Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 251 · 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: “I rest my case. Thank you.” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
2. 2.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Figures from the city water board show…” (a) gives evidence (b) closes a speech (c) rebuts a point (d) opens a speech
3. 3.True or false: “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
4. 4.💬 Polite or impolite? “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” (a) impolite (b) polite
5. 5.True or false: “Figures from the city water board show…” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
6. 6.True or false: “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
7. 7.True or false: “Stop talking, you are wrong!” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
8. 8.💬 Polite or impolite? “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” (a) polite (b) impolite
9. 9.💬 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) gives evidence (c) opens a speech (d) rebuts a point
10. 10.💬 Which line can end a proposition speech? (a) “That’s all, bye.” (b) “Over and out.” (c) “I beg to propose.” (d) “Whatever.”
11. 11.True or false: “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
12. 12.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
13. 13.💬 Polite or impolite? “Your team is just jealous.” (a) polite (b) impolite
14. 14.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” (a) rebuts a point (b) gives evidence (c) closes a speech (d) opens a speech
15. 15.💬 How should you begin a debate speech? (a) tell a long joke (b) insult the motion (c) greet judges, opponents (d) start shouting
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) closes a speech (b) gives evidence (c) rebuts a point (d) opens a speech
17. 17.True or false: “Our science textbook tells us that…” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
18. 18.True or false: “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
19. 19.True or false: “My worthy opponent claimed it costs too much, but the facts say otherwise.” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
20. 20.💬 Polite or impolite? “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” (a) polite (b) impolite
21. 21.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Let me begin by defining the motion.” (a) rebuts a point (b) gives evidence (c) closes a speech (d) opens a speech
22. 22.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “my worthy opponents” (b) “those people” (c) “you lot” (d) “hey, you there”
23. 23.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” (a) gives evidence (b) closes a speech (c) rebuts a point (d) opens a speech
24. 24.💬 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) opens a speech (d) rebuts a point
25. 25.True or false: “The other side says it is unsafe; in fact, it is safe with a teacher present.” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
26. 26.True or false: “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
27. 27.💬 Which line can end an opposition speech? (a) “Whatever.” (b) “Over and out.” (c) “I beg to oppose.” (d) “That’s all, bye.”
28. 28.💬 Polite or impolite? “Whatever. Next!” (a) polite (b) impolite
29. 29.💬 Which word should you never use about an opponent’s idea? (a) “important” (b) “fair” (c) “interesting” (d) “stupid”
30. 30.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
31. 31.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Today, my team will prove three things.” (a) closes a speech (b) opens a speech (c) gives evidence (d) rebuts a point
32. 32.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is an interesting point, but…” (a) impolite (b) polite
33. 33.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
34. 34.💬 Polite or impolite? “Stop talking, you are wrong!” (a) polite (b) impolite
35. 35.💬 Polite or impolite? “You clearly know nothing.” (a) polite (b) impolite
36. 36.💬 Polite or impolite? “May I offer a point of information?” (a) impolite (b) polite
37. 37.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
38. 38.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
39. 39.True or false: “I rest my case. Thank you.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
40. 40.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True

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