Oral Debate Rubric
Criteria
Fair
Average
Above Average
Content
Weak or missing
facts or weak
elaboration
Some effort shown
followed by rough,
choppy elaboration
Average impact of
facts and position
followed by
smooth
elaboration
Strong statements of your
position followed by
smooth elaboration
Use of
Argumentation
Few or no
relevant
supporting
facts/examples
Some relevant
examples/facts
given
Many
examples/facts
given: most
relevant
Organization
& Clarity
Unclear in most
parts
Clear in some parts
but not overall
Most clear and
orderly in all
parts
Only prepped on
role, not able to
elaborate,
challenge or
answer opponent
because of lack of
background
knowledge
Able to answer
some of
opponents’/
audience’s
questions or
arguments
clearly, with
facts/ examples
You are able to argue
against your opponent
with insightful, fact-based
support. You are able to
answer any questions the
opponent or audience has
clearly, and you seem very
knowledgeable about the
topic and your support
Some effective
counterarguments made
Many effective counterarguments made that
challenge the opponent
and your audience
/10
Maintained focus and
stayed on task
/10
Preparedness &
Background
Knowledge
Showed Energy
& Enthusiasm
in Voice
Behavior
Weak
Your arguments
and knowledge
about the topic is
not clear to the
audience
No effective
counter
arguments made
Showed a lack of
respect while
speaking, and /
or while others
were speaking
No counterarguments made
orally on your part,
but you are able to
help your team
with rebuttal
Attempted to stay
on task
Average
appropriate
behavior shown
Score:
Clear reasoning and
evidence is shown using
examples, quotes,
statistics, or other types of
elaboration
Viewpoints and responses
are outlined both clearly
and orderly in
presentation
Total:
/30
/30
/10
/10
/100
Schedule of Debate – 20 to 25 minutes total
1.) Opening argument of both sides, with introduction (3 minutes for each person)
The student that is supporting the topic will begin and will have three minutes to introduce the subject and to make
his/her opinion on the matter clear. The opposing student will then have three minutes to do the same. Students cannot
be interrupted by the other student during this time
2.) Opposing Rebuttal and Response (2 minutes for Rebuttal, 30 seconds for response)
After the opposing side has spoken above, the student who spoke first can now provide counter arguments and rebuttals
to the opposition. Present your supporting reasons here and provide supporting evidence. You will not be interrupted
during this time as well. After two minutes, you will be stopped and the opponent will get to respond to what you have
said for 30 seconds. Then, the opponent gets the same two minutes to present arguments and support and the other
student will get 30 seconds to respond to those arguments.
3.) Audience Questions and Response (3 minutes each side)
Beginning with the student supporting the topic, students may raise their hand to ask specific questions for the student
to respond. The student speaking will call on those with questions and will answer. If this continues to three minutes,
time will be cut off there. The same will then apply to the opposing side for up to three minutes.
4.) Concluding Statement (1 minute)
Both sides get 60 seconds to make final closing statements using argument, evidence, and rhetorical appeals.