The Great Lakes, consisting of Lakes Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, and Ontario, hold about 20% of the world’s available surface fresh water and are a geographic feature of profound ecological, economic and cultural significance for the United States and Canada. As one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the world, the Great Lakes present rich opportunities for students to explore a variety of topics in their essay writing. This essay will discuss different aspects of the Great Lakes that students can potentially focus on in their writing, along with tips for developing an in-depth Great Lakes essay.
The Great Lakes provide diverse natural environments that have long captivated scientists and nature lovers. Students can examine the complex Great Lakes ecosystems and unique plants and animals that have adapted to these freshwater seas. Common topics include discussions of the region’s biodiversity, food webs, invasive species issues, and conservation efforts. For instance, an essay may delve into the impact of invasive zebra and quagga mussels on the lakes’ delicate ecological balance or analyze government programs seeking to protect endangered species like the piping plover or lake sturgeon. Describing flora and fauna of the lakes in vivid detail can bring the natural world found in essays to life.
In addition to natural sciences, the Great Lakes offer rich veins for history and anthropology focused essays. Students may explore the earliest human inhabitants of the region, including ancient cultures like the Hopewell or Oneota that settled along Great Lakes shores thousands of years ago. Essays can analyze their subsistence practices, tools, and spiritual traditions. The interaction between later Native American tribes and European colonists also provides fertile ground for examination. Potential topics involve the fur trade era, treaties, and how indigenous groups adapted to drastic cultural changes. Later historical eras like industrialization and its transformative impacts on Great Lakes cities and ports offer additional possibilities. Skillful use of primary sources and historical context enables students to transport readers back in time.
The economic significance of the Great Lakes is another common area addressed in essays. As the largest surface freshwater system in the world, the Great Lakes play a vital role in both U.S. and Canadian economies, supporting diverse industries from shipping and manufacturing to agriculture, tourism, and more. Essays may evaluate the lakes’ monetary value and jobs generated across various sectors. Specific topics could trace the rise and fall of industries like lumbering, steel production, or commercial fishing. Alternatively, an essay may forecast economic trends and propose ways to strengthen Great Lakes industries in a sustainable, environmentally-responsible manner going forward. Including real GDP figures and business statistics lends credibility.
The human geography surrounding the Great Lakes region also provides opportunities for in-depth place-based essays. Analysis of urban and rural settlements, immigration and migration patterns, transportation infrastructure, and more, allow exploration of macro-level trends. For example, an essay may contrast the urban evolution and cultural imprint of Great Lakes cities like Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland or Toronto. Alternatively, an essay may evaluate challenges facing smaller Rust Belt communities and policy options for revitalization. Descriptions of the unique climates, landforms, and cultural traditions that vary across the American Midwest and Great White North regions can help essays come alive.
The policy issues and governance surrounding shared international waters like the Great Lakes always make for thoughtful essay topics. Transboundary resource management concerns involving water quantity, quality, and diversion have sparked important bilateral agreements between the U.S. and Canada over the decades. Essays may scrutinize such pacts like the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement or Great Lakes Compact and their effectiveness in protecting ecosystem health. Emerging challenges like harmful algal blooms or proposals like largescale water exports may also be discussed. Thoughtful consideration of multiple stakeholder perspectives and implications can lend essays analytical depth.
Writing great essays about the Great Lakes requires more than simply selecting a topic – strong organization, evidence-based arguments, and compelling language are also needed. After choosing an issue narrow enough for the scope, writers should structure essays around a clear thesis statement. Well-incorporated references and quotations from expert sources demonstrate research depth. Transitions between paragraphs ensure smooth flows. Descriptive passages utilizing vivid sensory details bring topics alive for readers. Editing with a critical eye strengthens writing mechanics, syntax and style. Staying true to word counts without filler keeps essays concise yet informative. By developing essays meeting these standards, students can share insightful perspectives on this iconic North American freshwater ecosystem. The Great Lakes arguably offer as much diverse material for insightful student essays as their vast waters hold for scientific and social discovery.
The Great Lakes’ immense ecological, cultural, historical and economic importance provides a wealth of potential topics for students to explore in extended essay writing. From natural habitats and species to indigenous peoples and pressures of development, these inland seas continuing to reveal new layers of understanding for researchers, politicians and local communities alike. Students able to craft organized, well-evidenced arguments analyzing Great Lakes issues through a focused thesis stand to gain valuable experience sharpening their research, analytical and composition abilities. With diligent sourcing, description and consideration of multiple angles, their passionate voices too can contribute to this ever-evolving dialogue.
Andrew Stroud