Debate Rubric (Scorecard)

Levels of Achievement

Criteria Unsatisfactory Novice Competent Proficient Distinguished Score

Opening 0 to 12 points 13 to 14 points 15 to 16 points 17 to 18 points 19 to 20 points

Statement Arguments are Somewhat organized Organized and generally complete Well-organized and complete Extremely thorough, well-organized
unorganized, presentation of presentation of arguments and evidence. presentation of arguments and presentation of arguments and
incomplete, or arguments and evidence. Opening statement outlines or lists evidence. Opening statement evidence. Opening statement engages
completely Opening statement arguments and evidence but does not successfully frames the issues. the interest of the audience.
lacking in minimally outlines generate interest.
evidence. arguments.

Rebuttal 0 to 12 points 13 to 14 points 15 to 16 points 17 to 18 points 19 to 20 points

Is unable to Seems to be caught off-
respond to guard by opponents;
issues raised by offers tentative,
opponents in a somewhat accurate, but
meaningful or possibly vague or illogical
accurate way. responses. Attempts to
challenge arguments of
opponents.
Responds to most of the issues raised by
opponents with generally accurate
answers. Offers arguments, but no
evidence, to counter the arguments made
by opponents.
Responds to issues raised by
opponents with accurate and
generally concise answers.
Challenges the arguments made
by opponents; challenges are
generally effective.
Responds to issues raised by
opponents with concise, accurate,
logical answers. Effectively challenges
the arguments made by opponents
with argument and evidence.

Closing 0 to 12 points 13 to 14 points 15 to 16 points 17 to 18 points 19 to 20 points

Statement Closing Closing argument briefly Closing statement does not reflect Closing statement summarizes Closing statement leaves no
statements do restates the ideas offered remarks made during debate. many arguments made in the unanswered issues and resonates with
little more than in the opening statement. debate. the audience.
state the
position of the
argument.

Ethos, Logo, 0 to 12 points 13 to 14 points 15 to 16 points 17 to 18 points 19 to 20 points

Pathos Does not use Makes minimal use of Uses some appeals to make argument Uses logical, emotional, and Makes deliberate and effective use of
persuasive persuasive appeals. more persuasive, but may not include a ethical appeals to enhance logical, emotional, and ethical appeals
rhetoric. Uses Generally uses language mix of logical, emotional, and ethical effectiveness of argument. Uses in order to persuade classmates. Uses
colloquial, overly that is appropriate to the appeals. Uses language that is appropriate language that is appropriate to language that is stylistically
simplistic discussion. Uses basic but to the discussion. Attempts to use literary the discussion. Uses literary sophisticated and appropriate for the
language. Uses clear language. devices to add interest. devices to add interest. discussion. Uses literary devices to
language and enhance the argument.
syntax that is
unclear.

Research, MLA 0 to 12 points 13 to 14 points 15 to 16 points 17 to 18 points 19 to 20 points

Works Cited
Page There is no Most of the sources used Most of the sources used are not Some sources used are not Works cited page with MLA format is
Works Cited are not reputable and reputable or there are several formatting reputable or there are one or provided along with the opening
page. There are there are several errors. two formatting errors in the statement. The debate should use
numerous formatting errors. Works Cited page. evidence from outside sources to back
formatting up statements. At least three sources
errors. should be from the library database.
There are no formatting errors.