A thesis statement serves as a guiding idea for your essay (or your speech), which alerts readers to the main points of the essay and the direction it will take. The reaffirmation of a thesis, which is presented in the conclusions of the essay, is the soul mate of the thesis, although it is not its identical twin. It differs from the thesis or memo (read
how to write a memo) in the choice of words and in the structure of the sentences. Reaffirming your thesis at the end of the essay allows you to remind your readers of what you have verified in the paragraphs and helps the essay have a satisfactory ending.
Decide on a place for reaffirmation. Many writers and speakers reaffirm their thesis early in their conclusion, but it doesn't necessarily have to be presented in the first sentence.
- Doing a draft conclusion (the main points you want to convey) will give you an idea of the best place to restate your thesis before you actually try to write it.
- You may want to start your conclusion with a question or some kind of rhetorical element, rather than a restatement of the thesis, although it will depend on the nature of your written thesis or your conclusion. While it is true that the written thesis often follows prescribed formulas (such as a five paragraph essay), there is no proper way to write a concluding paragraph. You have to try various positions for the thesis reaffirmation so that you find out what works best.
Take advantage of the work you've done. The reader will not have read the rest of the written thesis when they read the original thesis in the introduction, but will have just done so. Use that to your advantage. When reaffirming your thesis, base yourself on the information you have discussed or the relationships you have established in the written thesis.
- For example, you should understand by reaffirming your thesis by saying "As a parent, one understands ..." if your written or oral thesis is about parents. Not only will this make your statement differ from the original, but it will help connect the important elements of the essay or speech.
Avoid cliches. Avoid using some phrases, such as "In conclusion" or "As this essay has shown," when you begin the conclusion with the reaffirmation of your thesis. These are tired and very worked phrases that signal to the reader a lack of creativity and originality, instead of a new dedication to what you have said in the essay, which is what you want your reaffirmation to be able to convey.
- However, you may be able to say "In conclusion" at the end of the speech. Pointing out some words, such as "In conclusion" or "Later", is very important in speeches because listeners only have one chance to follow you in what you say. These words will help them follow you.
Do not apologize. When you reaffirm a thesis, assume that you have checked it in the essay and do not apologize or answer with evasions, which will weaken the conclusion and thus the essay.
- Avoid saying "Looks like" or "Maybe" in the restatement. An exception to this would be if this conditional language was part of your original thesis statement and if the essay was devoted to discussing a topic that is just a possibility. Otherwise, maintain a confidence level.
- While it is true that maintaining trust is of great importance to the success of your essay, it is important to recognize when there is opposition and when not to use absolute statements, which can distance your readers. It is different that there is confidence in your position and in the fact that you have proven your intention, than there is blind certainty in your opinion.
