Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

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

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