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Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 238 · 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.

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

Answer key

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

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