where do you put your thesis statement in your conclusion

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How to write an excellent thesis conclusion [with examples]

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.

Purdue Online Writing Lab College of Liberal Arts

Conclusions

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Conclusions wrap up what you have been discussing in your paper. After moving from general to specific information in the introduction and body paragraphs, your conclusion should begin pulling back into more general information that restates the main points of your argument. Conclusions may also call for action or overview future possible research. The following outline may help you conclude your paper:

In a general way,

• Restate your topic and why it is important,
• Restate your thesis/claim,
• Address opposing viewpoints and explain why readers should align with your position,
• Call for action or overview future research possibilities.

Remember that once you accomplish these tasks, unless otherwise directed by your instructor, you are finished. Done. Complete. Don't try to bring in new points or end with a whiz bang(!) conclusion or try to solve world hunger in the final sentence of your conclusion. Simplicity is best for a clear, convincing message.

The preacher's maxim is one of the most effective formulas to follow for argument papers:

Tell what you're going to tell them (introduction).

Tell them (body).

Tell them what you told them (conclusion).

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

• X (Twitter)

Last updated on December 6th, 2024 at 07:33 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!

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 Write a Strong Thesis Conclusion with Effective and Practical Examples

Struggling to wrap up your thesis? Learn how to write a strong conclusion that leaves a lasting impression, complete with practical examples!

A thesis conclusion is more than just the final section of your paper, it’s your chance to leave a lasting impression on your readers. This critical section ties all your research elements together, reinforces your argument, and highlights the significance of your findings. In short, it’s where you drive your point home.

Writing a well-rounded conclusion can feel daunting, but it’s also an opportunity to bring clarity and closure to your work. This guide will walk you through crafting a strong thesis conclusion, offering clear steps and practical examples to help you master this essential skill.

By the end of this article, you’ll have the tools to write a conclusion that ties your thesis together seamlessly and resonates with your audience.

Importance of a Strong Conclusion

A strong thesis conclusion isn’t just the final part of your paper, it’s your opportunity to solidify the contribution of your research and leave a lasting impression on your readers. This section ties together all the threads of your argument, ensuring your work feels complete and cohesive.

An effective conclusion:

Highlights the significance of your findings, showing their relevance within your field.

Engages the reader , leaving them with a clear understanding of your thesis’s purpose and impact.

Meets academic standards , demonstrating your ability to synthesize and articulate key ideas.

By providing closure to your argument, a well-written conclusion strengthens your thesis and ensures it resonates with your audience long after they’ve finished reading.

Key Components of a Thesis Conclusion

A well-crafted thesis conclusion brings your research to a satisfying close by including key elements that tie together your argument, findings, and contributions. Each component serves a specific purpose in creating a comprehensive and impactful conclusion.

1. Restating the Research Question

Start your conclusion by rephrasing the main research question or thesis statement. Use concise language to remind the reader of the primary objective of your study and establish a clear connection between the question and your findings.

Example: “This thesis set out to explore the relationship between renewable energy adoption and economic development in emerging economies.”

2. Summarizing Key Findings

Briefly summarize the most impactful results of your research. Focus on findings that directly answer your research question or support your thesis statement. This reinforces the core argument while keeping the summary concise and engaging.

Example: “The findings revealed that renewable energy adoption significantly reduces energy costs and fosters job creation, supporting sustainable economic growth.”

3. Discussing Implications of Research

Explain the broader significance of your findings. How do they contribute to your field, address societal challenges, or advance theoretical understanding? Connecting your results to real-world applications or broader theoretical frameworks enhances their relevance.

Example: “These results highlight the potential for renewable energy policies to drive economic growth while mitigating climate change, offering a model for sustainable development worldwide.”

4. Acknowledging Limitations

Include a brief discussion of your research’s limitations to demonstrate honesty and a realistic understanding of the study’s scope. Addressing challenges or constraints shows academic integrity and sets the stage for future improvements.

Example: “While this study provides valuable insights, its scope was limited to renewable energy adoption in emerging economies, which may not fully capture global trends.”

5. Recommendations for Future Research

Conclude with suggestions for future research that could build on your study. Highlight areas that are relevant, feasible, and impactful, inspiring further academic exploration.

Example: “Future studies could examine the long-term effects of renewable energy adoption on economic resilience or explore its impact in developed economies for a broader perspective.”

Step-By-Step Guide to Writing Your Conclusion

Writing a strong thesis conclusion requires a structured approach. Follow these steps to create a balanced, well-organized conclusion that effectively ties together your research and leaves a lasting impression.

Step 1: Craft a Brief Introduction

Start by reintroducing the purpose of your research and providing context for your conclusion. This opening should remind readers of the core focus of your study and prepare them for the key takeaways.

