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Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 234 · 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.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “My worthy opponent claimed it costs too much, but the facts say otherwise.” (a) rebuts a point (b) gives evidence (c) closes a speech (d) opens a speech
  3. 3.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” (a) gives evidence (b) rebuts a point (c) closes a speech (d) opens a speech
  4. 4.True or false: “For all these reasons, I urge you to support the motion.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
  5. 5.True or false: “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  6. 6.💬 Which line can end an opposition speech? (a) “Over and out.” (b) “Whatever.” (c) “That’s all, bye.” (d) “I beg to oppose.”
  7. 7.True or false: “You clearly know nothing.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  8. 8.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  9. 9.True or false: “Stop talking, you are wrong!” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  10. 10.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is an interesting point, but…” (a) impolite (b) polite
  11. 11.💬 Polite or impolite? “You clearly know nothing.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  12. 12.💬 Which word should you never use about an opponent’s idea? (a) “fair” (b) “interesting” (c) “important” (d) “stupid”
  13. 13.💬 Polite or impolite? “Your team is just jealous.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  14. 14.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “hey, you there” (b) “my worthy opponents” (c) “those people” (d) “you lot”
  15. 15.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  16. 16.True or false: “Only a fool would believe that.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  17. 17.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Figures from the city water board show…” (a) closes a speech (b) opens a speech (c) gives evidence (d) rebuts a point
  18. 18.💬 How should you begin a debate speech? (a) start shouting (b) tell a long joke (c) insult the motion (d) greet judges, opponents
  19. 19.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  20. 20.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Let me begin by defining the motion.” (a) rebuts a point (b) closes a speech (c) gives evidence (d) opens a speech
  21. 21.💬 Polite or impolite? “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  22. 22.💬 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) closes a speech (c) opens a speech (d) gives evidence
  23. 23.True or false: “The library’s record shows that…” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  24. 24.💬 Polite or impolite? “Whatever. Next!” (a) polite (b) impolite
  25. 25.True or false: “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
  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) impolite (b) polite
  28. 28.True or false: “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  29. 29.💬 Polite or impolite? “Stop talking, you are wrong!” (a) impolite (b) polite
  30. 30.True or false: “Your team is just jealous.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  31. 31.💬 Which line can end a proposition speech? (a) “I beg to propose.” (b) “That’s all, bye.” (c) “Over and out.” (d) “Whatever.”
  32. 32.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  33. 33.True or false: “Today, my team will prove three things.” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
  34. 34.💬 Polite or impolite? “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  35. 35.True or false: “Figures from the city water board show…” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
  36. 36.True or false: “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
  37. 37.True or false: “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  38. 38.True or false: “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
  39. 39.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  40. 40.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” (a) gives evidence (b) opens a speech (c) closes a speech (d) rebuts a point

Answer key

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

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