← Polite debating phrases lesson New set →

Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 157 · 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.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “hey, you there” (b) “you lot” (c) “those people” (d) “my worthy opponents”
  2. 2.True or false: “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  3. 3.💬 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) gives evidence (c) closes a speech (d) rebuts a point
  4. 4.💬 Which line can end an opposition speech? (a) “I beg to oppose.” (b) “Whatever.” (c) “Over and out.” (d) “That’s all, bye.”
  5. 5.True or false: “Only a fool would believe that.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  6. 6.True or false: “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
  7. 7.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Our science textbook tells us that…” (a) gives evidence (b) closes a speech (c) rebuts a point (d) opens a speech
  8. 8.True or false: “The library’s record shows that…” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
  9. 9.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
  10. 10.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is an interesting point, but…” (a) polite (b) impolite
  11. 11.True or false: “Our science textbook tells us that…” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
  12. 12.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  13. 13.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  14. 14.💬 Polite or impolite? “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” (a) impolite (b) polite
  15. 15.True or false: “The library’s record shows that…” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
  16. 16.True or false: “Today, my team will prove three things.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  17. 17.True or false: “The library’s record shows that…” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  18. 18.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Let me begin by defining the motion.” (a) gives evidence (b) closes a speech (c) rebuts a point (d) opens a speech
  19. 19.True or false: “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  20. 20.True or false: “I rest my case. Thank you.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
  21. 21.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” (a) gives evidence (b) opens a speech (c) rebuts a point (d) closes a speech
  22. 22.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
  23. 23.💬 How should you begin a debate speech? (a) tell a long joke (b) insult the motion (c) greet judges, opponents (d) start shouting
  24. 24.💬 Polite or impolite? “You clearly know nothing.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  25. 25.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Today, my team will prove three things.” (a) opens a speech (b) closes a speech (c) rebuts a point (d) gives evidence
  26. 26.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  27. 27.True or false: “With respect, the last speaker missed an important point.” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
  28. 28.True or false: “Figures from the city water board show…” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
  29. 29.True or false: “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  30. 30.💬 Polite or impolite? “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  31. 31.💬 Polite or impolite? “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  32. 32.💬 Which line can end a proposition speech? (a) “Over and out.” (b) “I beg to propose.” (c) “Whatever.” (d) “That’s all, bye.”
  33. 33.💬 Polite or impolite? “Your team is just jealous.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  34. 34.💬 Which word should you never use about an opponent’s idea? (a) “fair” (b) “interesting” (c) “stupid” (d) “important”
  35. 35.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “My worthy opponent claimed it costs too much, but the facts say otherwise.” (a) rebuts a point (b) gives evidence (c) closes a speech (d) opens a speech
  36. 36.True or false: “Your team is just jealous.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  37. 37.True or false: “Whatever. Next!” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  38. 38.True or false: “My worthy opponent claimed it costs too much, but the facts say otherwise.” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
  39. 39.True or false: “Figures from the city water board show…” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
  40. 40.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is the silliest idea ever.” (a) impolite (b) polite

Answer key

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

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