Grand Scholar Cup
Guidelines
A Project Submitted by the
University Student Council
Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Muntinlupa
By:
Aeshan Mikaela E. Bautista
College of Arts and Sciences Representative
&
Arc Myqa Tyrene G. Alba
Junior Officer
GRAND SCHOLAR CUP GUIDELINES
I. DEBATE TOURNAMENT
Mechanics and Format:
● The debate match will be between 2 teams, each consisting of 3 to 5 members.
● The debate topic will be released two (2) days before the scheduled match to allow ample
preparation time.
● The debate will follow a Modified Asian Parliamentary Format, with the following
structure:
- Affirmative Team: Argues in favor of the motion
- Opposition Team: Argues against the motion
● Only 3 speakers per team will speak during the actual debate round. If there are more
than 3 members, the team must designate 3 speakers, while the rest may assist in
preparation.
● A team may be composed of students from different colleges/programs.
● Teams must register as a group. Only one member per team is required to fill out the
registration form, which must include the names, colleges, and contact details of all team
members.
Registration and Screening:
A screening process will be conducted to determine the top two teams who will compete
in the final debate match. The screening may involve:
● A preliminary elimination round (e.g., mock debate).
● Judges will evaluate based on content, logic, teamwork, and clarity.
● Only the Top 2 Teams will advance to the Final Debate Round.
Speaking roles:
● First Speaker (constructive): presents the team’s stand, definition of terms, and main
arguments.
● Second Speaker (reinforcement and rebuttal): strengthens the arguments and begins
rebuttal of the opposing team.
● Third Speaker (rebuttal and summary): focuses on counter-arguments, rebuttals, and
concluding remarks.
Flow of Argumentation
1. Opening Constructive (1st speakers):
● Define the motion
● Present the team’s stance and main arguments
● Set the framework of the debate
2. Rebuttal and Extension (2nd speakers):
● Refute main points from the opposing side
● Strengthen own team’s arguments with more evidence/examples
● Introduce additional perspectives if necessary
3. Summary and Final Rebuttals (3rd speakers):
● Provide a clear summary of the team's arguments
● Address and dismantle key points of the opposing team
● Reinforce the team’s position and leave a strong closing impression
Note: Each speaker is allowed to use cue cards but must not read word-for-word. Timekeepers
will give signals at the 4-minute and 5-minute marks.
1. Pre-Debate Briefing
● Moderator introduces the motion, the teams, and rules
● Affirmative team speaks first
● Negative follows afterward
2. Debate Proper
● Speakers follow the sequence above
● No interpellations or interruptions during speeches
● A bell or signal will mark the end of time per speaker
3. Deliberation and Feedback
● Judges deliberate based on a scoring rubric
4. Announcement of Results
II. EXTEMPORANEOUS SPEECH
Mechanics and Format:
● This competition is individual
● Each participant will draw a topic randomly from a pool of questions 5 minutes before
their scheduled speech.
● Participants will be given 3 to 5 minutes to deliver their speech.
● Topics will range from current events, societal issues, values, and education.
● Speeches will be delivered in English.
Note Cards:
● One small index card (1/4).
● Should not be read verbatim, must rely purely on memory after preparation.
Timing rules:
● 5 minutes of preparation
● 3 – 5 minute speech.
● A timer will be displayed throughout the speech.
● Time cards will appear at specific intervals:
- when the candidate reaches the minimum requirement of 3 minutes
- when 1 minute remains,
- when 30 seconds remain,
- 5-minute maximum limit
● Automatic disqualification or point deduction if over/under time.
Judging Criteria:
Criteria Percentage/Weight Details
Content/Relevance 30% Relevance and depth of ideas,
accuracy of facts, clarity of
position, logical flow
Organization 20% Intro-body-conclusion
structure, transitions
Delivery & Stage Presence 20% Voice modulation, eye
contact, gestures, confidence
Grammar & Language Use 15% Grammar, diction, fluency,
appropriateness of
vocabulary, minimal fillers
Overall Impact 15% Audience engagement,
persuasiveness, originality,
and insight.
Awarding:
● Champion
● Second Place
● Third Place
III. QUIZ BEE
Category:
● Team: Teams of 3 members.
Subjects: English, Math, History, Science, Current Events, and General Knowledge
Question type:
● Multiple Choices
● Identification
● True or False
Rounds and Scoring:
Rounds No. of questions Time Score
Easy Round 6 10 seconds 1 point
Average Round 6 20 seconds 2 points
Difficult Round 6 30 seconds 3 points
Tie Breaker 1 10 seconds first to answer
correctly wins
No deductions for wrong answers
Team Category:
● 10 to 30 seconds per question.
● Whispering allowed within the team.
● Final answer written and submitted as a group.
Awarding:
● Champion
● Second Place
● Third Place
Judging Criteria:
Criteria Percentage/Weight
Argumentation (logic, coherence, depth) 30%
Rebuttals and Counter-Arguments 25%
Delivery and Persuasiveness 20%
Organization and Structure 15%
Team Dynamics and Coordination 10%
Awarding:
● Champion
● Second Place
● Third Place
IV. WRITING COMPETITION
Mechanics and Format:
● The competition is individual.
● The essay must follow the expository format— informative and explanatory.
● The topic will be given on-the-spot at the beginning of the contest.
● Time limit: One (1) hour.
● Word count: 500–800 words.
● Essays must be written in either pure English or pure Filipino.
● Essays must be written on-site using pen and paper or computers provided (based on
available resources).
● The essay must be original and unpublished. Plagiarism will result in automatic
disqualification.
Essay Structure:
1. Introduction
● Clearly state the topic and thesis statement
2. Body Paragraphs (2–3)
● Present facts, explanations, examples, or comparisons
● Maintain logical flow and coherence
3. Conclusion
● Summarize key points
● Reinforce the thesis without introducing new arguments
Judging Criteria
Criteria Percentage/Weight
Clarity and Focus of Essay 30%
Organization and Logical Flow 25%
Use of Evidence and Explanation 25%
Grammar & Language Use 10%
Awarding:
● Champion
● Second Place
● Third Place
