Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases
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.💬 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.True or false: “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
- 3.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is the silliest idea ever.” (a) impolite (b) polite
- 4.True or false: “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
- 5.True or false: “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
- 6.💬 Polite or impolite? “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” (a) polite (b) impolite
- 7.💬 Which word should you never use about an opponent’s idea? (a) “interesting” (b) “important” (c) “stupid” (d) “fair”
- 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.💬 Polite or impolite? “Stop talking, you are wrong!” (a) polite (b) impolite
- 10.True or false: “You clearly know nothing.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
- 11.True or false: “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
- 12.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
- 13.💬 Polite or impolite? “You clearly know nothing.” (a) polite (b) impolite
- 14.💬 Polite or impolite? “Only a fool would believe that.” (a) polite (b) impolite
- 15.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “you lot” (b) “hey, you there” (c) “my worthy opponents” (d) “those people”
- 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.💬 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.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is an interesting point, but…” (a) polite (b) impolite
- 19.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
- 20.True or false: “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
- 21.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
- 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.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
- 24.💬 Polite or impolite? “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” (a) impolite (b) polite
- 25.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
- 26.True or false: “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
- 27.True or false: “Today, my team will prove three things.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
- 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.💬 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.True or false: “Whatever. Next!” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
- 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.💬 Polite or impolite? “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” (a) polite (b) impolite
- 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.True or false: “With respect, the last speaker missed an important point.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
- 35.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
- 36.True or false: “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
- 37.True or false: “Figures from the city water board show…” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
- 38.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
- 39.True or false: “The library’s record shows that…” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
- 40.💬 Polite or impolite? “Whatever. Next!” (a) impolite (b) polite
Answer key
- closes a speech
- False
- impolite
- True
- False
- polite
- “stupid”
- True
- impolite
- False
- False
- True
- impolite
- impolite
- “my worthy opponents”
- “I beg to oppose.”
- rebuts a point
- polite
- False
- True
- True
- opens a speech
- True
- polite
- False
- True
- False
- gives evidence
- gives evidence
- False
- False
- polite
- greet judges, opponents
- False
- False
- False
- True
- False
- True
- impolite
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