LSC 2103 – Department of General Studies
RESEARCH REPORT – 15%
PROJECT DOCUMENT
Choose ONE of the following topics to write your research report:
1. Divorce rates in the UAE are higher than ever before. Discuss the reasons and impacts of this problem
considering some of the socio-cultural and economic aspects. Suggest one or more solutions to
prevent the numbers from rising.
2. Discuss how technology crimes impact the security of businesses today (via e-banking frauds/
identity thefts/ social networking traps/ etc). What can the society, private sectors and government
do to ensure safety as technology continues to advance rapidly?
3. All around the world, animals are kept in captivity, such as in zoos. Write a report considering the
background, giving specific cases and outlining the arguments for and against zoos as opposed to
leaving animals in their natural environment.
4. The UAE is hosting the World Expo in 2020. How will this event contribute to the development of the
nation in terms of business and tourism? Research these effects on cities which previously hosted the
expo, such as Milan and Shanghai to compare and support your arguments.
5. Consider the role of tourism to promote UAE heritage sites as conservation projects. Write a report
on heritage sites you have visited in the UAE. Include your arguments for and against conservation
tourism, as well as recommendations to promote tourism at these sites.
Planning and preparing:
➢ You must select between 2-4 sources relevant to your chosen topic and create a reference page
using APA format. Ensure your sources are reliable. Wikipedia will not be accepted. Submit the
reference page to your teacher prior to the assessment.
➢ For the report, you must use AT LEAST two sources (bring them to the assessment). Using in-text
citations, you must incorporate two direct AND two indirect quotes using BOTH sources in your
report (with a total of 4 citations). These should be followed by your personal opinions or
comments. Submit all citations to your teacher prior to the assessment.
➢ Write a one-page outline as your notes (no sentences or paragraphs) which needs to be preapproved by your teacher and will be returned to you on the day of assessment. You will use these
notes and sources to write your report of 700-1000 words in class on the assessment day. The
report will be written in Word and submitted on Blackboard through Safe Assign. Your report should
include a cover page and a reference page which will not be included as part of the word count.
➢ Your report should have the following section headings:
LSC 2103 – Department of General Studies
✓ Introduction
✓ Background
✓ Discussion (should include more than one paragraph)
✓ Conclusion
Marking Rubric
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | |
| Clarity and Accuracy Weight 40.00% |
1 to 55 % The whole text is unclear; numerous errors cause significant misunderstanding |
56 to 59 % Mostly unclear with patches of significant break down; errors can cause significant misunderstanding and require numerous corrections |
60 to 66 % Sometimes clear but with patches of confusion; accuracy lacks consistently; errors still cause misunderstanding; correction required |
67 to 76 % Generally clear and accurate; errors can cause misunderstanding in places; some correction still required |
77 to 86 % Clearly expressed, with only occasional errors that do not cause misunderstanding; requires a minimal amount of correction |
87 to 100 % Clearly expressed throughout; consistently accurate; may require a minimal amount of correction |
| Organization, Structure and Style Weight 40.00% |
1 to 55 % There is no evidence of style, structure or organization |
56 to 59 % Significant inconsistencies in style, structure and/ or organization; main points lack support |
60 to 66 % Some inconsistencies in style and structure; organization may not be fully logical; some main points are well supported |
67 to 76 % Structure and style is generally appropriate; mostly logical organization; main points are mostly well supported |
77 to 86 % Only occasional lapses in structure and style; main points are clear, logically organized and well supported |
87 to 100 % Ideas flow well and are logically structured and organized; an appropriate style is evident throughout; main points are fully supported and logical |
| Referencing (APA) Weight 20.00% |
One extremely incorrect and/or no citations in text. Reference page is inaccurate throughout (Only one reference source in list) |
Two/three citations given. Some incorrect. Quote is mis spelled and/ or paraphrase is copied text. The citations are not clearly linked to the ideas. Reference page has info missing and/ or substantial errors |
Four citations with errors in spelling or formatting. Some reliance on copied text and/ or repetition of the point. Not all citations are clearly linked to the ideas. Reference page has some info missing or is inaccurate with format errors |
Four citations with some errors in spelling or formatting. However, the citations show a logical link to the ideas, and do not merely repeat the main point. Reference page has some info missing or is inaccurate with format errors |
Four citations with minor errors in spelling or formatting. However, the citations show a logical link to the ideas, and do not merely repeat the main point. Reference page is reasonably accurate |
Four citations are fully formed and correct and are linked clearly to the ideas. Reference page is fully accurate |
LSC 2103 – Department of General Studies
OFF-TOPIC: Minus 1 for Clarity and Accuracy as the overall message is unclear
UNDERLENGTH: 600 words or less Minus 1 for Organization: 500 words or less Minus 2 for Organization
FOUR QUOTES but NO PARAPHRASE (or vice versa): capped at column 2
Maximum length for each cited quote is 25 words (direct/indirect). If longer the score is capped at column 3.
