Unit 4 Debate Rubric
Speaker:________________________________________
Role: 1st AFF 2nd AFF 1st NEG 2nd NEG
Resolution: _____________________________________
Content/Reasoning
Representation of
Character’s Perspective
Delivery
Refutation
Excellent
Ideas are clear, focused, and
accurate. Ample and effective
supporting evidence. Argument is
logical and cohesive. When
appropriate, counters the
opposition’s ideas.
Effectively, accurately, and
convincingly portrays the
perspective of the historic/literary
character; embodies the individual
in both dress and speech.
Is poised, clearly articulates ideas;
speaks directly to audience with
good volume, rate of delivery, and
vocal inflection; makes varied eye
contact throughout the speech.
Addresses key points of
opponent’s arguments. Reinforces
main arguments and concludes
appropriately.
Time
Maximizes the time allowed to
convince the audience that the
argument presented is superior and
well thought out.
Written Component/
Paragraphs
The two paragraphs are clearly
written, contain ample evidence,
answer all questions asked, include
quoted materials when appropriate,
use third person and the correct
tense; includes a properly
formatted Works Cited page.
Notes:
Competent
Ideas are mostly clear, focused and
accurate. Supporting details are good,
but other evidence is needed to reinforce
key points. Argument is generally
logical, but misses some opportunities.
Needs Improvement
Ideas need greater clarity. More evidence
is needed. Argument does not always
proceed logically; significant holes in
position.
Generally portrays the perspective of the
historic/literary character; representation
of dress and speech could be more
effective.
Misrepresents the perspective of the
historic/literary character; representation
of dress and speech are either missing or
inappropriate.
Clearly articulates ideas, but not as
poised; speaks audibly but with some
flatness and expression; slightly too fast
or too slow; eye contact is inconsistent.
Does not clearly articulate ideas; may
fidget or otherwise be distracting; speaks
too quietly, too quickly, or too slowly;
lacks eye contact.
Tries to address key points to the
opposition’s argument. Misses pointing
out key weaknesses in the opposition’s
argument. May not reinforce main
arguments or conclude appropriately.
Mostly effective use of time.
Does not address key weaknesses of
opposition’s argument and instead merely
repeats own argument. Fails to conclude
the debate.
The two paragraphs are mostly clearly
written, contain some evidence but could
use more; some questions may not be
fully addressed; may need more quoted
material; may use first/second person;
may contain verb tense errors; includes
an MLA works cited but may contain
errors.
Two paragraphs contain unclear ideas;
Superficial, missing, or inaccurate
supporting evidence; missing answers to
questions and insufficient quoted
material; first/second person used; verb
tense errors; incorrect or missing MLA
Works Cited page.
Time is not fully maximized for argument
or rebuttal.