← Polite debating phrases lesson New set →

Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 256 · 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.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “The library’s record shows that…” (a) closes a speech (b) rebuts a point (c) opens a speech (d) gives evidence
  2. 2.💬 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) gives evidence (d) rebuts a point
  3. 3.True or false: “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  4. 4.True or false: “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
  5. 5.True or false: “My worthy opponent claimed it costs too much, but the facts say otherwise.” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
  6. 6.True or false: “Figures from the city water board show…” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
  7. 7.💬 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
  8. 8.💬 Polite or impolite? “Only a fool would believe that.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  9. 9.💬 Polite or impolite? “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  10. 10.💬 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
  11. 11.💬 How should you begin a debate speech? (a) insult the motion (b) start shouting (c) tell a long joke (d) greet judges, opponents
  12. 12.True or false: “For all these reasons, I urge you to support the motion.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
  13. 13.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” (a) opens a speech (b) closes a speech (c) gives evidence (d) rebuts a point
  14. 14.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  15. 15.💬 Polite or impolite? “You clearly know nothing.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  16. 16.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
  17. 17.💬 Polite or impolite? “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” (a) polite (b) impolite
  18. 18.True or false: “Whatever. Next!” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  19. 19.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  20. 20.True or false: “Stop talking, you are wrong!” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  21. 21.💬 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) gives evidence (c) rebuts a point (d) closes a speech
  22. 22.True or false: “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  23. 23.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  24. 24.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is the silliest idea ever.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  25. 25.💬 Which line can end a proposition speech? (a) “That’s all, bye.” (b) “Over and out.” (c) “Whatever.” (d) “I beg to propose.”
  26. 26.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” (a) rebuts a point (b) opens a speech (c) closes a speech (d) gives evidence
  27. 27.💬 Polite or impolite? “Stop talking, you are wrong!” (a) polite (b) impolite
  28. 28.💬 Polite or impolite? “May I offer a point of information?” (a) impolite (b) polite
  29. 29.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “you lot” (b) “my worthy opponents” (c) “hey, you there” (d) “those people”
  30. 30.💬 Polite or impolite? “Your team is just jealous.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  31. 31.💬 Polite or impolite? “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  32. 32.True or false: “You clearly know nothing.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  33. 33.💬 Polite or impolite? “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  34. 34.💬 Polite or impolite? “Whatever. Next!” (a) polite (b) impolite
  35. 35.True or false: “Your team is just jealous.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  36. 36.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  37. 37.💬 Which word should you never use about an opponent’s idea? (a) “important” (b) “stupid” (c) “interesting” (d) “fair”
  38. 38.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
  39. 39.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is an interesting point, but…” (a) polite (b) impolite
  40. 40.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “I rest my case. Thank you.” (a) gives evidence (b) rebuts a point (c) opens a speech (d) closes a speech

Answer key

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

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