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Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 212 · 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 claimed it costs too much, but the facts say otherwise.” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
  2. 2.True or false: “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
  3. 3.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “my worthy opponents” (b) “those people” (c) “hey, you there” (d) “you lot”
  4. 4.True or false: “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  5. 5.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  6. 6.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is an interesting point, but…” (a) polite (b) impolite
  7. 7.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
  8. 8.True or false: “The library’s record shows that…” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
  9. 9.💬 Polite or impolite? “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  10. 10.True or false: “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  11. 11.💬 Polite or impolite? “Stop talking, you are wrong!” (a) polite (b) impolite
  12. 12.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  13. 13.💬 Polite or impolite? “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  14. 14.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Our science textbook tells us that…” (a) closes a speech (b) opens a speech (c) gives evidence (d) rebuts a point
  15. 15.💬 Which line can end a proposition speech? (a) “Over and out.” (b) “Whatever.” (c) “I beg to propose.” (d) “That’s all, bye.”
  16. 16.True or false: “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
  17. 17.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
  18. 18.💬 Which line can end an opposition speech? (a) “Whatever.” (b) “Over and out.” (c) “I beg to oppose.” (d) “That’s all, bye.”
  19. 19.True or false: “Today, my team will prove three things.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  20. 20.True or false: “With respect, the last speaker missed an important point.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  21. 21.💬 Polite or impolite? “Whatever. Next!” (a) impolite (b) polite
  22. 22.True or false: “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
  23. 23.True or false: “You clearly know nothing.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  24. 24.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  25. 25.True or false: “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
  26. 26.💬 How should you begin a debate speech? (a) tell a long joke (b) greet judges, opponents (c) insult the motion (d) start shouting
  27. 27.💬 Polite or impolite? “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” (a) impolite (b) polite
  28. 28.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  29. 29.True or false: “The other side says it is unsafe; in fact, it is safe with a teacher present.” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
  30. 30.True or false: “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
  31. 31.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “My worthy opponent claimed it costs too much, but the facts say otherwise.” (a) gives evidence (b) rebuts a point (c) closes a speech (d) opens a speech
  32. 32.True or false: “Our science textbook tells us that…” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
  33. 33.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  34. 34.True or false: “Today, my team will prove three things.” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
  35. 35.💬 Which word should you never use about an opponent’s idea? (a) “interesting” (b) “fair” (c) “important” (d) “stupid”
  36. 36.True or false: “With respect, the last speaker missed an important point.” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
  37. 37.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  38. 38.💬 Polite or impolite? “You clearly know nothing.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  39. 39.💬 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) opens a speech (d) rebuts a point
  40. 40.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” (a) opens a speech (b) rebuts a point (c) closes a speech (d) gives evidence

Answer key

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

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