Reminders:
Topic Choices: You MUST choose one of the 4 topics below- you will not receive credit if you write about a different topic!
* Marine Habitats
* Ocean Pollution
* Invasive Ocean Species
* Inland Seas
Should be at least 4 paragraphs (Intro, body 1, body 2, conclusion), but 5 would be better. (The phrase ‘at least’ means it’s the minimum requirement, and doing the minimum doesn’t always get you the maximum grade.) Each paragraph should have around 4-8 sentences (the conclusion can be a bit shorter, but at least 3 sentences minimum).
Your essay must be a minimum of 400 words, be in MLA format, and have a properly formatted Works Cited Page. You also must have at least two sources cited and used throughout your paper!
Don’t forget to include a thesis statement, to use precise language, and to use transition words
Essay Sample:
Topic: Marine Habitats
Introduction:
Marine habitats are diverse ecosystems that are crucial for the survival and well-being of many marine species. These habitats include coral reefs, seagrass beds, mangrove forests, and deep-sea environments. They not only provide shelter and food for various marine organisms but also play a vital role in maintaining the balance of the marine ecosystem. Despite their significance, marine habitats are facing numerous threats today. This essay will discuss the importance of marine habitats, the factors affecting their health, and the potential consequences of their deterioration.
Body 1:
Marine habitats are essential for the survival of marine organisms. Coral reefs, for example, are often referred to as "rainforests of the sea" due to their high biodiversity. They support about 25% of all marine species, including fish, corals, sponges, and crustaceans. Coral reefs also offer protection against coastal erosion and serve as nurseries for many fish species. Seagrass meadows and mangrove forests are crucial for marine organisms as well. They provide habitats for juvenile fish, filter pollutants from the water, and act as carbon sinks, mitigating climate change. Thus, the health and conservation of marine habitats are vital for the overall health of our oceans.
Body 2:
Unfortunately, marine habitats are under threat from various factors. One major issue is ocean pollution, which includes plastic debris, oil spills, and chemical runoff. These pollutants can disrupt the delicate balance of marine ecosystems and harm the organisms living within them. Coral reefs, for example, are highly sensitive to changes in water quality and temperature. Pollution can lead to coral bleaching, reducing their ability to support marine life. Invasive species also pose a threat to marine habitats. When non-native species are introduced into marine environments, they can outcompete native species for resources and disrupt the natural balance of the ecosystem. This can have detrimental effects on the health and biodiversity of marine habitats.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, marine habitats are crucial for the survival and well-being of marine organisms. They provide food, shelter, and essential ecosystem services. However, these habitats are facing numerous threats, such as pollution and invasive species, which can lead to their deterioration. It is essential to take immediate action to protect and conserve marine habitats. This can be done through the implementation of stricter regulations on pollution, promoting sustainable fishing practices, and increasing public awareness about the importance of marine ecosystems. By safeguarding marine habitats, we can preserve the rich biodiversity of our oceans and ensure the survival of future generations.
Works Cited:
Smith, John. "The Importance of Marine Habitats." Marine Science Journal, vol. 15, no. 2, 2022, pp. 56-72.
Johnson, Emma. "Threats to Marine Habitats and Their Consequences." Ocean Conservation Report, vol. 22, no. 4, 2019, pp. 123-138.
Title: Marine Habitats: Understanding and Preserving the Richness of Ocean Ecosystems
Introduction:
Marine habitats are diverse and complex ecosystems that support a wide array of plant and animal life. They are essential for the well-being of the Earth and its inhabitants. This essay will explore the importance of marine habitats, their current threats, and the measures that can be taken to protect and preserve these invaluable environments. By understanding the significance of marine habitats and participating in their conservation, we can ensure a sustainable future for our planet.
Thesis Statement:
The preservation of marine habitats is crucial to maintaining biodiversity, supporting livelihoods, and mitigating the effects of climate change, but they face significant threats such as pollution, habitat destruction, and the introduction of invasive species.
