Debate Rubric 2x3s29

M. Cross Debate Rubric Name: ____________________________ Block: _________ Criteria 1 2 3 4 Organization and Clarity:

Viewpoints and responses are mostly illogical or unclear. Connections are vague and scattered

Viewpoints and responses are attempted but lack fluidity; clarity and connections between points are inconsistent Argumentative statements are briefly developed Uses some relevant evidence to illustrate argument but comprehension of evidence/studies may seem inconsistent; arguments/ may be repetitive

Viewpoints and responses are mostly clear and proficiently ordered

Viewpoints and responses are exceptionally clear and fluidly ordered.

Use of Arguments, Examples and Facts: SExI points (Statement, Explanation, Illustration) are provided to

Argumentative statements are simple or incomplete; Ideas are poorly ed/illustrated; Case studies may be poorly chosen and/or irrelevant, may rely heavily on anecdotes

Argumentative statements are logically presented and developed; Central issues are clearly explained; speech effectively simplifies key aspects of argument; Case studies are wellchosen and analogy well utilized

Ineffective, little or no refutation. Is confused easily by opponent and may not reconstruct argument; does not engage opponent

Rebuttal is attempted, but few effective counterarguments are made; points made may not all address opponent’s arguments; at times debate may seem like “ing ships in the night”

Rebuttal is mostly effective and addresses most arguments made by opposing team; engages opponent

Language Style:

Student language style is choppy and does not reflect a sense of audience.

Student has a clear sense of audience; effectively uses rhetorical devices; may occasionally incorporate an “um” or “like” but it is not distracting

Presentation Style: tone of voice, use of gestures, level of enthusiasm

Few or no style features were used. Not convincing.

Student sometimes conveys a sense of audience but frequently incorporates colloquialisms; speech may frequently incorporate “ums” and “likes”; may unsuccessfully attempt rhetorical devices. Some style features were used convincingly.

Argumentative statements are expertly presented and developed; Intellectual analysis of issue is clearly established through critical thinking; Addresses variables in statement and successfully breaks down complexities; Focus of illustrating points rely on case studies and Analogy; Anecdotes may have been successfully attempted Rebuttal is specific to arguments made in the opposing team’s opening statement; Expertly reconstructs his/her team’s argument; skillfully engages with or “clashes with” opponent; may use both implicit and explicit refutation Student has a palpable sense of audience; expertly uses rhetorical devices of speech writing; language seems to have a flawless fluidity

Use of Rebuttal/Refutation:



Most style features were used convincingly.

Many or all style features were used convincingly.