QUESTION AND ANSWER PORTION RUBRICS
CATEGORY EXCEPTIONAL
CONTENT/RELEVANCE The contestant was well-
30% prepared to answer
questions, showed
mindfulness about the topic,
and excellently explained
the subject well.
CONFIDENCE/VOICE The contestant responded
30% clearly, confidently, and
concisely.
DICTION The contestant used
20% appropriate words suited to
the topic and audience; the
terms are well-chosen,
concise, and grammatically
correct. Communicates
effectively.
PERSONALITY The contestant was
20% energetic and enthusiastic.
Engaging demeanor. Very
natural.
COMPETENT
The contestant was prepared
to answer questions, showed
awareness of the topic, and
competently explained the
subject.
The contestant responded
clearly, fairly confidently, and
concisely.
The contestant used correct
words, well-chosen, and
grammatically correct.
Communicates effectively.
The contestant was energetic.
Very likable.
SATISFACTORY
The contestant was
somewhat prepared to
answer questions, explained
the topic with prompting, and
had a limited idea about the
subject.
The contestant responded
clearly and concisely.
The contestant used words
unsuitable to the topic,
audience, and purpose; word
choice does little to convey
an appropriate tone;
noticeable errors.
The contestant was
somewhat energetic.
Interaction with the audience
is awkward.
DEVELOPING
There was no evidence of
preparation for answering
questions and had no idea
about the topic.
The contestant had difficulty
responding to the question in
a clear and timely manner.
Use of inappropriate,
imprecise, and/or incorrect
words. Poor communication
skills.
The contestant was not
enthusiastic. Does not
interact well with the
audience.