The following essay was written by a CAEL test taker. Any mistakes made by the test taker have not been corrected.
Read the following sample essay and use the CAEL Essay Checklist (in the Student Resources) to help you evaluate its strengths and weaknesses. After you have completed the checklist, discuss your results with your partner or group. What band score do you think this essay received?
Essay Question
Using the information in the readings and the lecture, write an essay in response to the following prompt:
Should the Canadian government use the biological method to control the infestation of Zebra Mussels in the Canadian waterways?
The Canadian government should use the biological method to control the infestation of Zebra Mussels in the Canadian waterway. Their presence in the waterways has a great negative impact on other water creatures, fish as well as some industries. There are several methods to control their infestation such as chemical, mechanical & biological methods. Each one has its advantages and disadvantages. In my opinion, I believe the biological method would be the safest one. The chemical method has proven its efficacy, however, it is a short-term solution, results in chemical polution, would produce cancer causing by-product as well as killing and causing sensitivity contradictions to some fish and shellfish. The mechanical techniques is better for the environment, not like the chemical one. However, it has too many issues due to the low depth of most of the lakes and their very high cost.
The biological method has proven its effectiveness, like in 1873 and in 1883. It is mainly using natural predators as parasites in order to control other insects and pests. In this case, we can use predators from europe that can feed on the Zebra Mussles—since they were brought to Canada from europe—to contol its infestation in the Candian waterways. By doing this, we will be able to decrease the severity of its infestation. Since the main reason for that is the absence of a naturally-occuring ecological control for it.
Also, using the biological control will be environmentally-friendly and cost effective, resulting in a better environment to the aquatic life for fish, less harm for fisheries and to the industries. To conclude, in order to eliminate the threats arrising from the Zebra Mussels and its infestation in the Canadian waterways; the biological control would be considered the best way to do that.