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Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

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

Answer key

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

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