Restate Your Thesis Statement

Why Restate Your Thesis in the Conclusion of the Essay?

Restate your thesis means repeating your claim or repeating your position. It serves several purposes as given below.

1. Recapitulation of the Central Argument: Restating the thesis or main idea in the conclusion.
2. Reiteration of the Key Point: Summarizing the main point or argument and emphasizing its significance.
3. Final Emphasis on the Thesis: Reinforcing the main idea or thesis to leave a lasting impression on the reader.
4. Reaffirmation of the Core Message: Reiterating the central message or theme explored throughout the paper.
5. Closure with a Thesis Reminder: Reminding the reader of the thesis statement to provide a sense of closure.
6. Highlighting the Central Claim: Drawing attention to the primary claim made in the essay or research paper.
7. Reemphasizing the Main Idea: Restating the main concept or idea to reinforce its importance.
8. Revisiting the Thesis Statement: Returning to the original thesis statement to restate it in a concise manner.
9. Recapping the Main Argument: Summarizing the main argument made in the body of the paper.
10. Restating the Core Proposition: Paraphrasing the central proposition or hypothesis in the conclusion.

Examples of Restate Your Thesis Statement in the Conclusion

Thesis Statement	Rephrased in Concluding Paragraph
The poem “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost explores the theme of choices and their long-term impact, encouraging readers to reflect on the decisions they make in life.	Putting it briefly, Frost’s “The Road Not Taken” prompts readers to reflect upon the significance of their choices and the lasting consequences they may have, urging them to embrace the paths they select with conviction and introspection.
The short story “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson serves as a critique of blind adherence to tradition, challenging readers to question the harmful practices that can arise from mindless conformity.	In short, “The Lottery” invites readers to reevaluate the unquestioning acceptance of societal traditions and to recognize the potential dangers lurking within blindly followed customs.
In the play Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, the theme of love as both a transformative and destructive force is explored, emphasizing the delicate balance between passion and tragedy.	In short, Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet reminds its readers of the volatile nature of love, illuminating how the intense emotions it ignites can be both a catalyst for transformation and a source of devastating consequences.
Margaret Atwood’s novel The Handmaid’s Tale delves into the themes of oppression and resistance, serving as a powerful cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked authority and the importance of individual agency.	Briefly, through its chilling portrayal of a dystopian society, Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale delivers a stark warning about the perils of oppressive regimes and underscores the indomitable spirit of those who resist and fight for freedom.

Process to Restate Thesis Statement Step by Step

1. Review Your Thesis Statement: Before you can restate your thesis, make sure you clearly understand what your thesis statement is. Go back to your introduction and read the original thesis statement carefully.
2. Avoid Repetition: Your goal is to restate your thesis, not just repeat it verbatim. You should use different words and phrasing while retaining the original meaning. This shows your ability to reiterate your point in a fresh way.
3. Summarize Your Main Points: In the body of your essay or paper, you’ve likely presented supporting arguments or evidence. Briefly summarize these main points. This will help contextualize your thesis restatement and remind the reader of the evidence you’ve presented.
4. Synthesize Your Argument: Once you’ve summarized your main points, bring them together to reinforce your thesis. Explain how these points collectively support your thesis statement. This helps tie your entire argument together.
5. Use Transition Phrases: To smoothly transition into your thesis restatement, use transitional phrases such as “In conclusion,” “To sum up,” or “In summary.” These signal to the reader that you’re wrapping up your argument.
6. Rephrase Your Thesis Statement: Now, restate your thesis statement using different words and phrasing. Make it clear and concise. Avoid introducing new ideas or arguments at this point. You’re simply reemphasizing your main point.
7. Highlight the Significance: After restating your thesis, briefly mention why it’s important or what it means in the broader context of your topic. This helps the reader understand the significance of your argument.
8. Leave a Lasting Impression: Craft your thesis restatement in a way that leaves a strong impression on the reader. You want them to remember your main point after they’ve finished reading.
9. Avoid New Information: Resist the urge to introduce new information or arguments in your conclusion. Your conclusion should recap what you’ve already discussed, not introduce new ideas.
10. Proofread and Revise: Like any other part of your paper, your thesis restatement should be free of grammatical errors and typos. Take a moment to proofread and make any necessary revisions.
11. Check for Coherence: Ensure that your thesis restatement flows logically from the points you’ve summarized. It should feel like a natural conclusion to your essay or paper.
12. Consider Your Audience: Think about your target audience and the overall tone of your paper. Tailor your thesis restatement to match the tone and style of your writing.
13. Practice Conciseness: Keep your restated thesis statement concise and to the point. You don’t need to repeat all the details; just focus on the core message.
14. End with a Thoughtful Closing Sentence: After restating your thesis, end your conclusion with a closing sentence that provides a sense of closure and finality to your essay or paper.

Remember that the purpose of restating your thesis is to remind the reader of your main argument and leave them with a clear understanding of your position. It should tie everything together and leave a strong impression.

Suggested Readings

1. Graff, Gerald, and Cathy Birkenstein. They Say / I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing. 4th ed., W.W. Norton & Company, 2018.
2. Langan, John. College Writing Skills with Readings. 9th ed., McGraw-Hill Education, 2017.
3. Ramage, John D. et al. The Allyn & Bacon Guide to Writing. 8th ed., Pearson, 2016.
4. Strunk Jr., William, and E.B. White. The Elements of Style. 4th ed., Longman, 1999.