2015 ADJUDICATOR ACCREDITATION TEST
Format
1.
This test is a take-home test and should be returned by Friday 17 April 2015
2.
The test involves watching a debate, scoring the debate and answering the
questions included in the test
Returning the Test
1.
The
test
can
be
returned
by
submitting
it
online
at
http://www.sada.org.au/adjudicators/submit-an-adjudicator-test/
2.
Please where possible complete the test within the downloaded document. If
you complete the test in a different document, please upload a pdf of those
merged documents.
3.
If returning your test presents a problem please contact the Vice President
Administration on 0431 246 757 or at [email protected]. All reasonable
requests for an extension will be granted.
How to Complete the Test
1.
Take notes during the debate. Your notes should chronologically chart the
debate and include all the points made by the speaker and examples.
Rebuttal and any criticisms you note concerning the speech should be noted.
2.
In your answers attempt to demonstrate your understanding of debating
principles as much as possible. If you are not sure if your answer is correct
attempt to justify and explain your conclusion.
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Page 2 of 7
3.
Remember that debating is subjective.
There are therefore often multiple
answers. We are not necessarily looking for the correct answer but rather
your ability to justify your decision.
4.
A candidate number will be assigned to your test and not your name, as such,
marking is anonymous and please do not record your name on the test other
than where indicated.
5.
Remember that where possible, brevity is better if you can precisely explain
yourself.
Further Questions
Further questions / issues should be directed to the Vice President Administration:
Ben Bishop
[email protected]
0431 246 757
www.sada.org.au  GPO Box 906 Adelaide 5001  ABN: 71 951 921 977
ABN: 71 951 921 977
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Page 3 of 7
CONTACT DETAILS
1.
This part will be detached from your marked test and will be kept confidential.
2.
Name:
3.
Occupation:
3.1
If studying, which degree(s):
3.2
Which institution?
4.
Debating Experience:
5.
How did you hear about the SADA?
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ABN: 71 951 921 977
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Page 4 of 7
TEST
The word limits are given as guides only
The Debate
1.
To which team would you award this debate? Why, and by what margin? (100
words)
2.
Who was the best speaker of the debate and why? (80 words)
3.
Identify the two to three most important arguments or issues in the debate and
explain which team ‘won’ each argument and why. (300 words)
4.
Was the Negative Team’s use of public opinion convincing? Please justify
your answer. (100 words)
5.
Both teams discussed the cost versus benefit of an internet filter. Please
explain which team’s analysis you found more convincing, and why. (100
words)
6.
Describe one positive and one constructive comment you could make to each
speaker (300 words).
7.
How would you summarise the reasons for your decision to the debaters and
audience at the end of your critique? (150 words)
Test continues on page 5
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Page 5 of 7
Scoring the Debate
1.
Please fill out the score sheet below for the debate you watched:
Affirmative Team
Speaker
Matter
Manner
Method
TOTAL
First
40
40
20
100
Second
40
40
20
100
Third
40
40
20
100
120
120
60
300
TOTAL
Negative Team
Speaker
Matter
Manner
Method
TOTAL
First
40
40
20
100
Second
40
40
20
100
Third
40
40
20
100
120
120
60
300
TOTAL
Test continues on page 6
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ABN: 71 951 921 977
Proudly supported by the University of South Australia
Page 6 of 7
Short Answer Questions
Please use the SADA Guide to Adjudicating to answer these questions
1.
Consider the topic “that Australia is an artistic wasteland”. How should an
affirmative team approach the definition of this topic? (80 words)
2.
Can a debate be won on manner? (1 word)
3.
Explain the difference between a hung case and an invalid case. (25 words)
4.
Assume that the topic is “that the speed limit should be lowered to 50km/h”.
The negative team runs the case: “no, it should be lowered to 40km/h”.
4.1
Is this a valid case for the negative to run? If so, what would they
have to prove to effectively negate the topic? (30 words)
4.2
What would your advice be to a team who attempts to run such a
case? (10 words)
4.3
Assume that the third negative speaker merely cites all the arguments
of the opposition (which relate to the benefits of lowering the speed
limit to 50) and says ‘we agree with these arguments and that is why
we want it lowered to 40km/h’. Assess the quality of this rebuttal. (30
words)
5.
Explain the difference between an argument and an assertion as you would to
a year 8 student. (15 words)
6.
Explain why Adolf Hitler or Mother Teresa are not good examples to support
an argument. (15 words)
7.
What makes an effective point of information? (30 words)
8.
How would you would mark a speaker who offered an excellent point of
information, and a speaker who responded exceptionally well to a point of
information? Be specific about where the marks are reflected. (20 words)
9.
Can an affirmative team win a policy debate when the negative team has won
the “model issue”? (1 word)
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10.
What score would you give the best possible speech? (1 word)
11.
What score would you give the worst possible speech? (1 word)
12.
Would you deduct marks from an Intermediate A or Senior B Grade debater
who offers no points of information for the entire debate? (1 word)
13.
How would you score a Senior A Grade debater who offered no points of
information? In which column on the score sheet would you deduct marks?
(10 words)
14.
If in the debate “that Australia should implement a carbon tax” a member of
the affirmative team say in passing that China has pledged to derive all its
energy from renewable sources within five years and the negative team does
not respond to this, how would you treat the point? (10 words)
15.
What is entering a debate? (25 words)
16.
How do you stop yourself, as an adjudicator, from entering a debate? (25
words)
17.
A parent starts arguing about a decision with you after a debate, how do you
react? (10 words)
18.
A speaker makes a number of jokes in the course of their speech, the
audience laughs but you do not consider them funny. The jokes are not
inappropriate. How would you treat this speaker’s manner score? (20 words)
www.sada.org.au  GPO Box 906 Adelaide 5001  ABN: 71 951 921 977
ABN: 71 951 921 977
Proudly supported by the University of South Australia