Judge Adaptation: Keep It Simple! – Vocabulary

Learning Objectives

  • Simplify and explain arguments to “lay” judges.

  • Improve word economy.

  • Improve familiarity with the evidence packet.

Time Needed

~20-25 min.

Resources & Materials

  • Paper (2-3 sheets per student)

  • Pencil/pen (1 per student)

  • Evidence packet (1 per student)

Teacher Preparation

  • Review fundamentals of judge adaptation per the AUDL curriculum.

  • Create a list of ~10-12 debate or topic-specific concepts that students can define.

    • For less experienced students, focus on big-picture concepts and details (e.g., the plan).

    • For more advanced students, select a mix of big-picture concepts and more specific topic vocabulary.

Lesson Outline

  • Keep It Simple! – Vocabulary (Activity)
    • Review Period (OPTIONAL)
      • Write the topics on the board.
      • Give students a brief period of time (no more than 5 minutes) to review.
    • To begin, divide students into small groups (2-3 students).
      • Ask each group to select a representative to deliver its speeches.
    • Begin the activity, following the format below.
      • Announce the topic for the round.
      • Give each group a brief period of time (no more than 1:30) to prepare a short speech explaining the concept. Each speech should:
        • Be written for a person with no debate experience or topic knowledge.
        • Be brief: Each group is allowed to say no more than three sentences.
      • Once each group is prepared, select two groups to present.
        • Flow each speech on the board.
        • Provide feedback. Common errors include:
          • Lack of organization.
          • Focusing primarily on details, not summary.
          • Use of topic-specific vocabulary without explanation.
          • Overreliance on debate jargon (e.g., author names/argument titles).
        • Select the “best” speech.
          • Explain your “vote”, reinforcing principles of judge adaptation.
          • Give the “winning” group a suitable reward (e.g., candy).
      • Continue until each group has presented, or each topic has been defined.

Points of Improvement

  • Students focus primarily on details, not synthesis.

  • Students are overly reliant on topic-specific vocabulary and debate jargon.

  • Students are unable to reference specific source material from the evidence packet.

Signs of Mastery

  • Students clearly and concisely explain concepts without overly relying on jargon or excessive filler.

Instructor Notes

  • The goal of this activity is to help students clearly and concisely explain technical details to judges with no topic knowledge or debate experience.

  • Students quickly realize they can “cheese” the game by saying “AND” after every thought.

    • Any speech that uses excessive run-ons should be forfeit.