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Debate · lesson 14 of 24 · free

Polite debating phrases — Debate and group discussion

Polite phrases make your points stronger. Open with “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…”. Rebut with “With respect, the last speaker missed an important point.” Give evidence with “According to our school survey…”. Close with “For all these reasons, I urge you to support the motion” and “I beg to propose” (or “I beg to oppose”). Never insult — “You clearly know nothing” loses marks.

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Debater's tip

Disagree with respect — “challenge the idea politely; use phrases that open, rebut, give evidence and close”

  1. Open: “Respected judges, worthy opponents…”, “Let me begin by defining the motion.”
  2. Rebut: “With respect…”, “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…”. Evidence: “According to…”, “The record shows…”.
  3. Close: “For all these reasons…”, “I beg to propose / oppose.” Polite: disagree with the idea, respect the person.

Use it for: Every debate speech, POI, GD disagreement and class discussion.

Worked example: 💬 Polite or impolite? “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” → polite

  1. The speaker disagrees, but says “respectfully” and does not insult anyone.
  2. So the line is polite.

Check: Practise aloud: say an opening line, a polite rebuttal line, an evidence line and a closing line for “Summer holidays should be shorter” ✓

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✓ Written and checked by the TalentJR team · Updated 13 Oct 2026 · How we make our lessons

✏️ Practice

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🏁 Lesson 14 test

20 questions. Check each answer, then go to the next one. Get 16 or more right to pass.

🏅 Sign in with Google to earn the 💬 Courteous Debater badge when you pass — and a certificate when you finish all 8 lessons of Part 2 · Formal debate. You can still take the test without signing in.

🖨️ Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

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