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Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 265 · 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? “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
  2. 2.True or false: “My worthy opponent claimed it costs too much, but the facts say otherwise.” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
  3. 3.💬 Polite or impolite? “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” (a) impolite (b) polite
  4. 4.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “you lot” (b) “hey, you there” (c) “those people” (d) “my worthy opponents”
  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) rebuts a point (c) gives evidence (d) opens a speech
  6. 6.💬 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
  7. 7.True or false: “Your team is just jealous.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  8. 8.True or false: “I rest my case. Thank you.” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
  9. 9.True or false: “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
  10. 10.True or false: “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
  11. 11.True or false: “Our science textbook tells us that…” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
  12. 12.💬 Polite or impolite? “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  13. 13.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  14. 14.True or false: “For all these reasons, I urge you to support the motion.” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
  15. 15.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Let me begin by defining the motion.” (a) gives evidence (b) closes a speech (c) opens a speech (d) rebuts a point
  16. 16.True or false: “Figures from the city water board show…” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
  17. 17.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is an interesting point, but…” (a) polite (b) impolite
  18. 18.True or false: “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
  19. 19.True or false: “Our science textbook tells us that…” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  20. 20.💬 Polite or impolite? “Your team is just jealous.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  21. 21.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  22. 22.True or false: “Stop talking, you are wrong!” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  23. 23.💬 Which word should you never use about an opponent’s idea? (a) “stupid” (b) “important” (c) “fair” (d) “interesting”
  24. 24.True or false: “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
  25. 25.True or false: “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  26. 26.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Today, my team will prove three things.” (a) opens a speech (b) gives evidence (c) closes a speech (d) rebuts a point
  27. 27.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” (a) gives evidence (b) rebuts a point (c) opens a speech (d) closes a speech
  28. 28.True or false: “You clearly know nothing.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  29. 29.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  30. 30.True or false: “Whatever. Next!” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  31. 31.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is the silliest idea ever.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  32. 32.💬 Which line can end an opposition speech? (a) “That’s all, bye.” (b) “Whatever.” (c) “Over and out.” (d) “I beg to oppose.”
  33. 33.💬 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
  34. 34.💬 Which line can end a proposition speech? (a) “Over and out.” (b) “I beg to propose.” (c) “Whatever.” (d) “That’s all, bye.”
  35. 35.💬 Polite or impolite? “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  36. 36.💬 Polite or impolite? “You clearly know nothing.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  37. 37.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Our science textbook tells us that…” (a) closes a speech (b) rebuts a point (c) gives evidence (d) opens a speech
  38. 38.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  39. 39.True or false: “Only a fool would believe that.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  40. 40.True or false: “Only a fool would believe that.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False

Answer key

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

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