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SCORE SHEET - ORAL ARGUMENT FOR RESPONDENT:
1. OPENING: Score: _____ Did the advocate . . . q Quickly summarize the party’s basic position? q Speak clearly and confidently with limited reliance on a written statement? q Offer a roadmap as an overview of the party’s arguments?
2. PRESENTATION OF THE MERITS:
Score: __ x 2 = ____ q Effectively maintain a theme? q Make well-reasoned arguments? q Focus on the important issues raised by the case? q Organize the arguments well? q Demonstrate mastery of the facts and the decision below? q Exhibit knowledge and understanding of relevant precedent and policy?
3. RESPONSIVENESS TO THE BENCH: Score: _____ q Was the advocate prepared for questions that could be reasonably anticipated? q Did the advocate respond to the bench’s questions and concerns effectively? q Did the advocate resume his or her argument when appropriate after bench interruptions?
4. DEMEANOR: Score:
______ q Present the argument smoothly and confidently? q Display a courteous and respectful attitude toward the court when responding to the bench? q Minimize the use of notes? q Maintain eye contact and use appropriate gestures? q Develop a rapport with the bench? q Avoid distracting fillers (e.g., “um”)? q Avoid unnecessary shifting or fidgeting? q Dress appropriately?
TOTAL: _____________ (Possible 50)
SCORE DESCRIPTIONS
10 EXCEPTIONAL; unique; extremely
persuasive and outstanding use of authority; extraordinarily advanced oral advocacy skills. (A rare
score)
9
NEARLY PERFECT; consistent and well-organized;
very persuasive and high quality presentation; effective
in advocating client’s position.
8
VERY GOOD; a few errors; maintained quality of
argument; focused on pertinent
6-7 GOOD; solid effort; effective
ideas.
5
COMPETENT; adequate presentation and representation of
client’s position; no 4
FAIR; lacks polish; needs improvement; misunderstood
some issues or failed to
3
POOR; Must improve basic oral
advocacy skills; needs help in presenting a
1-2
INADEQUATE; lacks basic skills; substantial
misunderstanding of major issues;
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