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.💬 Which line can end an opposition speech? (a) “That’s all, bye.” (b) “Over and out.” (c) “I beg to oppose.” (d) “Whatever.”
- 2.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “you lot” (b) “those people” (c) “hey, you there” (d) “my worthy opponents”
- 3.True or false: “Only a fool would believe that.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
- 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.True or false: “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
- 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.True or false: “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
- 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.💬 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.💬 Which word should you never use about an opponent’s idea? (a) “fair” (b) “interesting” (c) “important” (d) “stupid”
- 11.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
- 12.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
- 13.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
- 14.True or false: “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
- 15.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
- 16.💬 Polite or impolite? “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” (a) impolite (b) polite
- 17.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
- 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.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
- 20.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
- 21.True or false: “Today, my team will prove three things.” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
- 22.True or false: “You clearly know nothing.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
- 23.💬 Polite or impolite? “May I offer a point of information?” (a) polite (b) impolite
- 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.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
- 26.💬 Polite or impolite? “Only a fool would believe that.” (a) polite (b) impolite
- 27.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is the silliest idea ever.” (a) polite (b) impolite
- 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.True or false: “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
- 30.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is an interesting point, but…” (a) impolite (b) polite
- 31.True or false: “Our science textbook tells us that…” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
- 32.💬 Polite or impolite? “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” (a) polite (b) impolite
- 33.True or false: “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
- 34.True or false: “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
- 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.💬 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.💬 Polite or impolite? “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” (a) polite (b) impolite
- 38.💬 Polite or impolite? “You clearly know nothing.” (a) polite (b) impolite
- 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.True or false: “Today, my team will prove three things.” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
Answer key
- “I beg to oppose.”
- “my worthy opponents”
- True
- rebuts a point
- False
- greet judges, opponents
- True
- gives evidence
- opens a speech
- “stupid”
- False
- True
- False
- True
- False
- polite
- False
- “I beg to propose.”
- False
- False
- False
- False
- polite
- True
- True
- impolite
- impolite
- closes a speech
- False
- polite
- False
- polite
- True
- False
- gives evidence
- gives evidence
- polite
- impolite
- closes a speech
- False
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