Resources · For teachers & chairs
Model UN Delegate Scoring Rubric
Most award decisions come down to impressions formed in the last two hours of committee. A written rubric fixes that. This one uses the six criteria we score in coaching, with the level 1 and level 4 descriptors spelled out so two scorers reading the same committee land in the same place.
It works for chairs deciding awards, advisors running tryouts, and delegates who want to know what they are actually being judged on. For the delegate-side view of how awards get decided, read How Model UN Awards Actually Work.
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Delegate scoring rubric
Score each criterion 1-4 per session. 1 = emerging, 2 = developing, 3 = strong, 4 = award level.
Research & preparation
Score: 1 · 2 · 3 · 4
Position paper quality and whether speeches carry real evidence
Level 1 looks like
Generic statements any country could make; no sources in sight.
Level 4 looks like
Cites specific resolutions, votes, and programs; policy survives follow-up questions.
Notes
Speech content
Score: 1 · 2 · 3 · 4
Argument quality, specificity, and responsiveness to the debate
Level 1 looks like
Restates the topic; does not engage other delegates’ points.
Level 4 looks like
Advances the debate every time: new evidence, direct engagement, clear proposals.
Notes
Delivery & presence
Score: 1 · 2 · 3 · 4
Pace, eye contact, composure, use of the speaking time
Level 1 looks like
Reads head-down, rushes, regularly cut off by the gavel.
Level 4 looks like
Speaks to the room from notes, lands inside time, controls pace under pressure.
Notes
Diplomacy & negotiation
Score: 1 · 2 · 3 · 4
Bloc work, compromise, and how the delegate treats the room
Level 1 looks like
Works alone or steamrolls; loses allies over small points.
Level 4 looks like
Builds a bloc that holds, brings quieter delegates in, trades small points to win big ones.
Notes
Resolution writing
Score: 1 · 2 · 3 · 4
Contribution to working papers and quality of drafted clauses
Level 1 looks like
Name on the sponsor line, fingerprints on nothing.
Level 4 looks like
Drafts operative clauses others adopt; clauses specify actor, funding, and follow-up.
Notes
Procedure & strategy
Score: 1 · 2 · 3 · 4
Command of the rules and timing of motions
Level 1 looks like
Unsure when to move; motions misfire or come at random moments.
Level 4 looks like
Uses motions to shape debate: the caucus lands when their bloc needs it.
Notes
How to use this sheet
- 1
Score every session, not just the last one
Awards drift toward whoever peaked late unless you keep numbers per session. A simple 1 to 4 per criterion, per session, ends most award arguments before they start.
- 2
Use it for tryouts and practice sims
For club tryouts, weight research and speech content over procedure; new members have not learned the rules yet, and you are selecting for what cannot be taught in a week.
- 3
Hand it to your delegates before the conference
The rubric is more useful as a target than as a verdict. A delegate who knows "level 4 resolution writing" means actor, funding, and follow-up in every clause will write better clauses.
- 4
Keep half-points and notes
The margin column is where the real feedback lives. One concrete observation per criterion per day is enough to write meaningful feedback afterward.
Running a club? The advisor starter kit uses this rubric in its practice simulation, and the chairing script covers the other half of running the room.