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