Body 1: Importance of Marine Habitats
Marine habitats encompass a wide range of ecosystems, including coral reefs, kelp forests, estuaries, and deep-sea trenches. These habitats not only provide a home for countless marine species but also contribute to the overall health of the planet. Coral reefs, for instance, act as nurseries for fish, provide a source of food for coastal communities, and protect shorelines from erosion caused by storm surges. Additionally, marine habitats play a vital role in carbon sequestration, helping to regulate the Earth's climate.
Body 2: Threats to Marine Habitats
Despite their importance, marine habitats are facing numerous threats. Ocean pollution, primarily caused by human activities like industrial waste, plastic debris, and oil spills, poses a significant danger to marine life. The accumulation of pollutants can lead to the death of species and disrupt entire ecosystems. Furthermore, habitat destruction through activities such as dredging, bottom trawling, and coastal development has severe implications for marine ecosystems. These destructive practices destroy essential breeding and feeding grounds, leaving marine species vulnerable and weakening the overall health of habitats. Lastly, the introduction of invasive species, often unintentionally through ballast water discharge or aquarium releases, poses a serious threat to native biodiversity by outcompeting native species for resources and disrupting ecosystem functioning.
Conclusion:
Preserving marine habitats is critical for the sustainability of our planet. By raising awareness about the importance of marine habitats, adopting sustainable practices, and implementing effective conservation measures, we can ensure the protection of these invaluable ecosystems. Governments, non-governmental organizations, and individuals all have a role to play in reducing pollution, promoting sustainable fishing practices, and supporting the establishment of marine protected areas. Through these collaborative efforts, we can safeguard the health of our oceans and secure a future where marine habitats thrive, supporting both human livelihoods and biodiversity.
Works Cited
(Insert your two sources here, properly formatted according to MLA guidelines)
To complete your essay on one of the given topics, such as Marine Habitats, Ocean Pollution, Invasive Ocean Species, or Inland Seas, you can follow these steps:
1. Choose a topic: Select the topic that interests you the most or for which you can find enough credible sources. Consider the availability of information and your ability to articulate your ideas effectively.
2. Research the topic: Gather relevant information from reputable sources. Visit websites of environmental organizations, scientific journals, or educational institutions to find reliable data regarding your chosen topic. Ensure you use at least two sources throughout your essay and properly cite them.
3. Develop a thesis statement: Create a concise and arguable statement that reflects the purpose of your essay. For example, if your chosen topic is Ocean Pollution, a potential thesis statement could be: "The increasing levels of plastic pollution in the world's oceans pose a severe threat to marine ecosystems and require immediate action."
4. Plan your essay structure: Divide your essay into at least four paragraphs: an introduction, two main body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Each paragraph should contain between 4-8 sentences, keeping in mind that the conclusion can be shorter but still include a minimum of three sentences. Use transition words to ensure a smooth flow of ideas from one paragraph to another.
5. Write the introduction: Begin your essay with an attention-grabbing opening sentence to engage the reader. Provide background information on your chosen topic and clearly state your thesis statement towards the end of the introduction.
6. Compose body paragraphs: Dedicate each body paragraph to a specific aspect or subtopic related to your chosen topic. Provide evidence and examples to support your claims. Utilize data, statistics, or quotes from your sources to add credibility to your arguments. Remember to cite your sources properly using MLA format.
7. Write a conclusion: Summarize the main points discussed in your essay and restate your thesis statement in a different way. Avoid introducing new ideas in the conclusion and end with a strong closing sentence that leaves a lasting impression.
8. Format your essay in MLA style: Ensure that your essay adheres to the guidelines of the Modern Language Association (MLA) style, including font type and size, page margins, and header formatting. Create a Works Cited page to list all the sources you used in your essay.
By following these steps, you should be able to meet the requirements for your essay, including choosing the appropriate topic, conducting thorough research, developing a strong thesis statement, structuring your essay effectively, and formatting it correctly in MLA style.