How to do it: Use one or two sentences to restate your research purpose in a way that feels fresh and concise. Avoid repeating your thesis statement word for word.

Example: “This thesis investigated the relationship between renewable energy adoption and economic growth, aiming to provide actionable insights for sustainable development policies.”

Step 2: Summarize Your Findings

Next, briefly summarize the key findings of your research. Highlight the most critical results that address your research objectives without repeating details already discussed in the body.

How to do it: Focus on results that directly support your thesis or answer your research question. Avoid including minor or tangential findings.

Example: “The findings demonstrate that renewable energy adoption reduces energy costs, fosters job creation, and enhances economic stability in emerging economies.”

Tip: Use concise language to maintain the reader’s engagement.

Step 3: Connect to the Research Questions

Link your findings back to the original research question to show how your study successfully addressed it. This step reinforces the relevance of your thesis and ensures your conclusion feels cohesive.

How to do it: Explicitly restate the research question and explain how your findings provide a clear answer.

Example: “By reducing costs and fostering job creation, the study confirms that renewable energy adoption is a key driver of economic growth in emerging economies, directly addressing the research question.”

Step 4: Discuss Implications and Limitations

Explore the broader significance of your findings while acknowledging any limitations of your study. Discuss how your research contributes to the field and what its real-world applications might be.

How to do it: Start with the implications, what do your findings mean for the field, society, or future research? Then address limitations with a realistic tone.

Implications: “These results highlight the potential for renewable energy policies to drive economic growth while mitigating climate change, offering a model for sustainable development.”

Limitations: “However, this study focused exclusively on emerging economies, and further research is needed to generalize these findings to developed countries.”

Tip: Be honest about limitations, as this demonstrates academic integrity.

Step 5: Provide Recommendations

End your conclusion with actionable recommendations for future research or practical applications. This step shows that your work is forward-thinking and opens the door for continued exploration.

How to do it: Offer suggestions that are directly tied to your findings, ensuring they are realistic and relevant.

“Future research could explore the long-term economic effects of renewable energy adoption or assess its scalability in urban areas of developed countries.”

“Policymakers should consider implementing renewable energy incentives to maximize both economic and environmental benefits.”

Examples of Strong Thesis Conclusions

Crafting an effective conclusion is essential to leaving a lasting impression on your readers. Below are examples from diverse fields, illustrating best practices in summarizing findings, connecting to research questions, and offering recommendations. Each example highlights specific strategies and techniques to create impactful conclusions.

Example: Health Sciences Thesis Conclusion

This conclusion ties back to the research question while emphasizing practical applications and broader significance:

"This study explored the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on cardiovascular health in middle-aged adults. The findings demonstrate that HIIT significantly improves heart function, reduces cholesterol levels, and enhances overall fitness, particularly in individuals with sedentary lifestyles. These results validate the hypothesis that HIIT is an effective and time-efficient method for improving cardiovascular health."

"However, the study’s reliance on a relatively small sample size limits its generalizability. Future research should include larger, more diverse populations to confirm these results and explore the long-term benefits of HIIT on chronic disease prevention. Health practitioners and policymakers should consider integrating HIIT programs into public health initiatives to address the growing burden of cardiovascular diseases globally."

Example: Physics Thesis Conclusion

This example focuses on summarizing analytical results and proposing advancements in the field:

"This thesis investigated the thermal conductivity properties of graphene-based materials under varying temperature conditions. The results reveal that graphene exhibits exceptional thermal conductivity, making it an ideal candidate for advanced heat management applications in microelectronics. By correlating thermal performance with material thickness, this study provides new insights into optimizing graphene for practical use."

"Nevertheless, challenges remain in scaling graphene production for commercial applications. Future studies should prioritize the development of cost-effective manufacturing techniques and investigate the integration of graphene into existing technologies. These advancements will pave the way for revolutionary improvements in thermal management systems across industries."

Example: Social Sciences Thesis Conclusion

This conclusion emphasizes broader social implications, balancing findings, limitations, and future research suggestions:

"This research examined the impact of social media on political engagement among young voters. The findings indicate that social media platforms play a pivotal role in raising political awareness and mobilizing young voters, particularly during election campaigns. However, the study also highlights the risks of misinformation and polarization associated with social media use."

"While these results underscore the transformative potential of social media, the study’s focus on urban populations limits its applicability to rural or less digitally connected communities. Future research should explore the role of social media in diverse socio-economic settings to provide a more comprehensive understanding of its effects. Policymakers and educators should also collaborate to promote digital literacy programs, ensuring that young voters engage critically with online political content."

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Conclusions

A well-crafted conclusion leaves a lasting impression, but certain common pitfalls can undermine its effectiveness. Avoiding these mistakes ensures your conclusion is clear, cohesive, and impactful.

