Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 140 · 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: “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
2. 2.💬 Polite or impolite? “You clearly know nothing.” (a) polite (b) impolite
3. 3.True or false: “Your team is just jealous.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
4. 4.💬 Polite or impolite? “May I offer a point of information?” (a) impolite (b) polite
5. 5.💬 Polite or impolite? “Stop talking, you are wrong!” (a) impolite (b) polite
6. 6.💬 How should you begin a debate speech? (a) greet judges, opponents (b) tell a long joke (c) insult the motion (d) start shouting
7. 7.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” (a) rebuts a point (b) closes a speech (c) opens a speech (d) gives evidence
8. 8.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
9. 9.💬 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) gives evidence (c) rebuts a point (d) opens a speech
10. 10.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
11. 11.💬 Which line can end a proposition speech? (a) “Over and out.” (b) “I beg to propose.” (c) “Whatever.” (d) “That’s all, bye.”
12. 12.True or false: “Our science textbook tells us that…” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
13. 13.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Let me begin by defining the motion.” (a) rebuts a point (b) opens a speech (c) gives evidence (d) closes a speech
14. 14.💬 Polite or impolite? “Your team is just jealous.” (a) polite (b) impolite
15. 15.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
16. 16.💬 Polite or impolite? “Whatever. Next!” (a) polite (b) impolite
17. 17.💬 Which word should you never use about an opponent’s idea? (a) “fair” (b) “stupid” (c) “interesting” (d) “important”
18. 18.💬 Polite or impolite? “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” (a) impolite (b) polite
19. 19.True or false: “Today, my team will prove three things.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
20. 20.💬 Which line can end an opposition speech? (a) “Whatever.” (b) “Over and out.” (c) “That’s all, bye.” (d) “I beg to oppose.”
21. 21.True or false: “Figures from the city water board show…” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
22. 22.True or false: “With respect, the last speaker missed an important point.” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
23. 23.True or false: “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
24. 24.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Our science textbook tells us that…” (a) gives evidence (b) opens a speech (c) closes a speech (d) rebuts a point
25. 25.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
26. 26.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
27. 27.True or false: “Our science textbook tells us that…” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
28. 28.💬 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) gives evidence (d) closes a speech
29. 29.True or false: “My worthy opponent claimed it costs too much, but the facts say otherwise.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
30. 30.True or false: “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
31. 31.True or false: “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
32. 32.True or false: “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
33. 33.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
34. 34.True or false: “You clearly know nothing.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
35. 35.💬 Polite or impolite? “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” (a) impolite (b) polite
36. 36.True or false: “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
37. 37.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “The library’s record shows that…” (a) opens a speech (b) rebuts a point (c) closes a speech (d) gives evidence
38. 38.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is the silliest idea ever.” (a) polite (b) impolite
39. 39.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
40. 40.True or false: “Figures from the city water board show…” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True

Free debate lessons, practice and worksheets at talentjr.in/debate-for-students