Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 205 · 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? “Your team is just jealous.” (a) impolite (b) polite
2. 2.True or false: “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
3. 3.True or false: “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
4. 4.💬 Polite or impolite? “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” (a) impolite (b) polite
5. 5.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Our science textbook tells us that…” (a) opens a speech (b) closes a speech (c) gives evidence (d) rebuts a point
6. 6.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Today, my team will prove three things.” (a) closes a speech (b) opens a speech (c) rebuts a point (d) gives evidence
7. 7.💬 Which word should you never use about an opponent’s idea? (a) “stupid” (b) “fair” (c) “interesting” (d) “important”
8. 8.💬 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
9. 9.True or false: “Only a fool would believe that.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
10. 10.True or false: “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
11. 11.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “you lot” (b) “my worthy opponents” (c) “those people” (d) “hey, you there”
12. 12.True or false: “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
13. 13.💬 How should you begin a debate speech? (a) greet judges, opponents (b) start shouting (c) tell a long joke (d) insult the motion
14. 14.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
15. 15.💬 Which line can end an opposition speech? (a) “I beg to oppose.” (b) “Whatever.” (c) “Over and out.” (d) “That’s all, bye.”
16. 16.💬 Which line can end a proposition speech? (a) “Over and out.” (b) “Whatever.” (c) “I beg to propose.” (d) “That’s all, bye.”
17. 17.True or false: “The library’s record shows that…” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
18. 18.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
19. 19.True or false: “My worthy opponent claimed it costs too much, but the facts say otherwise.” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
20. 20.💬 Polite or impolite? “Whatever. Next!” (a) impolite (b) polite
21. 21.True or false: “Figures from the city water board show…” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
22. 22.💬 Polite or impolite? “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” (a) polite (b) impolite
23. 23.True or false: “Only a fool would believe that.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
24. 24.True or false: “With respect, the last speaker missed an important point.” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
25. 25.True or false: “Whatever. Next!” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
26. 26.True or false: “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
27. 27.💬 Polite or impolite? “You clearly know nothing.” (a) polite (b) impolite
28. 28.True or false: “Figures from the city water board show…” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
29. 29.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
30. 30.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is the silliest idea ever.” (a) polite (b) impolite
31. 31.True or false: “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
32. 32.True or false: “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
33. 33.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “I rest my case. Thank you.” (a) gives evidence (b) closes a speech (c) rebuts a point (d) opens a speech
34. 34.💬 Polite or impolite? “Stop talking, you are wrong!” (a) polite (b) impolite
35. 35.💬 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) opens a speech (d) closes a speech
36. 36.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Let me begin by defining the motion.” (a) gives evidence (b) opens a speech (c) rebuts a point (d) closes a speech
37. 37.True or false: “Stop talking, you are wrong!” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
38. 38.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
39. 39.True or false: “Whatever. Next!” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
40. 40.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True

Free debate lessons, practice and worksheets at talentjr.in/debate-for-students