DEBATE GRADING RUBRIC

On the right side of the rubric, please write the number representing what you think was the performance level of
the debate team in question for each criterion below.  Then calculate the average for each team.

                                                                Levels of Performance for AFFIRMATIVE Team

Criteria 4 3 2 1 Grade:

1. Organization Completely Mostly clear Clear in some Unclear and  

clear and and orderly in parts but not disorganized
& Clarity:  orderly all parts overall throughout
presentation
Main arguments and
responses are
outlined in a clear
and orderly way.
2. Use of Very strong Many good Some decent Few or no real  
and persuasive arguments arguments, but arguments
Argument:  arguments given, with some given, or all
given only minor significant arguments given
Reasons are given to throughout problems problems had significant
support the problems
resolution
3. Use of cross- Excellent Good cross- Decent cross- Poor cross-exam  
cross-exam exam and exam and/or or rebuttals,
examination and and defense rebuttals, with rebuttals, but failure to point
rebuttal:  against only minor with some out problems in
Negative slip-ups significant Negative team’s
Identification of team’s problems position or
weakness in Negative objections failure to defend
team’s arguments itself against
and ability to defend attack.
itself against attack. 
4. Presentation All style Most style Few style Very few style  
features were features were features were features were
Style:  used used used used, none of
convincingly convincingly convincingly them
Tone of voice, clarity convincingly
of expression,
precision of
arguments all
contribute to keeping
audience’s attention
and persuading them
of the team’s case.
          TOTAL
SCORE:

 _____

                                                                                                                                                                                           (Divide by 4)

                                                                                                     AVERAGE FOR AFFIRMATIVE TEAM:                   _______

                                                                Levels of Performance for NEGATIVE Team

Criteria 4 3 2 1 Grade:

1. Organization Completely Mostly clear Clear in some Unclear and  

clear and and orderly in parts but not disorganized
 & Clarity:  orderly all parts overall throughout
presentation
Main arguments and
responses are
outlined in a clear
and orderly way.
2. Use of Very strong Many good Some decent Few or no real  
and persuasive arguments arguments, but arguments
Argument:  arguments given, with some given, or all
given only minor significant arguments given
Reasons are given throughout problems problems had significant
against the resolution problems
3. Use of cross- Excellent Good cross- Decent cross- Poor cross-exam  
cross-exam exam and exam and/or or rebuttal,
examination and and defense rebuttal, with rebuttal, but failure to point
rebuttal:  against only minor with some out problems in
Affirmative slip-ups significant Affirmative
Identification of team’s problems team’s position
weakness in objections or failure to
Affirmative team’s defend itself
arguments and against attack.
ability to defend itself
against attack. 
4. Presentation All style Most style Few style Very few style  
features were features were features were features were
Style:  used used used used, none of
convincingly convincingly convincingly them
Tone of voice, clarity convincingly
of expression,
precision of
arguments all
contribute to keeping
audience’s attention
and persuading them
of the team’s case.
          TOTAL
SCORE:

_______

                                                                                                                                                                                           (Divide by

4) 

                                                                                                            AVERAGE FOR NEGATIVE TEAM:                   _______

  STUDENT NUMBER (to remain confidential): _______________________________