Grading Issues for the Debates - University of Washington



COM 334: Debate Assignment

By now you have heard me talk about these debates a lot. First off, relax. This is a low consequence environment (we won’t throw rocks) and the debate itself is only one assignment out of many (it is worth 75 points out of 500 points possible). This assignment is designed to help you become a more confident debater; unfortunately, becoming more confident translates to debating more often. Below are some questions that I will use in evaluating your debate. When combined with the grading sheets used for the debates, you should have a clear sense of what is expected of you. Remember: you have time constraints. You should practice your constructives so that you are more comfortable with your case and so that you internalize the arguments.

Evaluation questions while flowing

Affirmative Construction

- Clear statement of the thesis

- Clear preview

- Clear statement of the resolution and definitions

- Clear and Effective constructive case

o Well organized

o Logically sound

o Persuasive (addresses all stock issues convincingly)

- Clear review of main points?

Cross-examination by the Negative

- good use of time

- good clarification questions

- good probing questions

Negative Construction

- Clear statement of the thesis

- Clear preview

- Clear statement of the resolution and counter-definitions (if need be)

- Clear and Effective constructive case

o Well organized

o Logically sound

o Persuasive (highlights the problems with the Affirmative’s stock issues)

- Clear review of main points

Cross-examination by the Affirmative

- good use of time

- good clarification questions

- good probing questions

1st Affirmative Rebuttal

- Clear preview

- Clear and effective rebuttal to the negative’s arguments

- Increased support for the affirmative case

Negative Rebuttal

- Clear preview

- Clear and effective rebuttal to the affirmative’s arguments

- Increased support for the negative case

- Clear summary of the round

- Clear reason for voting

2nd Affirmative Rebuttal

- Clear preview

- Clear and effective rebuttal to the negative’s arguments

- Increased support for the affirmative case

- Clear summary of the round

- Clear reason for voting

Overall Evaluation Questions

- Are all claims are clearly supported?

- Is the reasoning clear and convincing?

- Does the debater use four-step refutation to challenge his/her opponent?

- Does the debater use of evidence effectively and appropriately?

- Does the debater cite credible sources?

- How well does the debater convey an impression of preparation, confidence, and creativity?

- How well does the debater adhere to time limits?

- How well does the debater use extemporaneous delivery in constructing cases (neither memorized nor scripted, but well practiced)

Weight of each section:

Affirmative

- Affirmative Construction: 25 points

- Cross-examination by the Affirmative: 10 points

- 1st Affirmative Rebuttal: 10 points

- 2nd Affirmative Rebuttal: 10 points

- Overall quality of debate: 20 points

Negative

- Cross-examination by the Negative: 10 points

- Negative Construction: 25 points

- Negative Rebuttal: 20 points

- Overall quality of debate: 20 points

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