Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 268 · 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: “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
2. 2.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
3. 3.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is the silliest idea ever.” (a) impolite (b) polite
4. 4.💬 Polite or impolite? “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” (a) polite (b) impolite
5. 5.True or false: “The library’s record shows that…” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
6. 6.True or false: “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
7. 7.💬 Which line can end a proposition speech? (a) “Whatever.” (b) “Over and out.” (c) “I beg to propose.” (d) “That’s all, bye.”
8. 8.💬 Polite or impolite? “Only a fool would believe that.” (a) impolite (b) polite
9. 9.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
10. 10.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
11. 11.💬 Polite or impolite? “May I offer a point of information?” (a) polite (b) impolite
12. 12.💬 Polite or impolite? “Your team is just jealous.” (a) impolite (b) polite
13. 13.True or false: “You clearly know nothing.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
14. 14.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “I rest my case. Thank you.” (a) closes a speech (b) opens a speech (c) gives evidence (d) rebuts a point
15. 15.💬 Polite or impolite? “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” (a) impolite (b) polite
16. 16.True or false: “Stop talking, you are wrong!” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
17. 17.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” (a) rebuts a point (b) closes a speech (c) gives evidence (d) opens a speech
18. 18.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Let me begin by defining the motion.” (a) gives evidence (b) opens a speech (c) closes a speech (d) rebuts a point
19. 19.💬 Polite or impolite? “You clearly know nothing.” (a) polite (b) impolite
20. 20.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Figures from the city water board show…” (a) rebuts a point (b) opens a speech (c) closes a speech (d) gives evidence
21. 21.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Today, my team will prove three things.” (a) rebuts a point (b) closes a speech (c) gives evidence (d) opens a speech
22. 22.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” (a) rebuts a point (b) closes a speech (c) opens a speech (d) gives evidence
23. 23.True or false: “Your team is just jealous.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
24. 24.True or false: “Our science textbook tells us that…” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
25. 25.True or false: “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
26. 26.💬 How should you begin a debate speech? (a) greet judges, opponents (b) insult the motion (c) start shouting (d) tell a long joke
27. 27.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” (a) rebuts a point (b) gives evidence (c) closes a speech (d) opens a speech
28. 28.True or false: “I rest my case. Thank you.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
29. 29.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
30. 30.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
31. 31.True or false: “Whatever. Next!” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
32. 32.💬 Which line can end an opposition speech? (a) “Over and out.” (b) “Whatever.” (c) “That’s all, bye.” (d) “I beg to oppose.”
33. 33.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “those people” (b) “hey, you there” (c) “you lot” (d) “my worthy opponents”
34. 34.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “With respect, the last speaker missed an important point.” (a) opens a speech (b) closes a speech (c) rebuts a point (d) gives evidence
35. 35.💬 Polite or impolite? “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” (a) polite (b) impolite
36. 36.💬 Polite or impolite? “Stop talking, you are wrong!” (a) polite (b) impolite
37. 37.💬 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
38. 38.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
39. 39.💬 Polite or impolite? “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” (a) impolite (b) polite
40. 40.True or false: “Figures from the city water board show…” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False

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