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Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 271 · 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.💬 Polite or impolite? “Only a fool would believe that.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  2. 2.True or false: “The other side says it is unsafe; in fact, it is safe with a teacher present.” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
  3. 3.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
  4. 4.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “I rest my case. Thank you.” (a) gives evidence (b) rebuts a point (c) closes a speech (d) opens a speech
  5. 5.💬 Polite or impolite? “Whatever. Next!” (a) polite (b) impolite
  6. 6.💬 Which line can end an opposition speech? (a) “I beg to oppose.” (b) “Whatever.” (c) “That’s all, bye.” (d) “Over and out.”
  7. 7.True or false: “Only a fool would believe that.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  8. 8.💬 Which word should you never use about an opponent’s idea? (a) “fair” (b) “important” (c) “stupid” (d) “interesting”
  9. 9.💬 Polite or impolite? “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  10. 10.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” (a) opens a speech (b) rebuts a point (c) closes a speech (d) gives evidence
  11. 11.True or false: “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
  12. 12.True or false: “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
  13. 13.💬 Polite or impolite? “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  14. 14.True or false: “Whatever. Next!” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  15. 15.True or false: “The library’s record shows that…” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
  16. 16.💬 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
  17. 17.True or false: “Our science textbook tells us that…” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
  18. 18.True or false: “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  19. 19.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “you lot” (b) “my worthy opponents” (c) “those people” (d) “hey, you there”
  20. 20.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  21. 21.True or false: “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
  22. 22.True or false: “Whatever. Next!” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  23. 23.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is the silliest idea ever.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  24. 24.💬 Polite or impolite? “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” (a) polite (b) impolite
  25. 25.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  26. 26.True or false: “You clearly know nothing.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  27. 27.💬 How should you begin a debate speech? (a) start shouting (b) insult the motion (c) tell a long joke (d) greet judges, opponents
  28. 28.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
  29. 29.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is an interesting point, but…” (a) impolite (b) polite
  30. 30.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “For all these reasons, I urge you to support the motion.” (a) closes a speech (b) gives evidence (c) opens a speech (d) rebuts a point
  31. 31.True or false: “Only a fool would believe that.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  32. 32.💬 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) rebuts a point (c) opens a speech (d) gives evidence
  33. 33.True or false: “Today, my team will prove three things.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
  34. 34.💬 Polite or impolite? “Your team is just jealous.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  35. 35.💬 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
  36. 36.True or false: “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
  37. 37.True or false: “For all these reasons, I urge you to support the motion.” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
  38. 38.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” (a) closes a speech (b) opens a speech (c) gives evidence (d) rebuts a point
  39. 39.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” (a) gives evidence (b) closes a speech (c) opens a speech (d) rebuts a point
  40. 40.💬 Polite or impolite? “Stop talking, you are wrong!” (a) impolite (b) polite

Answer key

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

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