Debate Worksheet: Part 1 Test

Debate lesson 8: Part 1 test: arguments · Set 447 · 40 questions

Debater's tip (Point, proof, link — and no tricks): Find the topic of the question: argument parts, fact or opinion, evidence, sides, rebuttal, fallacy or linking word. Use that lesson’s tip — claim, evidence, reasoning; can it be checked?; relevant, specific, reliable; agree or disagree?; answer the point; name the broken step; show the link. Read every option before you choose.

1. 1.True or false: “Everybody leaves the tap running, so it doesn’t matter.” is a slippery slope. (a) False (b) True
2. 2.True or false: “Our swimming coach’s register shows 18 of 20 beginners could float within a month.” is evidence — a fact that backs the point. (a) True (b) False
3. 3.True or false: “Either we ban all snacks, or everyone will get sick.” is attacking the person. (a) True (b) False
4. 4.Which linking word gives a reason? (a) although (b) but (c) because (d) as a result
5. 5.🔗 What does “therefore” show? (a) an example (b) a result (c) the other side (d) a reason
6. 6.🚩 How should you answer a fallacy in a debate? (a) ignore the judges (b) point it out calmly (c) shout at them (d) copy it back
7. 7.⚖️ Motion: “Homework should be optional.” Which side does this point support? “Without set homework, many students would forget the day’s lesson.” (a) for the motion (b) against the motion
8. 8.⚖️ Motion: “Homework should be optional.” True or false: the point “Without set homework, many students would forget the day’s lesson.” supports the motion. (a) True (b) False
9. 9.🛡️ They said “Sports periods waste study time.” Which reply answers this point? (a) sport is popular (b) you never play sport (c) I like lunch break (d) play helps us focus
10. 10.🧐 Fact or opinion? “Homework is dull.” (a) an opinion (b) a fact
11. 11.🧩 Claim, evidence or reasoning? “That means students who know first aid could help at once.” (a) reasoning (b) evidence (c) a claim
12. 12.⚖️ Motion: “Every student should learn to cook at school.” True or false: the point “The timetable is already full with core subjects.” supports the motion. (a) False (b) True
13. 13.True or false: They said “Students won’t read in a reading hour.” Reply: “In our trial week, 32 of 40 students finished a book.” — this dodges the point instead of answering it. (a) True (b) False
14. 14.🧐 How can you check a fact? (a) trust a rumour (b) guess (c) ask a stranger (d) use a reliable source
15. 15.🧐 Fact or opinion? “Samosas are tastiest.” (a) an opinion (b) a fact
16. 16.🛡️ What kind of reply is this? They said “A garden costs too much.” Reply: “Gardens look very pretty in spring.” (a) attacks the person (b) a fair rebuttal (c) dodges the point
17. 17.🧐 What makes an opinion stronger in a debate? (a) facts that support it (b) a rude word (c) saying it twice (d) shouting it
18. 18.True or false: They said “Homework helps us practise.” Reply: “Practice can happen in class, where the teacher can help.” — this is a fair rebuttal, as it answers the point. (a) False (b) True
19. 19.🛡️ What kind of reply is this? They said “A garden costs too much.” Reply: “Seeds and pots cost under ₹500, and parents have offered tools.” (a) a fair rebuttal (b) attacks the person (c) dodges the point
20. 20.⚖️ Motion: “Homework should be optional.” Which side does this point support? “Teachers use homework to see who needs extra help.” (a) against the motion (b) for the motion
21. 21.🔎 Which is more specific? (a) 30 of 40 students (b) lots of students
22. 22.🛡️ What kind of reply is this? They said “A garden costs too much.” Reply: “You can’t even grow a cactus, so who cares?” (a) a fair rebuttal (b) dodges the point (c) attacks the person
23. 23.⚖️ Motion: “Every school should have a daily sports period.” Which side does this point support? “A break from desks helps students focus better afterwards.” (a) for the motion (b) against the motion
24. 24.True or false: “Plants need water.” is an opinion — it is what someone thinks. (a) True (b) False
25. 25.⚖️ Motion: “Summer holidays should be shorter.” True or false: the point “Shorter holidays would spread lessons out and reduce the rush.” opposes the motion. (a) False (b) True
26. 26.🔍 Which is the odd one out? (a) Dogs beat cats as pets. (b) Science is exciting. (c) Cartoons are too silly. (d) A triangle has 3 sides.
27. 27.🔗 “Plastic harms animals. ___, cows often swallow plastic bags.” Which fits? (a) Therefore (b) For example (c) Because (d) However
28. 28.True or false: “Either the class is painted blue, or it will look terrible.” is attacking the person. (a) False (b) True
29. 29.🛡️ A good rebuttal attacks… (a) the speaker (b) the judges (c) the audience (d) the argument
30. 30.🛡️ What kind of reply is this? They said “Long holidays help us rest.” Reply: “Two shorter breaks would give the same rest without losing touch with lessons.” (a) a fair rebuttal (b) attacks the person (c) dodges the point
31. 31.🚩 Which fallacy says an idea is right because many people do it? (a) false either/or (b) attacking the person (c) slippery slope (d) everyone does it
32. 32.True or false: a story you are not sure about is strong evidence. (a) True (b) False
33. 33.True or false: “Lots of people think so.” is strong evidence. (a) False (b) True
34. 34.🚩 Which fallacy is this? “Ishaan wants a reading hour, but he is a show-off, so ignore him.” (a) false either/or (b) slippery slope (c) attacking the person (d) everyone does it
35. 35.🔎 Why is this weak evidence? In a debate on school gardens: “Cricket is popular in India.” (a) not specific (b) not relevant (c) not reliable
36. 36.🧐 An opinion is… (a) always true (b) what someone thinks (c) a measured result (d) a proven number
37. 37.Which of these is a fact — it can be checked? (a) Bees make honey. (b) Pink is a lovely colour. (c) Chess is boring. (d) Rainy days are fun.
38. 38.🧩 Claim, evidence or reasoning? “Our swimming coach’s register shows 18 of 20 beginners could float within a month.” (a) reasoning (b) a claim (c) evidence
39. 39.🔗 What does “this is because” do in an argument? (a) shows a result (b) adds an example (c) shows the other side (d) gives a reason
40. 40.True or false: “If we skip one practice, our team will lose every match this year.” is a slippery slope. (a) False (b) True

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