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Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 214 · 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.💬 Polite or impolite? “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  2. 2.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Our science textbook tells us that…” (a) opens a speech (b) rebuts a point (c) gives evidence (d) closes a speech
  3. 3.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  4. 4.True or false: “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
  5. 5.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” (a) closes a speech (b) rebuts a point (c) gives evidence (d) opens a speech
  6. 6.💬 Polite or impolite? “Only a fool would believe that.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  7. 7.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Today, my team will prove three things.” (a) closes a speech (b) gives evidence (c) opens a speech (d) rebuts a point
  8. 8.💬 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) closes a speech (d) gives evidence
  9. 9.True or false: “I rest my case. Thank you.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
  10. 10.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
  11. 11.💬 Which line can end a proposition speech? (a) “Over and out.” (b) “I beg to propose.” (c) “That’s all, bye.” (d) “Whatever.”
  12. 12.💬 Polite or impolite? “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  13. 13.💬 Polite or impolite? “You clearly know nothing.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  14. 14.True or false: “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
  15. 15.True or false: “My worthy opponent claimed it costs too much, but the facts say otherwise.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
  16. 16.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “you lot” (b) “hey, you there” (c) “my worthy opponents” (d) “those people”
  17. 17.💬 Polite or impolite? “Whatever. Next!” (a) polite (b) impolite
  18. 18.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is the silliest idea ever.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  19. 19.True or false: “Stop talking, you are wrong!” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  20. 20.True or false: “My worthy opponent claimed it costs too much, but the facts say otherwise.” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
  21. 21.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” (a) rebuts a point (b) closes a speech (c) opens a speech (d) gives evidence
  22. 22.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  23. 23.True or false: “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  24. 24.True or false: “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  25. 25.True or false: “You clearly know nothing.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  26. 26.💬 Which line can end an opposition speech? (a) “Over and out.” (b) “That’s all, bye.” (c) “Whatever.” (d) “I beg to oppose.”
  27. 27.💬 Which word should you never use about an opponent’s idea? (a) “important” (b) “interesting” (c) “fair” (d) “stupid”
  28. 28.True or false: “Figures from the city water board show…” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  29. 29.True or false: “For all these reasons, I urge you to support the motion.” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
  30. 30.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is an interesting point, but…” (a) impolite (b) polite
  31. 31.True or false: “Only a fool would believe that.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  32. 32.True or false: “Figures from the city water board show…” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
  33. 33.True or false: “Your team is just jealous.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  34. 34.True or false: “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  35. 35.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” (a) opens a speech (b) gives evidence (c) rebuts a point (d) closes a speech
  36. 36.True or false: “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  37. 37.💬 How should you begin a debate speech? (a) start shouting (b) greet judges, opponents (c) insult the motion (d) tell a long joke
  38. 38.True or false: “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
  39. 39.True or false: “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
  40. 40.💬 Polite or impolite? “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” (a) polite (b) impolite

Answer key

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

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