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Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 273 · 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? “The library’s record shows that…” (a) rebuts a point (b) gives evidence (c) opens a speech (d) closes a speech
  2. 2.True or false: “The library’s record shows that…” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
  3. 3.💬 Polite or impolite? “Only a fool would believe that.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  4. 4.True or false: “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
  5. 5.💬 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
  6. 6.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  7. 7.💬 Polite or impolite? “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  8. 8.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is an interesting point, but…” (a) polite (b) impolite
  9. 9.💬 Polite or impolite? “Stop talking, you are wrong!” (a) impolite (b) polite
  10. 10.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  11. 11.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” (a) gives evidence (b) closes a speech (c) opens a speech (d) rebuts a point
  12. 12.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “those people” (b) “hey, you there” (c) “you lot” (d) “my worthy opponents”
  13. 13.💬 Polite or impolite? “May I offer a point of information?” (a) polite (b) impolite
  14. 14.True or false: “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
  15. 15.💬 Polite or impolite? “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  16. 16.💬 How should you begin a debate speech? (a) start shouting (b) insult the motion (c) greet judges, opponents (d) tell a long joke
  17. 17.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  18. 18.💬 Polite or impolite? “Whatever. Next!” (a) polite (b) impolite
  19. 19.True or false: “Your team is just jealous.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  20. 20.💬 Which line can end a proposition speech? (a) “Whatever.” (b) “I beg to propose.” (c) “Over and out.” (d) “That’s all, bye.”
  21. 21.💬 Polite or impolite? “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  22. 22.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
  23. 23.💬 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) rebuts a point (c) gives evidence (d) opens a speech
  24. 24.True or false: “Figures from the city water board show…” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
  25. 25.💬 Polite or impolite? “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” (a) impolite (b) polite
  26. 26.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  27. 27.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” (a) opens a speech (b) rebuts a point (c) gives evidence (d) closes a speech
  28. 28.True or false: “Stop talking, you are wrong!” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  29. 29.💬 Polite or impolite? “You clearly know nothing.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  30. 30.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  31. 31.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  32. 32.True or false: “For all these reasons, I urge you to support the motion.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
  33. 33.True or false: “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
  34. 34.True or false: “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
  35. 35.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” (a) rebuts a point (b) gives evidence (c) opens a speech (d) closes a speech
  36. 36.💬 Polite or impolite? “Your team is just jealous.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  37. 37.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “With respect, the last speaker missed an important point.” (a) gives evidence (b) closes a speech (c) rebuts a point (d) opens a speech
  38. 38.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “I rest my case. Thank you.” (a) opens a speech (b) closes a speech (c) gives evidence (d) rebuts a point
  39. 39.True or false: “The other side says it is unsafe; in fact, it is safe with a teacher present.” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
  40. 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

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

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