Debate Worksheet: Part 1 Test

Debate lesson 8: Part 1 test: arguments · Set 931 · 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: “therefore” shows the other side. (a) True (b) False
2. 2.🔍 Which is the odd one out? (a) The Moon orbits Earth. (b) Earth orbits the Sun. (c) A triangle has 3 sides. (d) Chess is boring.
3. 3.🔎 Strong or weak evidence: the school library’s record of books borrowed? (a) strong evidence (b) weak evidence
4. 4.🧩 Claim, evidence or reasoning? “This shows that students choose fruit when it is easy to buy.” (a) evidence (b) reasoning (c) a claim
5. 5.🧩 What is the claim in an argument? (a) the point you argue (b) a joke (c) the judges’ marks (d) a number you found
6. 6.Which linking word shows the other side? (a) but (b) this is because (c) because (d) due to
7. 7.⚖️ Motion: “Every student should learn to cook at school.” True or false: the point “The timetable is already full with core subjects.” opposes the motion. (a) False (b) True
8. 8.⚖️ Motion: “Homework should be optional.” True or false: the point “Students who are keen will still choose to practise at home.” supports the motion. (a) True (b) False
9. 9.🔎 Strong or weak evidence: one friend’s guess? (a) weak evidence (b) strong evidence
10. 10.⚖️ Motion: “Homework should be optional.” True or false: the point “Teachers use homework to see who needs extra help.” opposes the motion. (a) True (b) False
11. 11.🔎 Why is this weak evidence? “My neighbour heard it from someone.” (a) not specific (b) not reliable (c) not relevant
12. 12.🚩 How should you answer a fallacy in a debate? (a) ignore the judges (b) copy it back (c) point it out calmly (d) shout at them
13. 13.True or false: “such as” gives a reason. (a) True (b) False
14. 14.True or false: “Cartoons are too silly.” is an opinion — it is what someone thinks. (a) False (b) True
15. 15.True or false: “Lots of people think so.” is strong evidence. (a) True (b) False
16. 16.🔎 Why is this weak evidence? In a debate on saving water: “My favourite colour is green.” (a) not reliable (b) not specific (c) not relevant
17. 17.⚖️ Motion: “Homework should be optional.” Which side does this point support? “Children need free time to play and rest after school.” (a) for the motion (b) against the motion
18. 18.🔎 Strong or weak evidence: the school nurse’s record of sick days? (a) strong evidence (b) weak evidence
19. 19.🧩 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
20. 20.🔗 What does “the reason is” do in an argument? (a) shows a result (b) shows the other side (c) adds an example (d) gives a reason
21. 21.🔎 Which source is most reliable in a debate on saving water? (a) the city water board (b) a chat forward (c) an unsigned poster (d) a guess
22. 22.🧩 Claim, evidence or reasoning? “School canteens should serve more fruit.” (a) a claim (b) evidence (c) reasoning
23. 23.⚖️ 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
24. 24.⚖️ Motion: “Homework should be optional.” True or false: the point “Regular homework helps students practise what they learned.” opposes the motion. (a) False (b) True
25. 25.True or false: “It is good for many reasons.” — this is weak because it is not relevant to the topic. (a) True (b) False
26. 26.⚖️ Motion: “Every student should learn to cook at school.” Which side does this point support? “Schools would need kitchens, which cost a lot.” (a) for the motion (b) against the motion
27. 27.⚖️ Motion: “Every student should learn to cook at school.” True or false: the point “Schools would need kitchens, which cost a lot.” opposes the motion. (a) False (b) True
28. 28.True or false: They said “Cooking is risky for students.” Reply: “My mother makes very tasty dal.” — this dodges the point instead of answering it. (a) True (b) False
29. 29.True or false: “for example” shows the other side. (a) False (b) True
30. 30.True or false: They said “Cooking is risky for students.” Reply: “You are scared of everything.” — this is a fair rebuttal, as it answers the point. (a) False (b) True
31. 31.🧐 How can you check a fact? (a) ask a stranger (b) guess (c) use a reliable source (d) trust a rumour
32. 32.⚖️ 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) against the motion (b) for the motion
33. 33.True or false: “Studies show things.” — this is weak because it is not relevant to the topic. (a) True (b) False
34. 34.🔎 What makes evidence strong? (a) loud and long (b) funny and short (c) relevant and reliable (d) old and vague
35. 35.🔗 What does “therefore” do in an argument? (a) shows a result (b) adds an example (c) shows the other side (d) gives a reason
36. 36.🧩 Claim, evidence or reasoning? “A class diary shows children who did chores finished homework on time more often.” (a) evidence (b) a claim (c) reasoning
37. 37.⚖️ Motion: “Homework should be optional.” True or false: the point “Optional homework would lower stress before exams.” opposes the motion. (a) False (b) True
38. 38.⚖️ Motion: “Homework should be optional.” Which side does this point support? “Students who are keen will still choose to practise at home.” (a) for the motion (b) against the motion
39. 39.True or false: a story you are not sure about is strong evidence. (a) True (b) False
40. 40.True or false: “My neighbour heard it from someone.” — this is weak because it is not specific (no who, what or how many). (a) False (b) True

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