Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 226 · 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.💬 Which word should you never use about an opponent’s idea? (a) “fair” (b) “stupid” (c) “interesting” (d) “important”
2. 2.💬 Polite or impolite? “Whatever. Next!” (a) polite (b) impolite
3. 3.💬 Polite or impolite? “Your team is just jealous.” (a) polite (b) impolite
4. 4.True or false: “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
5. 5.True or false: “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
6. 6.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
7. 7.True or false: “Today, my team will prove three things.” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
8. 8.💬 Polite or impolite? “May I offer a point of information?” (a) polite (b) impolite
9. 9.True or false: “Today, my team will prove three things.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
10. 10.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Today, my team will prove three things.” (a) rebuts a point (b) closes a speech (c) opens a speech (d) gives evidence
11. 11.True or false: “Whatever. Next!” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
12. 12.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
13. 13.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “hey, you there” (b) “my worthy opponents” (c) “those people” (d) “you lot”
14. 14.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is an interesting point, but…” (a) impolite (b) polite
15. 15.True or false: “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
16. 16.True or false: “Only a fool would believe that.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
17. 17.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
18. 18.True or false: “Stop talking, you are wrong!” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
19. 19.True or false: “The library’s record shows that…” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
20. 20.True or false: “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
21. 21.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
22. 22.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “I rest my case. Thank you.” (a) rebuts a point (b) gives evidence (c) closes a speech (d) opens a speech
23. 23.💬 Polite or impolite? “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” (a) polite (b) impolite
24. 24.True or false: “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
25. 25.💬 Polite or impolite? “Stop talking, you are wrong!” (a) impolite (b) polite
26. 26.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
27. 27.💬 Polite or impolite? “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” (a) polite (b) impolite
28. 28.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
29. 29.💬 Which line can end an opposition speech? (a) “That’s all, bye.” (b) “I beg to oppose.” (c) “Over and out.” (d) “Whatever.”
30. 30.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is the silliest idea ever.” (a) impolite (b) polite
31. 31.💬 Which line can end a proposition speech? (a) “That’s all, bye.” (b) “Whatever.” (c) “Over and out.” (d) “I beg to propose.”
32. 32.True or false: “I rest my case. Thank you.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
33. 33.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “The library’s record shows that…” (a) rebuts a point (b) closes a speech (c) opens a speech (d) gives evidence
34. 34.💬 Polite or impolite? “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” (a) polite (b) impolite
35. 35.True or false: “Figures from the city water board show…” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
36. 36.💬 How should you begin a debate speech? (a) tell a long joke (b) insult the motion (c) start shouting (d) greet judges, opponents
37. 37.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “For all these reasons, I urge you to support the motion.” (a) opens a speech (b) closes a speech (c) gives evidence (d) rebuts a point
38. 38.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” (a) closes a speech (b) opens a speech (c) rebuts a point (d) gives evidence
39. 39.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” (a) opens a speech (b) closes a speech (c) rebuts a point (d) gives evidence
40. 40.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” (a) opens a speech (b) gives evidence (c) rebuts a point (d) closes a speech

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