Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 14 · 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.True or false: “I rest my case. Thank you.” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
2. 2.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
3. 3.💬 Polite or impolite? “May I offer a point of information?” (a) polite (b) impolite
4. 4.💬 Which line can end an opposition speech? (a) “That’s all, bye.” (b) “Whatever.” (c) “I beg to oppose.” (d) “Over and out.”
5. 5.💬 How should you begin a debate speech? (a) tell a long joke (b) start shouting (c) insult the motion (d) greet judges, opponents
6. 6.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Our science textbook tells us that…” (a) rebuts a point (b) closes a speech (c) gives evidence (d) opens a speech
7. 7.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
8. 8.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “I rest my case. Thank you.” (a) opens a speech (b) rebuts a point (c) closes a speech (d) gives evidence
9. 9.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” (a) rebuts a point (b) closes a speech (c) opens a speech (d) gives evidence
10. 10.💬 Which line can end a proposition speech? (a) “Over and out.” (b) “That’s all, bye.” (c) “I beg to propose.” (d) “Whatever.”
11. 11.💬 Polite or impolite? “You clearly know nothing.” (a) polite (b) impolite
12. 12.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Let me begin by defining the motion.” (a) closes a speech (b) opens a speech (c) rebuts a point (d) gives evidence
13. 13.True or false: “Your team is just jealous.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
14. 14.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
15. 15.True or false: “My worthy opponent claimed it costs too much, but the facts say otherwise.” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
16. 16.True or false: “With respect, the last speaker missed an important point.” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
17. 17.True or false: “Figures from the city water board show…” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
18. 18.True or false: “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
19. 19.True or false: “Figures from the city water board show…” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
20. 20.True or false: “Whatever. Next!” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
21. 21.True or false: “Our science textbook tells us that…” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
22. 22.💬 Polite or impolite? “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” (a) impolite (b) polite
23. 23.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
24. 24.💬 Polite or impolite? “Stop talking, you are wrong!” (a) polite (b) impolite
25. 25.💬 Polite or impolite? “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” (a) impolite (b) polite
26. 26.💬 Which word should you never use about an opponent’s idea? (a) “fair” (b) “important” (c) “interesting” (d) “stupid”
27. 27.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “With respect, the last speaker missed an important point.” (a) closes a speech (b) opens a speech (c) gives evidence (d) rebuts a point
28. 28.True or false: “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
29. 29.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “those people” (b) “hey, you there” (c) “you lot” (d) “my worthy opponents”
30. 30.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
31. 31.💬 Polite or impolite? “Only a fool would believe that.” (a) impolite (b) polite
32. 32.True or false: “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
33. 33.True or false: “Stop talking, you are wrong!” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
34. 34.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Figures from the city water board show…” (a) rebuts a point (b) gives evidence (c) closes a speech (d) opens a speech
35. 35.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
36. 36.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is an interesting point, but…” (a) impolite (b) polite
37. 37.True or false: “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
38. 38.True or false: “Our science textbook tells us that…” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
39. 39.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “My worthy opponent claimed it costs too much, but the facts say otherwise.” (a) closes a speech (b) opens a speech (c) rebuts a point (d) gives evidence
40. 40.True or false: “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False

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