EE Introduction and Conclusion

EE Introduction: The Basic Rules

• Approximately 300-ish words
• Three paragraphs - HARD RULE
• First paragraph: generic introduction to the topic
• Second paragraph: Methodology
• Third paragraph: Academic Importance
• The last sentence of your introduction should end with your research question exactly as it’s written on your title page
• Written in third person

Paragraph 1: Generic Introduction

• You can put a “hook” in if you want, but it’s not necessary
• Very surface level look at the topic in general
• No citations necessary unless you quote something

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Paragraph 1 Example

RQ: To what extent did the extended time to replace Locks and Dam 52 and 53 on the Ohio River impact the cost of US goods being shipped through them?

In 1929 just before the Great Depression, the construction of soon-to-be-famous Locks and Dam 52 and 53 on the Ohio River were completed. These infrastructure entities were part of a system of locks and dams that helped cargo barges navigate the elevation change on the river from Pittsburgh to its confluence with the Mississippi River. However, just like most of the “New Deal Era” infrastructure left standing, Locks and Dam 52 and 53 have deteriorated into a state of disrepair on the brink of catastrophic failure. The poor condition and functionality of the dam resulted in endless complications putting over 22 billion dollars worth of goods at risk each year.

Paragraph 2: Methodology

• Think about the most useful sources in your essay - discuss their relevance to your research and to your RQ/essay as a whole
• Should probably discuss 2-3 of the most important sources you used
• If you used any other methods - such as experiments or interviews - this is the place to discuss that as well

Paragraph 2 Example

RQ: To what extent did the extended time to replace Locks and Dam 52 and 53 on the Ohio River impact the cost of US goods being shipped through them?

In order to analyze the economic impact of two key locks and dams being almost inoperable, this essay discusses the inefficiency and the closures of these locks, and the extent of their repercussions on the U.S. goods. The research in this essay consists of information and research that explains the complications of these failing locks and how they affected the ability to ship goods through this critical point on the river. The essay also includes the issues with the project intended to replace these failing locks. In order to take a closer look at these issues, this essay dives into a first person interview with the government agency tasked with maintaining and constructing America’s locks and dams as well as the businesses who depend on this lock to ship their goods to put into perspective the economic importance of functional waterway infrastructure.

Paragraph 3: Academic Importance

• This is kind of like a “why does this topic even matter?” kind of space
• Justify the academic relevance of your RQ and topic
• End with the RQ
• “This ultimately leads to the research question, ….”
• “From this, the research question, … , can be asked.”
• “This essay will explore the research question: …”
• Etc.
• You can “spoil” your conclusion here

Paragraph 3 Example

RQ: To what extent did the extended time to replace Locks and Dam 52 and 53 on the Ohio River impact the cost of US goods being shipped through them?

The research question of this essay is worthy of further investigation to understand the vast importance of not only efficient infrastructure but proper allocation of funding to maintain and update key parts of an infrastructure system to minimize a loss in economic output. Importance further stressed by many other examples of 2 neglected infrastructure outside of locks and dams 52 and 53 that cause the United States to lose trillions of dollars in GDP per year. The primary and secondary sources utilized further expand on the idea that just two inefficient locks and dams can have such a detrimental effect on the U.S. economy that is exacerbated when applied to a broader view such as the entire infrastructure system of the United States. Further leading to the specific research question of the essay, “To what extent did the extended time frame to replace Locks and Dam 52 and 53 on the Ohio River impact the cost of U.S. goods being shipped through them?”

EE Conclusion: The Basic Rules

• Approximately 150 words
• One to two paragraphs
• Answer the research question! Even if it was answered in part in your various arguments, now is the time to give a solid answer to your RQ.
• Resolve any loose ends
• Written in third person

Conclusion Example

RQ: To what extent did the extended time to replace Locks and Dam 52 and 53 on the Ohio River impact the cost of US goods being shipped through them?

After being explored, the extensive impact of locks and dam 52 and 53 is very clear. It is safe to conclude that the detriment to U.S. goods was to a large extent due to the prolonged completion of their replacement, which lead to frequent costly closures, delays, and complete shutdowns lasting days. This ultimately costs more for goods to be shipped, increasing the cost of the goods at market or resulting in sacrificed profit for the shippers themselves. Now that project Olmsted is finally complete, the effects of this faulty piece of infrastructure should be mitigated. Now, barges will not have to be separated and put back together, speeding up passage through the lock and preventing traffic jams. The operation of Olmsted should not be subject to the frequent failure of its components due to wear and tear and therefore shutdowns should not be an issue like they were for locks and dam 52 and 53. However the unnecessary use of experimental construction and extended timeline have created a big gap for the project to recoup its investment and offset the losses from the previous dysfunctionality of 52 and 53.

Conclusion Example

RQ: To what extent did the extended time to replace Locks and Dam 52 and 53 on the Ohio River impact the cost of US goods being shipped through them?

Locks and dam 52 and 53 tell a story of the poor state of American infrastructure and leave the question of how high the costs to the economy or the environment will be if other parts 13 of America's “D” grade failing infrastructure are left unattended for much longer? The argument presented in the essay is based on the interviews and accounts of the agonizing problems with locks and dam 52 and 53, but lacks proper insight into the specific governmental handling of the replacement project, Project Olmsted. We know why Olmsted took so long to complete but the missing piece of the puzzle is why the United States Government did not step in and take full control over a project of this size which leaves uncertainty for how future infrastructure projects will be handled that display the same economic urgency. In conclusion it is clear that the poor functionality of locks and dam 52 and 53 plagued the supply chain of the American shipping industry to a large extent, and it will be interesting to see the positive economic impact of Olmsted in future investigations.