personal statement correctly.

Coming up with a great idea is difficult, especially when learning how to write a personal statement that will stand out and impress people. This a...

How to write a report: essential steps and formatting requirements

Completing a report paper is an essential skill students often need throughout their academic journey. Creating a clear and well-organized document...

Best Capstone Project Ideas for Students across subjects

The most challenging aspect of crafting a top-tier capstone project is often getting started. The initial hurdle involves selecting a strong, impac...

Join our 150K of happy users

  • Get original papers written according to your instructions
  • Save time for what matters most

Have a language expert improve your writing

Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.

  • Knowledge Base
  • Research paper

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

Research paper conclusion

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 .

Instantly correct all language mistakes in your text

Upload your document to correct all your mistakes in minutes

upload-your-document-ai-proofreader

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.

Scribbr Citation Checker New

The AI-powered Citation Checker helps you avoid common mistakes such as:

  • Missing commas and periods
  • Incorrect usage of “et al.”
  • Ampersands (&) in narrative citations
  • Missing reference entries

how to restate the thesis

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 .

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.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

Caulfield, J. (2023, April 13). Writing a Research Paper Conclusion | Step-by-Step Guide. Scribbr. Retrieved October 17, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/research-paper/research-paper-conclusion/

Is this article helpful?

Jack Caulfield

Jack Caulfield

Other students also liked, writing a research paper introduction | step-by-step guide, how to create a structured research paper outline | example, checklist: writing a great research paper, "i thought ai proofreading was useless but..".

I've been using Scribbr for years now and I know it's a service that won't disappoint. It does a good job spotting mistakes”

IMAGES

  1. How to Restate a Thesis in Conclusion: Examples & Thesis Restatement Tips

    how to restate the thesis

  2. How To Restate Your Thesis Statement

    how to restate the thesis

  3. How To Restate A Thesis? Uncover The Top 8 Tips

    how to restate the thesis

  4. How to Restate a Thesis Statement? Complete Guide With Examples

    how to restate the thesis

  5. How can I restate a thesis statement effectively?

    how to restate the thesis

  6. How to Restate a Thesis: Basic Steps and Key Strategies

    how to restate the thesis

VIDEO

  1. How to LEQ!

  2. HOW TO WRITE RESEARCH/THESIS RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS, SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, & RECOMMENDATION

  3. What is Extended Essay? (Conclusion)

  4. How to LEQ

  5. เขียน Essay ยังไงให้ปัง?✏️📖

  6. Mastering the Art of Restating Your Thesis Statement

COMMENTS

  1. How to Restate a Thesis: 9 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow

    In restating your thesis, draw on the information you’ve discussed or relationships you’ve established throughout the paper. You can use the restated thesis to provide a greater level of sophistication or emotional impact to the original argument.

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

    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.

  3. How to Restate a Thesis | Effective Tips From Top Pros

    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.

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

    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.

  5. How to Restate a Thesis: Practical Guidelines - EduBirdie.com

    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.

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

    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.