How to Restate a Thesis Statement

An essay introduces a thesis statement, an argument on a particular topic, typically near the end of the introduction, after the writer has explained the issue or subject. An effective essay also restates -- says it again using different words -- the thesis in the conclusion. Repeating the thesis statement at the end of the essay refreshes the writer’s main point for the reader, and using different words helps the essay avoid sounding monotonous.

Use a thesaurus to find synonyms for some of the words in your thesis statement. For example, if your original thesis statement read “Hamlet is insane,” you could reword the thesis statement in the conclusion to read “Hamlet is mentally unstable.” Rework phrases to sound differently, such as in the following: “If there is no history of alcoholism in the family, and if it is drunk in moderation, alcohol can have some health benefits,” which can be changed to, “If no one in your family has suffered from alcohol addiction, and if it is consumed moderately, alcohol can benefit your health in some ways.”

Rearrange the clauses in the sentence. You can re-order the sentence, “If there is no history of alcoholism in the family, and if it is drunk in moderation, alcohol can have some health benefits” to, “Alcohol can have some health benefits if there is no history of alcoholism in the family and if it is drunk in moderation.” Both sentences present the same information in different order.

Summarize your thesis statement by focusing on the main idea it contains. For example, if your original thesis statement reads, “If there is no history of alcoholism in the family, and if it is drunk in moderation, alcohol can have some health benefits,” consider changing it to, “Under certain conditions, alcohol can have some health benefits.”

A thesis statements is not like the dry scientific title you gave your research paper on fungi. The thesis statement asserts your opinion about an interesting subject that motivated you to do some research. The restatement must be strong and definitive. Start by listing the factors and main ideas involved in your thesis. Use these concepts to restate the main point of your thesis. "Hamlet's paranoia and ghostly encounters indicate periodic bouts of psychoses."