Introducing New Information

One of the most common errors is introducing new ideas or data in the conclusion. This can confuse readers and disrupt the cohesiveness of your paper. The conclusion is meant to summarize and reflect on your existing research, not to present fresh arguments or findings.

How to avoid it: Focus solely on restating your thesis, summarizing key findings, and discussing implications. If you find new points emerging, incorporate them earlier in the body of the paper.

Being Vague or General

Using broad, unspecific language weakens the conclusion’s impact. Generic statements like “This research is important” fail to convey the depth or significance of your work. Specificity ensures that your conclusion resonates with readers and reinforces your argument.

How to avoid it: Use concise, targeted language to highlight key takeaways. For instance, instead of saying “This study makes a contribution to renewable energy,” specify “This study demonstrates how renewable energy adoption can drive economic growth in emerging economies.”

Overly Lengthy Conclusions

A conclusion that drags on for too long risks diluting its purpose and losing the reader’s attention. Overloading the conclusion with unnecessary details can make it feel repetitive and unbalanced.

How to avoid it: Stick to the key components—restating your thesis, summarizing findings, discussing implications, and providing recommendations. Keep the conclusion concise and focused, ensuring it serves as a clear and effective closing statement.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can craft a thesis conclusion that is professional, focused, and impactful, leaving your readers with a strong and lasting impression.

Master the Art of a Compelling Thesis Conclusion

A strong thesis conclusion ties your research together, reinforces its significance, and leaves a lasting impression. By following the steps and examples outlined in this guide, you can craft a conclusion that is clear, concise, and impactful.

For additional support, consider using Jenni AI , a writing assistant designed to streamline academic tasks, helping you craft effective conclusions and elevate your academic writing.

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Research Paper: A step-by-step guide: 3. Thesis Statement & Outline

• 1. Getting Started
• 2. Topic Ideas
• 3. Thesis Statement & Outline
• 4. Appropriate Sources
• 5. Search Techniques
• 6. Taking Notes & Documenting Sources
• 7. Evaluating Sources
• 8. Citations & Plagiarism
• 9. Writing Your Research Paper

About Thesis Statements

Qualities of a thesis statement.

Thesis statements:

• state the subject matter and main ideas of a paper.
• appear in the first paragraph and announces what you will discuss in your paper.
• define the scope and focus of your essay, and tells your reader what to expect.  
• are not a simple factual statement.  It is an assertion that states your claims and that you can prove with evidence.
• should be the product of research and your own critical thinking.
• can be very helpful in constructing an outline for your essay; for each point you make, ask yourself whether it is relevant to the thesis.

Steps you can use to create a thesis statement

1. Start out with the main topic and focus of your essay.

youth gangs + prevention and intervention programs

2. Make a claim or argument in one sentence.  It can be helpful to start with a question which you then turn into an argument

Can prevention and intervention programs stop youth gang activities?  How?  ►►►  "Prevention and intervention programs can stop youth gang activities by giving teens something else to do."

3. Revise the sentence by using specific terms.

"Early prevention programs in schools are the most effective way to prevent youth gang involvement by giving teens good activities that offer a path to success."

4. Further revise the sentence to cover the scope of your essay and make a strong statement.

"Among various prevention and intervention efforts that have been made to deal with the rapid growth of youth gangs, early school-based prevention programs are the most effective way to prevent youth gang involvement, which they do by giving teens meaningful activities that offer pathways to achievement and success."

5. Keep your thesis statement flexible and revise it as needed. In the process of researching and writing, you may find new information or refine your understanding of the topic.

You can view this short video for more tips on how to write a clear thesis statement.

An outline is the skeleton of your essay, in which you list the arguments and subtopics in a logical order. A good outline is an important element in writing a good paper. An outline helps to target your research areas, keep you within the scope without going off-track, and it can also help to keep your argument in good order when writing the essay.  Once your outline is in good shape, it is much easier to write your paper; you've already done most of the thinking, so you just need to fill in the outline with a paragraph for each point.

To write an outline: The most common way to write an outline is the list format.  List all the major topics and subtopics with the key points that support them. Put similar topics and points together and arrange them in a logical order.    Include an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. 

A list outline should arrange the main points or arguments in a hierarchical structure indicated by Roman numerals for main ideas (I, II, III...), capital letters for subtopics (A, B, C...), Arabic numerals for details (1,2,3...), and lower-case letters for fine details if needed (a,b,c...). This helps keep things organized.  

Here is a shortened example of an outline:

Introduction: background and thesis statement

I. First topic

1. Supporting evidence 2. Supporting evidence

II. Second Topic

III. Third Topic

I. Summarize the main points of your paper II. Restate your thesis in different words III. Make a strong final statement

You can see examples of a few different kinds of outlines and get more help at the Purdue OWL .

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