psy

Debate Rubric and Guidelines

Tips

Don’t wear ball caps, sunglasses, sneakers, chain wallets, short skirts or dresses.

1. Professional Attire (5 points)

a. Business Suit = 5 points

b. No tie, no jacket = 4 points

c. Polo, khakis = 1-3 points

d. Jeans, tshirt = 0 points

2. Random Tip # 1: Don’t chew gum during debate. - 1 point if student chews gum.

3. Debate Introduction--MODERATOR (10 points)

a. Moderator should first introduce the debate topic and then the names of each team member including their own name.

b. The moderator should then summarize the topic of the debate followed by what the audience will hear from each opposing side. This should be approximately 2-3 minutes.

Tips

Don’t read from notecards, speak loud enough for audience to hear, look enthusiastic and like you care about this topic. Be creative and make it interesting.

4. MODERATOR Questions (10 pts)

a. Moderator should prepare questions ahead of time to ask to each side of the debate. The questions should include open-ended questions that allow the team members to freely talk about their side of the topic.

b. Example 1: The research on media violence says ________, what do you think about this study?

c. Example 2: In a recent poll on social media issues, the results said…what else do you think could have contributed to this effect?

d. The moderator can read these questions off of a powerpoint, notecard, or visual chart.

e. The moderator should include enough questions to fill the time but also exclude questions if time is running out.

f. If a team member is running out of time, it is the moderator’s job to tell them to wrap things up (politely).

5. Random Tip # 2: Don’t eat or drink while debating (unless water).

6. Teammates Questions (20 points)

a. Each student should clearly state their side of the topic along with introducing themselves for the first time. The audience needs to know that you know what you are talking about.

b. The students should back up their points with research.

c. The students should be polite at all times and not argue with the opposing side (no interruptions or name calling).

d. The student should know their topic well and not read off of notecards.

e. Be confident. Your goal is to win, but don’t be obnoxious. Those people usually don’t win.

7. Closing Arguments and Rebuttal (10 points)

a. Team members shortly address the main point that they want to make during the debate.

b. Leave the audience with something that you want them to remember for the rest of the day.

c. Don’t read off notecards.

8. Closing Statement from Moderator (10 points)

a. The moderator will quickly summarize what each team said and close the debate.

b. This should only last about 30 seconds.

c. The moderator should open up the floor for questions from the audience.

9. Notecards: 10 points

a. No notecards used: 10 pts

b. Occasional Glance: 7-9 pts

c. Reads off Notecards Frequently: 1-6 pts

d. Reads entire script from notecards: 0 pts

10. Creativity: 5 pts

a. Above and beyond to engage the audience and thinks outside the box throughout the debate: 4-5 pts.

b. Some handouts or visual aid: 2-3 pts

c. No creativity: 0-1 pts

11. Engaging the audience: 10 pts

a. Engage the audience through eye contact, relate to the audience, ask theoretical questions, tell stories to captivate them, and stand up.

Total Points: 33 pts