Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

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

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