Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 245 · 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.True or false: “You clearly know nothing.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
2. 2.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” (a) gives evidence (b) rebuts a point (c) opens a speech (d) closes a speech
3. 3.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” (a) closes a speech (b) gives evidence (c) opens a speech (d) rebuts a point
4. 4.💬 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) gives evidence (c) closes a speech (d) rebuts a point
5. 5.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “With respect, the last speaker missed an important point.” (a) closes a speech (b) opens a speech (c) gives evidence (d) rebuts a point
6. 6.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is the silliest idea ever.” (a) impolite (b) polite
7. 7.True or false: “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
8. 8.True or false: “Today, my team will prove three things.” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
9. 9.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “you lot” (b) “those people” (c) “my worthy opponents” (d) “hey, you there”
10. 10.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
11. 11.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
12. 12.True or false: “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
13. 13.💬 Which line can end an opposition speech? (a) “Over and out.” (b) “Whatever.” (c) “That’s all, bye.” (d) “I beg to oppose.”
14. 14.💬 Polite or impolite? “May I offer a point of information?” (a) polite (b) impolite
15. 15.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
16. 16.💬 Polite or impolite? “Stop talking, you are wrong!” (a) polite (b) impolite
17. 17.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
18. 18.💬 Polite or impolite? “Only a fool would believe that.” (a) impolite (b) polite
19. 19.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
20. 20.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “The library’s record shows that…” (a) closes a speech (b) rebuts a point (c) gives evidence (d) opens a speech
21. 21.💬 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) closes a speech (b) opens a speech (c) rebuts a point (d) gives evidence
22. 22.💬 Polite or impolite? “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” (a) impolite (b) polite
23. 23.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Our science textbook tells us that…” (a) opens a speech (b) rebuts a point (c) closes a speech (d) gives evidence
24. 24.💬 Polite or impolite? “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” (a) polite (b) impolite
25. 25.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
26. 26.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” (a) gives evidence (b) closes a speech (c) opens a speech (d) rebuts a point
27. 27.True or false: “For all these reasons, I urge you to support the motion.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
28. 28.💬 Polite or impolite? “Your team is just jealous.” (a) impolite (b) polite
29. 29.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
30. 30.💬 Polite or impolite? “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” (a) impolite (b) polite
31. 31.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
32. 32.💬 Polite or impolite? “Whatever. Next!” (a) impolite (b) polite
33. 33.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” (a) closes a speech (b) opens a speech (c) gives evidence (d) rebuts a point
34. 34.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “I rest my case. Thank you.” (a) opens a speech (b) rebuts a point (c) gives evidence (d) closes a speech
35. 35.💬 Which line can end a proposition speech? (a) “Over and out.” (b) “I beg to propose.” (c) “Whatever.” (d) “That’s all, bye.”
36. 36.True or false: “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
37. 37.True or false: “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
38. 38.💬 Polite or impolite? “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” (a) impolite (b) polite
39. 39.True or false: “The other side says it is unsafe; in fact, it is safe with a teacher present.” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
40. 40.True or false: “Whatever. Next!” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False

Free debate lessons, practice and worksheets at talentjr.in/debate-for-students