How we judge
Rubrics & Debate Format
The standards used by judges across all Global AI Debates competitions
Section 01
Speech Grading Rubric
Used to evaluate all video speech submissions across the Primary, Middle, and High School divisions. Categories are weighted to reward substantive engagement above presentation polish, with technical quality treated as a smaller modifier.
| Category | Max | Exceptional | Proficient | Developing | Beginning |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Research & Critical Thinking | 30 | Top Insightful and original ideas; strong use of diverse, credible sources; excellent critical thinking and synthesis. |
Mid-upper Clear, supported ideas; good research and reasonable analysis. |
Mid Some evidence of research; limited depth or analysis. |
Lower Minimal or unclear research; weak or unsupported ideas. |
| Organization & Structure | 30 | Top Well-organized, logical flow; strong intro and conclusion; smooth transitions throughout. |
Mid-upper Clear structure with minor flow issues; intro and conclusion are present. |
Mid Some organization, but transitions are rough or flow is uneven. |
Lower Disorganized or hard to follow; lacks clear structure. |
| Delivery & Presentation | 30 | Top Confident, engaging, and polished delivery; strong eye contact, tone, pacing, and presence. |
Mid-upper Generally clear and confident; minor delivery flaws; good engagement. |
Mid Inconsistent or flat delivery; some clarity or engagement issues. |
Lower Monotone, unclear, or unconfident; poor audience engagement. |
| Technical Quality | 10 | Top High-quality video and audio; professional framing, lighting, and sound throughout. |
Mid-upper Generally good technical quality with minor issues. |
Mid Some distracting issues with sound, lighting, or framing. |
Lower Major technical problems; poor video/audio significantly disrupts delivery. |
Section 02
Essay Grading Rubric
Used to evaluate the 1,500-word team essays in the Essay & Debate track. Five equally weighted categories of 20 points each. Strong essays carry their authors into the live debate elimination rounds.
| Category | Max | Exceptional | Proficient | Developing | Beginning |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Content & Argumentation | 20 | 17–20 Sophisticated, focused thesis; strong line of reasoning; ideas developed with clarity and insight. |
13–16 Clear and relevant thesis; arguments mostly logical and supported. |
9–12 Basic or partially developed thesis; some relevant ideas but lacks depth. |
0–8 Unclear or weak thesis; minimal argument development. |
| Evidence Integration | 20 | 17–20 Diverse, credible sources used seamlessly; clear and thoughtful analysis of evidence. |
13–16 Reliable sources; generally well-integrated with some explanation. |
9–12 Limited or somewhat relevant sources; basic or uneven integration. |
0–8 Few or no credible sources; little to no integration or analysis. |
| Reasoning | 20 | 17–20 Highly logical and coherent; demonstrates critical thinking throughout. |
13–16 Mostly logical; some original analysis or insight. |
9–12 Basic logical flow; limited or unclear analysis. |
0–8 Illogical, inconsistent, or unsupported reasoning. |
| Counter-Arguments | 20 | 17–20 Effectively addresses and refutes opposing views; adds depth to argument. |
13–16 Acknowledges opposing views; basic rebuttals attempted. |
9–12 Minimal treatment of other views; weak rebuttals. |
0–8 Ignores opposing views entirely. |
| Organization | 20 | 17–20 Excellent structure; smooth transitions and logical progression of ideas. |
13–16 Clear structure; logical order with minor flaws. |
9–12 Some organization; uneven flow or weak transitions. |
0–8 Disorganized; hard to follow or confusing. |
Section 03
Online Debate Format
The format used for teams who advance from the qualifying essay round into the live elimination bracket. Each round is structured to balance prepared argument, real-time engagement, and judge scrutiny.
| Phase | Affirmative | Negative |
|---|---|---|
| Constructive Speech | 5 minutes | 5 minutes |
| First Crossfire | 3 minutes — both teams | |
| Rebuttal Speech | 5 minutes | 5 minutes |
| Second Crossfire | 3 minutes — both teams | |
| Summary Speech | 3 minutes | 3 minutes |
| Judges' Questions | 7 minutes — alternating between teams | |
- Constructive SpeechesEach side presents its main arguments to establish the foundation of the debate.
- CrossfireBoth teams interact directly, asking questions and responding in real time to challenge or clarify points.
- Rebuttal SpeechesTeams respond to their opponent's key arguments with focused counterpoints.
- Summary SpeechesEach side refines and emphasizes its core arguments to wrap up the case.
- Judges' QuestionsJudges follow up with each team, pressing for clarity and deeper justification.