Debate (speaking) rubric

I'll be using it for the debates. As with the writing rubric, the weighted scores add to a max of 40; to interpret this, divide by 10 and think of a GPA. So 30 points is "like a 3.0 GPA", i.e. exactly a B.

The "technical content" that falls in the first category (content knowledge) will include: whether the points you make are relevant and correct; correctness and completeness of your answers to questions posed in cross-examination; correctness of any rebuttals that you make; and whether and how you frame specifically ethical arguments.

The second category (organization) refers to five points, which apply to this assignment as follows:

• Purpose: In your constructive arguments (1AC, 1NC), you should very clearly state your thesis.
• Introduction: In your constructive arguments (1AC, 1NC), you should at least briefly give some context to your position.
• Main points: In your constructive arguments (1AC, 1NC), you should clearly state the main points of your argument; and the main points of your argument should be laid out primarily or entirely in your constructive arguments rather than popping up for the first time in the rebuttals.
• Transitions: The concept of "transition" is not very relevant to this presentation style, so I'm hijacking this point to handle rebuttals: In your rebuttals (1AR, 1NR, 2AR) did you clearly rebut most or all of your opponent's points?
• Summary: At the end of your last rebuttal (1NR, 2AR), you should wrap up with a summary of your most salient reasons why we should support your position.

The other three categories should be pretty straightforward, but let me know if you have any questions about them.