DEBATE RUBRIC (2010)

Each student in the debate will be graded individually. The debate grade will be based on the quality of debating done by the students, not whether the team won or lost the debate.

1 2 3 4Understanding

of TopicUnclear about debate topic

Seemed to understand main

points

Understood topic in-depth

Clearly understood topic

in-depth and presented

information forcefully and convincingly

Organization Unorganized data, evidence,

and presentation

Some moments of disorganization

of materials

Organized materials and presentation

Well organized materials and presentation

Arguments Debate lacked arguments that

support proposition

Less than 4 arguments raised

throughout debate to support

proposition

4 arguments clearly presented

to support proposition

5 or more arguments

presented to support

proposition; arguments

complex and articulate

Evidence(statistics,

examples, facts, & testimony)

Few or no relevant

supporting evidence

Some relevant evidence given;

relevance somewhat

questionable

Debate adequately

supported with relevant evidence

Numerous support materials given with every point addressed

throughout debate

Rebuttal No effective counter

arguments made Did not directly

address opponents’ arguments

Few effective counter-

arguments made directly

addressing some of opponents’

arguments

Some effective counter-

arguments made directly

addressing most of opponents’

arguments

Directly addresses each

argument raised by opponent.

Offers extensive evidence to refute opposing points

Delivery(Eye Contact, Tone of

Voice, Gestures, Enthusiasm, Volume,

& Persuasion)

Not convincing; few style features

used

Few style features were

used convincingly

Most style features were

used effectively

All style features were used

convincingly and persuasively

Teamwork Arguments were overlapping, repetitive, or contradictory

among teammates

Each member of the team

presented a different

argument with minimal overlap

and repetition

Each member of the team

presented different by

complementary arguments

Each member of the team

presented an argument that

built on previous arguments