Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 183 · 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.💬 How should you begin a debate speech? (a) tell a long joke (b) start shouting (c) greet judges, opponents (d) insult the motion
2. 2.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “The library’s record shows that…” (a) closes a speech (b) gives evidence (c) rebuts a point (d) opens a speech
3. 3.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” (a) rebuts a point (b) opens a speech (c) closes a speech (d) gives evidence
4. 4.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
5. 5.True or false: “Whatever. Next!” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
6. 6.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is an interesting point, but…” (a) impolite (b) polite
7. 7.💬 Which word should you never use about an opponent’s idea? (a) “important” (b) “interesting” (c) “stupid” (d) “fair”
8. 8.True or false: “The other side says it is unsafe; in fact, it is safe with a teacher present.” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
9. 9.True or false: “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
10. 10.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
11. 11.True or false: “Today, my team will prove three things.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
12. 12.💬 Polite or impolite? “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” (a) impolite (b) polite
13. 13.💬 Polite or impolite? “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” (a) polite (b) impolite
14. 14.True or false: “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
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? “Whatever. Next!” (a) impolite (b) polite
17. 17.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
18. 18.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “I rest my case. Thank you.” (a) rebuts a point (b) opens a speech (c) closes a speech (d) gives evidence
19. 19.True or false: “Your team is just jealous.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
20. 20.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” (a) rebuts a point (b) opens a speech (c) closes a speech (d) gives evidence
21. 21.True or false: “Stop talking, you are wrong!” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
22. 22.True or false: “With respect, the last speaker missed an important point.” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
23. 23.True or false: “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
24. 24.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
25. 25.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
26. 26.True or false: “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
27. 27.💬 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) rebuts a point (b) closes a speech (c) opens a speech (d) gives evidence
28. 28.💬 Polite or impolite? “Only a fool would believe that.” (a) polite (b) impolite
29. 29.💬 Polite or impolite? “May I offer a point of information?” (a) impolite (b) polite
30. 30.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” (a) rebuts a point (b) gives evidence (c) opens a speech (d) closes a speech
31. 31.💬 Polite or impolite? “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” (a) impolite (b) polite
32. 32.True or false: “The library’s record shows that…” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
33. 33.True or false: “Figures from the city water board show…” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
34. 34.True or false: “Whatever. Next!” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
35. 35.💬 Polite or impolite? “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” (a) impolite (b) polite
36. 36.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “those people” (b) “hey, you there” (c) “you lot” (d) “my worthy opponents”
37. 37.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” (a) closes a speech (b) rebuts a point (c) opens a speech (d) gives evidence
38. 38.💬 Polite or impolite? “Stop talking, you are wrong!” (a) impolite (b) polite
39. 39.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
40. 40.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False

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