Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 101 · 40 questions

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

1. 1.💬 Which line can end an opposition speech? (a) “Over and out.” (b) “I beg to oppose.” (c) “That’s all, bye.” (d) “Whatever.”
2. 2.True or false: “Only a fool would believe that.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
3. 3.💬 Which line can end a proposition speech? (a) “Over and out.” (b) “That’s all, bye.” (c) “Whatever.” (d) “I beg to propose.”
4. 4.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “My worthy opponent claimed it costs too much, but the facts say otherwise.” (a) opens a speech (b) closes a speech (c) gives evidence (d) rebuts a point
5. 5.True or false: “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
6. 6.True or false: “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
7. 7.💬 Polite or impolite? “Your team is just jealous.” (a) impolite (b) polite
8. 8.True or false: “Whatever. Next!” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
9. 9.True or false: “Stop talking, you are wrong!” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
10. 10.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” (a) gives evidence (b) rebuts a point (c) opens a speech (d) closes a speech
11. 11.True or false: “The other side says it is unsafe; in fact, it is safe with a teacher present.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
12. 12.💬 Polite or impolite? “Stop talking, you are wrong!” (a) impolite (b) polite
13. 13.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “those people” (b) “you lot” (c) “my worthy opponents” (d) “hey, you there”
14. 14.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
15. 15.💬 Polite or impolite? “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” (a) impolite (b) polite
16. 16.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
17. 17.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Let me begin by defining the motion.” (a) gives evidence (b) closes a speech (c) rebuts a point (d) opens a speech
18. 18.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” (a) opens a speech (b) rebuts a point (c) closes a speech (d) gives evidence
19. 19.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
20. 20.💬 Polite or impolite? “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” (a) impolite (b) polite
21. 21.True or false: “Your team is just jealous.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
22. 22.True or false: “Only a fool would believe that.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
23. 23.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
24. 24.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
25. 25.💬 Which word should you never use about an opponent’s idea? (a) “stupid” (b) “fair” (c) “important” (d) “interesting”
26. 26.💬 Polite or impolite? “May I offer a point of information?” (a) polite (b) impolite
27. 27.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
28. 28.True or false: “Your team is just jealous.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
29. 29.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
30. 30.💬 Polite or impolite? “Only a fool would believe that.” (a) impolite (b) polite
31. 31.True or false: “With respect, the last speaker missed an important point.” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
32. 32.True or false: “Stop talking, you are wrong!” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
33. 33.True or false: “The library’s record shows that…” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
34. 34.True or false: “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
35. 35.True or false: “For all these reasons, I urge you to support the motion.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
36. 36.True or false: “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
37. 37.💬 Polite or impolite? “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” (a) polite (b) impolite
38. 38.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is an interesting point, but…” (a) polite (b) impolite
39. 39.True or false: “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
40. 40.💬 Polite or impolite? “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” (a) polite (b) impolite

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