← Polite debating phrases lesson New set →

Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 174 · 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.💬 Which line can end an opposition speech? (a) “That’s all, bye.” (b) “Over and out.” (c) “I beg to oppose.” (d) “Whatever.”
  2. 2.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “you lot” (b) “those people” (c) “hey, you there” (d) “my worthy opponents”
  3. 3.True or false: “Only a fool would believe that.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  4. 4.💬 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) opens a speech (b) rebuts a point (c) gives evidence (d) closes a speech
  5. 5.True or false: “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
  6. 6.💬 How should you begin a debate speech? (a) start shouting (b) greet judges, opponents (c) tell a long joke (d) insult the motion
  7. 7.True or false: “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  8. 8.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” (a) closes a speech (b) gives evidence (c) rebuts a point (d) opens a speech
  9. 9.💬 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
  10. 10.💬 Which word should you never use about an opponent’s idea? (a) “fair” (b) “interesting” (c) “important” (d) “stupid”
  11. 11.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  12. 12.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” 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.True or false: “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” opens a speech. (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.💬 Polite or impolite? “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” (a) impolite (b) polite
  17. 17.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
  18. 18.💬 Which line can end a proposition speech? (a) “I beg to propose.” (b) “Whatever.” (c) “Over and out.” (d) “That’s all, bye.”
  19. 19.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  20. 20.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  21. 21.True or false: “Today, my team will prove three things.” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
  22. 22.True or false: “You clearly know nothing.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  23. 23.💬 Polite or impolite? “May I offer a point of information?” (a) polite (b) impolite
  24. 24.True or false: “My worthy opponent claimed it costs too much, but the facts say otherwise.” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
  25. 25.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  26. 26.💬 Polite or impolite? “Only a fool would believe that.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  27. 27.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is the silliest idea ever.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  28. 28.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “I rest my case. Thank you.” (a) closes a speech (b) opens a speech (c) gives evidence (d) rebuts a point
  29. 29.True or false: “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
  30. 30.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is an interesting point, but…” (a) impolite (b) polite
  31. 31.True or false: “Our science textbook tells us that…” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
  32. 32.💬 Polite or impolite? “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  33. 33.True or false: “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
  34. 34.True or false: “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  35. 35.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “The library’s record shows that…” (a) rebuts a point (b) opens a speech (c) closes a speech (d) gives evidence
  36. 36.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Our science textbook tells us that…” (a) opens a speech (b) rebuts a point (c) gives evidence (d) closes a speech
  37. 37.💬 Polite or impolite? “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  38. 38.💬 Polite or impolite? “You clearly know nothing.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  39. 39.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “For all these reasons, I urge you to support the motion.” (a) gives evidence (b) rebuts a point (c) opens a speech (d) closes a speech
  40. 40.True or false: “Today, my team will prove three things.” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False

Answer key

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

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