How to Write a Synthesis Essay Conclusion

If you’re taking the AP® Lang exam, you might be wondering if a synthesis essay conclusion is even necessary. You also might be wondering how to write a synthesis essay conclusion. The answer to the first question is it depends. Keep reading to find out why.

Priorities When Writing a Synthesis Essay Conclusion

Before you even attempt to write a conclusion for synthesis essays, it is crucial to make sure you do other aspects first. This is because the conclusion is not necessary. Simply put, it is not part of the rubric. Think of your exam essay more as a rough draft, and sometimes we do not get time to write the conclusion at this point. That’s okay! You are under a lot of stress, so the priority needs to be on the aspects within the rubric, especially the evidence and commentary in your body paragraphs.

Before attempting the synthesis essay conclusion, be sure you’ve clearly cited 3 of the provided sources. This is the only way to score within the higher numbers for the evidence and commentary row. For more guidance on writing the body of the synthesis essay, be sure to read How to Write a Synthesis Essay. This blog post outlines the entire writing process to help you earn the best score possible. 

Additionally, you want to be sure that you have well-developed body paragraphs. If you have to choose between writing more in your body paragraphs or writing a conclusion, typically, it will be helpful to focus on the body paragraphs. This is because your body paragraphs contain evidence and commentary, which are 4 of the possible 6 points on the rubric.

To Write or Not To Write a Synthesis Essay Conclusion?

After finishing the body paragraphs, you want to check the remaining time. Ask yourself: Do I have enough time to write a conclusion? If you have at least three sources and your body paragraphs are strong, it is time to begin the conclusion. 

When writing a conclusion paragraph for synthesis essays, some students will restate the thesis. This is fine–just make sure you don’t copy it verbatim. Others might worry that the original thesis was not defensible and want to have a stronger conclusion. This means they come up with a stronger thesis as they conclude the essay. 

Developing Your Synthesis Conclusion

When working on your synthesis essay conclusion, you may want to develop your conclusion beyond just restating your thesis. Here are some questions to consider to help you develop your synthesis essay conclusion paragraph: 

1. Who is helped or harmed by the issue? In other words, who benefits and who is at a disadvantage?
2. What are the short-term and long-term societal implications of this issue?
3. Why does this issue really matter?
4. Why is this issue relevant on a local, national, or even international level? For this question, you do not have to answer all parts. Which level to focus on depends on the topic itself. 
5. Do you have any outside knowledge you could connect to the issue to show why it is essential? 
6. How does the issue connect to the future? For example, you can even include personal experience to help show why the topic matters. Then, you can include why this topic is important to the future. 

Answering any of these questions within the conclusion of the synthesis essay helps you offer deeper insight, possibly situation the issue in a broader context. 

Another possible way to end your synthesis essay conclusion is a call to action. This is when you challenge your audience to go and do something. You want to encourage people to act. This may be the reader, or it may be parents, educators, politicians, and businesses. However, it is important to remember this is not appropriate for every essay and prompt. It is a tool to have in your toolbox in case it works for the prompt on exam day. You want to use it sparingly and thoughtfully. 

If applicable, you can also make note relevant personal experience or observations in your conclusion to help address why this issue or topic matters in the real-world, beyond what the provided sources say.

Writing the Conclusion 

When learning how to write a synthesis essay conclusion, it is important to avoid the phrases “in conclusion,” “all in all,” or “to sum it up.” Those are a little bit too simple.  When leading into the conclusion paragraph, I recommend something like “When considering…” and then going into the topic. After, incorporate something like “It becomes clear/apparent/evident that…” and re-elaborate on your stance. Then, wrap everything up with strong concluding words, such as “Therefore” or “Thus.” As you write, remember it is okay to use language from the prompt! 

When it comes time to write the synthesis essay, focus on the body paragraphs and sources. You are graded against a rubric, so you want to give yourself the best chance at a high score. However, you also want to know how to write a synthesis essay conclusion. While this is not a requirement, it is a great way to create a solid ending to your essay should you have the time. 

To hear more about how to write a synthesis essay conclusion, be sure to watch Synthesis Essay Conclusion Tips!