Debate Worksheet: Part 1 Test

Debate lesson 8: Part 1 test: arguments · Set 970 · 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.🚩 Which fallacy claims one small step will surely lead to a disaster? (a) attacking the person (b) false either/or (c) slippery slope (d) everyone does it
2. 2.True or false: “Every child should learn to swim.” is a claim — the point being argued. (a) True (b) False
3. 3.Which of these is an opinion — it is what someone thinks? (a) The Moon orbits Earth. (b) Spiders have 8 legs. (c) Rainy days are fun. (d) A year has 12 months.
4. 4.🔎 Which is more specific? (a) 30 of 40 students (b) lots of students
5. 5.🔎 Why is this weak evidence? In a debate on reading: “Trains run on tracks.” (a) not specific (b) not relevant (c) not reliable
6. 6.True or false: a story you are not sure about is weak evidence. (a) False (b) True
7. 7.🚩 Which fallacy is this? “You can either study all day or play all day.” (a) false either/or (b) everyone does it (c) attacking the person (d) slippery slope
8. 8.True or false: “Plants need water.” is a fact — it can be checked. (a) False (b) True
9. 9.True or false: “This shows that students choose fruit when it is easy to buy.” is reasoning — it links the evidence to the point. (a) False (b) True
10. 10.🔎 Strong or weak evidence: an unsigned post with no source? (a) strong evidence (b) weak evidence
11. 11.🔗 What does “on the other hand” do in an argument? (a) adds an example (b) shows a result (c) shows the other side (d) gives a reason
12. 12.🔍 Which is the odd one out? (a) Frogs lay eggs. (b) Dogs beat cats as pets. (c) Science is exciting. (d) Mangoes taste best.
13. 13.⚖️ 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
14. 14.True or false: one friend’s guess is weak evidence. (a) True (b) False
15. 15.⚖️ Motion: “Homework should be optional.” Which side does this point support? “Children need free time to play and rest after school.” (a) against the motion (b) for the motion
16. 16.🧩 Claim, evidence or reasoning? “The canteen sold 300 fruit cups in the week they cost ₹10.” (a) reasoning (b) evidence (c) a claim
17. 17.🔗 “We need a school garden ___ children learn by growing plants.” Which fits? (a) because (b) for instance (c) so (d) however
18. 18.True or false: “Meera’s plan for the class trip is useless because she is always late.” is a false either/or. (a) False (b) True
19. 19.⚖️ 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) True (b) False
20. 20.True or false: They said “Homework helps us practise.” Reply: “Practice can happen in class, where the teacher can help.” — this attacks the person, not the point. (a) True (b) False
21. 21.🧩 Claim, evidence or reasoning? “Our PE register shows fitness scores rose after daily games were tried for a term.” (a) reasoning (b) a claim (c) evidence
22. 22.True or false: the school nurse’s record of sick days is weak evidence. (a) False (b) True
23. 23.Which linking word gives a reason? (a) due to (b) on the other hand (c) for example (d) that is why
24. 24.🔍 Which is the odd one out? (a) so (b) therefore (c) that is why (d) to give an example
25. 25.🧐 What makes an opinion stronger in a debate? (a) a rude word (b) shouting it (c) facts that support it (d) saying it twice
26. 26.🛡️ They said “Sports periods waste study time.” Which reply answers this point? (a) play helps us focus (b) you never play sport (c) I like lunch break (d) sport is popular
27. 27.🔎 Strong or weak evidence: one friend’s guess? (a) strong evidence (b) weak evidence
28. 28.🔗 What does “as a result” do in an argument? (a) shows a result (b) gives a reason (c) adds an example (d) shows the other side
29. 29.True or false: “If we allow one extra break, soon there will be no lessons at all.” is a slippery slope. (a) False (b) True
30. 30.🛡️ What kind of reply is this? They said “A garden costs too much.” Reply: “Gardens look very pretty in spring.” (a) a fair rebuttal (b) attacks the person (c) dodges the point
31. 31.🔗 What does “due to” do in an argument? (a) shows a result (b) adds an example (c) gives a reason (d) shows the other side
32. 32.True or false: “Spiders have 8 legs.” is an opinion — it is what someone thinks. (a) True (b) False
33. 33.🧩 Claim, evidence or reasoning? “The school nurse recorded 25 small cuts and scrapes last term.” (a) a claim (b) reasoning (c) evidence
34. 34.🔍 Which is the odd one out? (a) Puzzles are great fun. (b) Dogs beat cats as pets. (c) Homework is dull. (d) A triangle has 3 sides.
35. 35.🧩 What does reasoning do? (a) ends the debate (b) links proof to the claim (c) repeats the claim (d) adds a new topic
36. 36.🧩 Claim, evidence or reasoning? “This tells us that beginners learn swimming quickly with a little practice.” (a) evidence (b) reasoning (c) a claim
37. 37.🛡️ In a rebuttal, which comes first: say why it matters or give your evidence? (a) say why it matters (b) give your evidence
38. 38.🔎 Why is this weak evidence? In a debate on school gardens: “Cricket is popular in India.” (a) not reliable (b) not specific (c) not relevant
39. 39.⚖️ Motion: “Every school should have a daily sports period.” True or false: the point “A break from desks helps students focus better afterwards.” supports the motion. (a) False (b) True
40. 40.⚖️ Motion: “Summer holidays should be shorter.” Which side does this point support? “Long holidays give time to visit grandparents and relatives.” (a) against the motion (b) for the motion

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