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Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 142 · 40 questions
TalentJR

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.

NameDateTime takenScore ___ / 40
  1. 1.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” (a) rebuts a point (b) closes a speech (c) gives evidence (d) opens a speech
  2. 2.True or false: “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  3. 3.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is the silliest idea ever.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  4. 4.True or false: “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
  5. 5.True or false: “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  6. 6.💬 Polite or impolite? “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” (a) polite (b) impolite
  7. 7.💬 Which word should you never use about an opponent’s idea? (a) “interesting” (b) “important” (c) “stupid” (d) “fair”
  8. 8.True or false: “My worthy opponent claimed it costs too much, but the facts say otherwise.” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
  9. 9.💬 Polite or impolite? “Stop talking, you are wrong!” (a) polite (b) impolite
  10. 10.True or false: “You clearly know nothing.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  11. 11.True or false: “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
  12. 12.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  13. 13.💬 Polite or impolite? “You clearly know nothing.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  14. 14.💬 Polite or impolite? “Only a fool would believe that.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  15. 15.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “you lot” (b) “hey, you there” (c) “my worthy opponents” (d) “those people”
  16. 16.💬 Which line can end an opposition speech? (a) “That’s all, bye.” (b) “Whatever.” (c) “Over and out.” (d) “I beg to oppose.”
  17. 17.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “The other side says it is unsafe; in fact, it is safe with a teacher present.” (a) gives evidence (b) closes a speech (c) rebuts a point (d) opens a speech
  18. 18.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is an interesting point, but…” (a) polite (b) impolite
  19. 19.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  20. 20.True or false: “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  21. 21.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  22. 22.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Today, my team will prove three things.” (a) closes a speech (b) opens a speech (c) gives evidence (d) rebuts a point
  23. 23.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  24. 24.💬 Polite or impolite? “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  25. 25.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  26. 26.True or false: “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
  27. 27.True or false: “Today, my team will prove three things.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
  28. 28.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” (a) gives evidence (b) closes a speech (c) opens a speech (d) rebuts a point
  29. 29.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Our science textbook tells us that…” (a) closes a speech (b) opens a speech (c) gives evidence (d) rebuts a point
  30. 30.True or false: “Whatever. Next!” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  31. 31.True or false: “My worthy opponent claimed it costs too much, but the facts say otherwise.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  32. 32.💬 Polite or impolite? “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  33. 33.💬 How should you begin a debate speech? (a) greet judges, opponents (b) tell a long joke (c) start shouting (d) insult the motion
  34. 34.True or false: “With respect, the last speaker missed an important point.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  35. 35.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
  36. 36.True or false: “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
  37. 37.True or false: “Figures from the city water board show…” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
  38. 38.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  39. 39.True or false: “The library’s record shows that…” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
  40. 40.💬 Polite or impolite? “Whatever. Next!” (a) impolite (b) polite

Answer key

  1. closes a speech
  2. False
  3. impolite
  4. True
  5. False
  6. polite
  7. “stupid”
  8. True
  9. impolite
  10. False
  11. False
  12. True
  13. impolite
  14. impolite
  15. “my worthy opponents”
  16. “I beg to oppose.”
  17. rebuts a point
  18. polite
  19. False
  20. True
  21. True
  22. opens a speech
  23. True
  24. polite
  25. False
  26. True
  27. False
  28. gives evidence
  29. gives evidence
  30. False
  31. False
  32. polite
  33. greet judges, opponents
  34. False
  35. False
  36. False
  37. True
  38. False
  39. True
  40. impolite

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