1 Point
POOR
2 Points
FAIR
3 Points
GOOD
4 Points
EXCELLENT
Multiple facts were used from
at least two sources.
Sufficient facts were used from
at least two sources.
Extensive facts were used from
at least three sources.
Research and speech show a
good level of topic
understanding.
Works cooperatively with little
teacher redirection.
Research and speech show a
high level of topic
understanding.
Works cooperatively without
teacher redirection.
Speaks only when directed by
Leader. Listens carefully.
Respectful to opposing team.
Supportive of teammates.
Voice is loud, clear, confident,
and expressive. Makes
consistent eye contact with
audience.
DEBATE
Use of Research
Only a few facts were used and
the research was mostly based
on opinion.
Research and speech show little
understanding of the topic.
Organization and Teamwork
Teacher must redirect and
supervise student frequently.
Research and speech show a
moderate level of topic
understanding.
Fulfills role with some teacher
redirection and suggestions.
Debate Expectations
Does not meet debate
expectations or must be
reminded 5 or more times.
Meets most debate
expectations with 3-4
reminders.
Meets all debate expectations
with 1-2 reminders.
Speech
Voice is not loud, clear,
confident, or expressive. Makes
no eye contact with audience.
Voice is sometimes loud, clear,
confident, and expressive.
Makes little eye contact with
audience.
Voice is mostly loud, clear,
confident, and expressive.
Makes some eye contact with
audience.
Understanding of Topic
TOTAL /20
WRITING
Introduction Stating Topic
and Opinion
Fails to introduce topic
and/or opinion.
Introduces topic and opinion
in a typical way.
Content
(Ideas and Research)
Research does not appear to
be organized. Appears as
though it is just a collection
of information.
Does not summarize topic
and/or opinion.
Part of the research is
organized.
Limited transition and
opinion statements are used.
Ends speech by summarizing Ends speech by summarizing
in a typical way.
in an interesting way.
Referencing
References are not given.
Writing Conventions
-Spelling
-Grammar
Word Choice
Closing Thoughts
TOTAL /24
Introduces topic and opinion
in a way that grabs the
attention of the audience.
Research is organized.
Some transition and opinion
statements are used.
Introduces topic and opinion
in a creative and thoughtprovoking way.
Research is organized
effectively. Excellent
transition and opinion
statements throughout.
Ends speech by summarizing
opinion in a powerful way.
At least one source is cited.
At least two sources are cited
properly.
At least three sources are cited
properly.
May have 7+ spelling and
grammar errors.
May have 5-6 spelling and
grammar errors.
May have 3-4 minor spelling
and grammar errors.
May have 1-2 spelling and
grammar errors.
Word choices are mostly typical
and sometimes repetitive.
Word choice is sometimes
strategic, varied, persuasive,
and adds interest.
Some word choices may be
repetitive or typical.
Some word choice is often
strategic, varied, persuasive,
and adds interest.
Word choice is consistently
strategic, varied, persuasive,
and adds interest.