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