Tips & Tricks On Judging

Guidelines for Giving Reasons

Reasons are scored out of 50 and combined with your placings score to create a score out of 100. Judging reasons can be subjective because of the differences in the official judges' expectations. Below are some ideas to keep in mind when you're giving reasons.

CONTENT:

  • comparative
  • specific
  • thorough
  • complete

FORMAT:

  • have an introductory statement (I place this class of ......., 3,2,1,4, or 3,2,1,4 is my placing on the class of ......)
  • identify the class completely and correctly
  • logical reasons
  • concluding statement
  • use correct terminology

PRESENTATION:

  • use correct grammar
  • avoid repeating phrases

Guidelines for Marking Written Reasons

Presentation (10 Points)

  • Written confidently and convincingly
  • Uses correct grammar, phrasing and sentence structure
  • Avoids repetition
  • Avoids unacceptable words such as “good”, “better”, “best” and “nice”

Format (10 Points)

  • Introductory statement
  • Concluding statement
  • Identifies the class completely and correctly
  • Compares the 3 pairs
  • Logical and easily followed

Content (30 Points)

  • Top pair(10)
  • Middle pair (10)
  • Bottom pair (10)
  • Must Be:
    • Accurate
    • Comparative
    • Specific
    • Thorough
    • Complete

Reasons Format

Marking Scheme for Oral Reasons

Mark Criteria
25
  • minimum score
  • provides some form of reasons
  • may have correct format
25 - 30
  • can give at least 1 reason for placing an article over another
31 - 35
  • can give at least 2 good reasons for each placing
  • compares articles but doesn't know terms
38
  • can give at least 2 good reasons for each placing
  • compares articles using correct terminology
  • still using "better", "I Think", etc.
  • indicates familiarity with the type of class
40
  • compares articles using correct terminology with understanding
  • at least 75% of the main points that separate individuals in the class are mentioned
44
  • compares articles with correct terminology
  • organizes reasons making it easy for the person reading to understand
  • stresses positive reasons for placing the class
  • uses correct format
46
  • 90% of the main points of a class are mentioned
  • displays well organized reasons
  • shows an excellent command of terminology
  • uses correct format
48
  • all of the main points that separate the samples in the class are covered
  • excellent organization of reasons
  • excellent command of terminology
  • shows familiarity with this type of class
  • correct grammar
49 - 50
  • same as above
  • reasons are given as the official judge would give them

....A Few More Things to Remember About Reasons

  • You can have the class placed backwards but as long as the reasons you give are accurate and given confidently, the placings should not influence the mark for the reasons.
  • Remember, even if you are not an expert reasons giver, you will receive a score for making the effort and using the correct reasons format. Always make the effort to give reasons!