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.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” (a) gives evidence (b) rebuts a point (c) closes a speech (d) opens a speech
- 2.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “my worthy opponents” (b) “those people” (c) “you lot” (d) “hey, you there”
- 3.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Figures from the city water board show…” (a) gives evidence (b) rebuts a point (c) opens a speech (d) closes a speech
- 4.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
- 5.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” (a) opens a speech (b) rebuts a point (c) gives evidence (d) closes a speech
- 6.True or false: “Stop talking, you are wrong!” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
- 7.True or false: “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
- 8.💬 Polite or impolite? “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” (a) polite (b) impolite
- 9.💬 Polite or impolite? “Whatever. Next!” (a) polite (b) impolite
- 10.True or false: “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
- 11.True or false: “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
- 12.💬 Polite or impolite? “You clearly know nothing.” (a) polite (b) impolite
- 13.💬 Which line can end a proposition speech? (a) “I beg to propose.” (b) “Whatever.” (c) “Over and out.” (d) “That’s all, bye.”
- 14.💬 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
- 15.True or false: “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
- 16.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is an interesting point, but…” (a) polite (b) impolite
- 17.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” (a) gives evidence (b) rebuts a point (c) closes a speech (d) opens a speech
- 18.True or false: “Only a fool would believe that.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
- 19.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
- 20.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
- 21.True or false: “With respect, the last speaker missed an important point.” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
- 22.💬 Polite or impolite? “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” (a) polite (b) impolite
- 23.💬 Polite or impolite? “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” (a) polite (b) impolite
- 24.💬 Which word should you never use about an opponent’s idea? (a) “interesting” (b) “fair” (c) “important” (d) “stupid”
- 25.💬 Polite or impolite? “Stop talking, you are wrong!” (a) impolite (b) polite
- 26.True or false: “Today, my team will prove three things.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
- 27.True or false: “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
- 28.True or false: “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
- 29.💬 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) gives evidence (c) closes a speech (d) rebuts a point
- 30.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is the silliest idea ever.” (a) polite (b) impolite
- 31.💬 Which line can end an opposition speech? (a) “I beg to oppose.” (b) “Whatever.” (c) “Over and out.” (d) “That’s all, bye.”
- 32.True or false: “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
- 33.True or false: “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
- 34.True or false: “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
- 35.💬 Polite or impolite? “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” (a) impolite (b) polite
- 36.True or false: “The other side says it is unsafe; in fact, it is safe with a teacher present.” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
- 37.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Today, my team will prove three things.” (a) gives evidence (b) rebuts a point (c) closes a speech (d) opens a speech
- 38.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “With respect, the last speaker missed an important point.” (a) closes a speech (b) rebuts a point (c) gives evidence (d) opens a speech
- 39.True or false: “You clearly know nothing.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
- 40.💬 Polite or impolite? “May I offer a point of information?” (a) impolite (b) polite
Answer key
- opens a speech
- “my worthy opponents”
- gives evidence
- False
- closes a speech
- True
- False
- polite
- impolite
- False
- False
- impolite
- “I beg to propose.”
- opens a speech
- False
- polite
- closes a speech
- False
- True
- False
- False
- polite
- polite
- “stupid”
- impolite
- True
- True
- True
- rebuts a point
- impolite
- “I beg to oppose.”
- True
- False
- True
- polite
- False
- opens a speech
- rebuts a point
- False
- polite
Free debate lessons, practice and worksheets at talentjr.in/debate-for-students