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Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 264 · 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: “Your team is just jealous.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  2. 2.True or false: “The library’s record shows that…” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
  3. 3.💬 Which word should you never use about an opponent’s idea? (a) “fair” (b) “important” (c) “interesting” (d) “stupid”
  4. 4.💬 Polite or impolite? “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  5. 5.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  6. 6.True or false: “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
  7. 7.💬 Polite or impolite? “Whatever. Next!” (a) polite (b) impolite
  8. 8.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  9. 9.True or false: “Today, my team will prove three things.” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
  10. 10.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “I rest my case. Thank you.” (a) rebuts a point (b) gives evidence (c) opens a speech (d) closes a speech
  11. 11.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” (a) rebuts a point (b) opens a speech (c) closes a speech (d) gives evidence
  12. 12.💬 How should you begin a debate speech? (a) start shouting (b) tell a long joke (c) insult the motion (d) greet judges, opponents
  13. 13.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Figures from the city water board show…” (a) opens a speech (b) gives evidence (c) closes a speech (d) rebuts a point
  14. 14.💬 Which line can end a proposition speech? (a) “I beg to propose.” (b) “Whatever.” (c) “Over and out.” (d) “That’s all, bye.”
  15. 15.True or false: “Figures from the city water board show…” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
  16. 16.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “my worthy opponents” (b) “those people” (c) “hey, you there” (d) “you lot”
  17. 17.True or false: “Whatever. Next!” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  18. 18.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Our science textbook tells us that…” (a) opens a speech (b) closes a speech (c) rebuts a point (d) gives evidence
  19. 19.💬 Polite or impolite? “Your team is just jealous.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  20. 20.True or false: “The other side says it is unsafe; in fact, it is safe with a teacher present.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  21. 21.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  22. 22.True or false: “You clearly know nothing.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  23. 23.💬 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) rebuts a point (c) gives evidence (d) closes a speech
  24. 24.💬 Polite or impolite? “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” (a) impolite (b) polite
  25. 25.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” (a) opens a speech (b) gives evidence (c) closes a speech (d) rebuts a point
  26. 26.True or false: “Only a fool would believe that.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  27. 27.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” (a) closes a speech (b) rebuts a point (c) opens a speech (d) gives evidence
  28. 28.💬 Which line can end an opposition speech? (a) “I beg to oppose.” (b) “Whatever.” (c) “Over and out.” (d) “That’s all, bye.”
  29. 29.True or false: “I rest my case. Thank you.” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
  30. 30.True or false: “Only a fool would believe that.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  31. 31.True or false: “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
  32. 32.True or false: “Today, my team will prove three things.” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
  33. 33.True or false: “My worthy opponent claimed it costs too much, but the facts say otherwise.” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
  34. 34.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  35. 35.True or false: “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  36. 36.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “The library’s record shows that…” (a) rebuts a point (b) gives evidence (c) closes a speech (d) opens a speech
  37. 37.💬 Polite or impolite? “Stop talking, you are wrong!” (a) polite (b) impolite
  38. 38.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is an interesting point, but…” (a) impolite (b) polite
  39. 39.True or false: “Whatever. Next!” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  40. 40.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Let me begin by defining the motion.” (a) opens a speech (b) closes a speech (c) gives evidence (d) rebuts a point

Answer key

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

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