Geos 220 Writing Assignment 1: Re-introduction of the Mexican Gray Wolf in the Southwest

Writing Assignment 1

Schedule:

• First, find (research) and read material on pros and cons of the re-introduction of the Mexican wolf to the American Southwest. This wolf web site is a good start). Take notes on what you read, and even discuss the issues with your classmates. Remember, however, that the essay that you turn in must be your own work and writing.
• Second, write an essay on pros and cons of re-introduction of the Mexican wolf to the American Southwest, using complete sentences and well-developed paragraphs.
  • Please italicize the topic sentence of each paragraph
  • Length of text: 900-1000 words (~3 pages, typed, double-spaced, 1" margins, 12-pt font) plus Reference Cited section
  • Essay is due October 9, 2008
  • This essay is worth 100 points, 50 for the research (lots of references cited) and 50 for the writing (proper grammer, good paragraphs).

The Problem

Should the re-introduction of the almost extinct Mexican Gray wolf (Canis lupus baileyi), a large carnivorous predator, back into protected wilderness areas of the Southwest be continued? Discuss both the "pros" and the "cons" of this issue.

Getting Started

Your essay should summarize the status of the Mexican Gray wolf re-introduction in the Southwest, identify arguments and types of evidence that (1) support the wolf re-introduction or (2) that challenge the wolf re-introduction, and conclude one way or the other.

There is no right or wrong answer here, and indeed it would be academically useful to be able to argue both ways on this issue. The goal for this essay is clear and concise writing that expresses well-informed argumentation about the wolf re-introduction. Use the readings linked from this web site to develop specific arguments on the wolf re-introduction.

A few examples of Mexican Gray wolf re-introduction topics include:

Endangered Species Act extinction wolf impacts to ranching ecological restoration wild wolves in Mexico ecosystem health predator-prey relations majority rule/minority rights wolf advocates threats to tourism and recreation

natural reserve design large carnivore top-down ecological approach maintenance of biological diversity wolves have an intrinsic right to exist (ethics) competition with hunters captive-breed wolves are different than wild wolves experimental populations island biogeography conservation biology economic cost benefit analysis

Before beginning writing, spend time reading articles, web pages, and other reference materials related to the Mexican Gray wolf re-introduction.

Suggested Essay Guidelines

• Grammar counts in this writing assignment. Use the spell-checker function available in most word processing software programs, BUT DO NOT RELY ON THIS EXCLUSIVELY! Proof-read your essay, and even ask a friend to read it for you.
  
• Don't forget your name in the upper right corner of page 1. Also, put the word count after your name, including words from the title to the end of the text (not the references cited section). 
  
• Title: up to 10 words at most 
  
• Introduction (~0.5 page): a short history and problem statement of the controversy 
  
• Main body of essay (~2 pages): Discuss some arguments for and against the re-introdction of the wolf. Use the readings, news clippings, and internet sites that are linked from these web pages to support your statements. 
  
• Conclusion (~0.5 pages): Not a summary of your essay, but a conclusion about the wolf re-introduction program based on earlier arguments. Should it be continued or stopped? Is there any common ground between the opposing sides? One thing that should NOT appear in the Conclusion is brand new material not yet mentioned in the essay. 
  
• Citing Literature:
  • In the main body of your essay, cite a nice mixture of:
    • newspaper articles
    • web sites
    • scientific readings
      
  • Do not quote references (ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY NO QUOTING, WITH OR WITHOUT THE "QUOTES"). Instead, summarize their points in your own words and then include a reference in parentheses, like this:
    

    Wild Mexican wolves possibly continue to survive in remote regions of Mexico (Parsons 1998).

  • Then, make a "References Cited" section (put this section on a separate page, not to be counted in your 1000 words). REFER TO THE FOLLOWING WEB SITE FOR CITATION STYLES: Assembling a List of Works Cited in Your Paper
    

     

Wolf Re-introduction Home Page

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Revised -- September 2008
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