WRITING TASK
There is currently a discussion about the effects of underwater noise on the planet’s oceans. Think about BOTH sides of the discussion. Then write an argumentative essay in your own words supporting either side. In your essay, you will argue whether or not underwater noise affects marine life. Be sure to use information from BOTH passages in your argumentative essay.
Writer’s Checklist
Be sure to:
•• Introduce your claim.
•• Support your claim with logical reasons and relevant evidence from the passages.
•• Acknowledge and address alternate or opposing claims.
•• Organize the reasons and evidence logically.
•• Develop your ideas clearly and use your own words, except when quoting directly from the passages.
•• Identify the passages by title or number when using details or facts directly from the passages.
•• Use words, phrases, or clauses to connect your ideas and to clarify the relationships among claims, counterclaims, reasons, and evidence.
•• Establish and maintain a formal style.
•• Use clear language and vocabulary.
•• Provide a conclusion that supports the argument presented.
•• Check your work for correct usage, grammar, spelling, capitalization, and punctuation.
Now write your argumentative essay in the box provided. Refer to the Writer’s Checklist as you write and proofread your essay.
Title: The Impact of Underwater Noise on Marine Life: Urgency for Conservation Measures
Introduction
One of the significant contemporary environmental discussions revolves around the effects of underwater noise on the planet's oceans. A debate rages on between those who believe that underwater noise is a crucial factor in causing harm to marine life, and those who argue that the impact is minimal or even insignificant. This essay aims to delve into both perspectives and establish a stance on this critical subject. The claim explored and defended in this essay is that underwater noise does affect marine life detrimentally and demands urgent action to mitigate its consequences.
Arguments Supporting the Claim
Various studies confirm the negative impact of underwater noise on marine life. For example, in the passage "Silent Oceans: The Growing Threat of Noise Pollution," the author convincingly argues that underwater noise disorients marine creatures, disturbs their communication, and causes physical harm. Sound, being the primary sensory modality for marine species, plays a vital role in their survival. Hence, noise pollution caused by human activities, such as industrial and military practices, interrupts their normal life processes as well as increases stress levels, resulting in long-term harm.
Another significant reason to be alarmed about underwater noise is its growing intensity. The passage "Silent Oceans" presents striking data on the rapid rise in noise levels in various parts of the world's oceans. It is becoming increasingly clear that the cumulative impact of anthropogenic noise is further exacerbating the damage faced by marine ecosystems. A pertinent example of this is the North Atlantic right whale, which has shown a significant decline in population due to noise-related stress and other anthropogenic factors.
Alternate or Opposing Claims
Supporters of the opposing claim cite the lack of extensive research on the subject as an argument for questioning the gravity of underwater noise on marine animals. While it cannot be disputed that certain knowledge gaps exist in the field, the available data and studies strongly suggest that noise pollution is indeed harmful to marine life. It would be irresponsible to disregard this evidence and delay action based on incomplete knowledge. As mentioned in the passage "Ocean Noise: Sounding Out the Science," scientists agree that the existing knowledge is sufficient for making policy decisions and implementing conservation strategies.
Further, while it is important to acknowledge that marine populations face other threats, such as overfishing, pollution, and climate change, it would be misleading to downplay the significance of underwater noise. On the contrary, it can be argued that underwater noise may exacerbate the stress from the other threats, making it even more crucial to address this issue efficiently and swiftly.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the argument that underwater noise adversely affects marine life is supported by credible evidence, and highlights the importance of implementing conservation measures. The recognition of underwater noise as a crucial factor harming marine ecosystems demands that we take immediate steps to mitigate its effects. Policies and sustainable practices are essential to counter this threat, with the ultimate goal of preserving the delicate balance of our oceans and ensuring the continued survival of these valuable ecosystems. In doing so, we not only protect marine life, but also work towards a sustainable future for our planet.