Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 274 · 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: “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
2. 2.True or false: “Only a fool would believe that.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
3. 3.💬 Polite or impolite? “Your team is just jealous.” (a) polite (b) impolite
4. 4.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
5. 5.💬 Polite or impolite? “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” (a) polite (b) impolite
6. 6.True or false: “You clearly know nothing.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
7. 7.True or false: “Stop talking, you are wrong!” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
8. 8.💬 Polite or impolite? “Only a fool would believe that.” (a) polite (b) impolite
9. 9.💬 Polite or impolite? “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” (a) impolite (b) polite
10. 10.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “I rest my case. Thank you.” (a) opens a speech (b) gives evidence (c) rebuts a point (d) closes a speech
11. 11.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” (a) opens a speech (b) closes a speech (c) gives evidence (d) rebuts a point
12. 12.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
13. 13.True or false: “Stop talking, you are wrong!” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
14. 14.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
15. 15.💬 Polite or impolite? “Stop talking, you are wrong!” (a) impolite (b) polite
16. 16.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is the silliest idea ever.” (a) impolite (b) polite
17. 17.💬 Polite or impolite? “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” (a) impolite (b) polite
18. 18.💬 Which line can end a proposition speech? (a) “Whatever.” (b) “That’s all, bye.” (c) “I beg to propose.” (d) “Over and out.”
19. 19.💬 Which word should you never use about an opponent’s idea? (a) “fair” (b) “interesting” (c) “stupid” (d) “important”
20. 20.True or false: “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
21. 21.True or false: “Only a fool would believe that.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
22. 22.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
23. 23.True or false: “Whatever. Next!” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
24. 24.💬 Which line can end an opposition speech? (a) “I beg to oppose.” (b) “Over and out.” (c) “Whatever.” (d) “That’s all, bye.”
25. 25.True or false: “Our science textbook tells us that…” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
26. 26.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
27. 27.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “For all these reasons, I urge you to support the motion.” (a) rebuts a point (b) gives evidence (c) opens a speech (d) closes a speech
28. 28.True or false: “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
29. 29.True or false: “Figures from the city water board show…” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
30. 30.💬 Polite or impolite? “You clearly know nothing.” (a) impolite (b) polite
31. 31.💬 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
32. 32.True or false: “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
33. 33.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “my worthy opponents” (b) “hey, you there” (c) “you lot” (d) “those people”
34. 34.💬 How should you begin a debate speech? (a) greet judges, opponents (b) insult the motion (c) tell a long joke (d) start shouting
35. 35.True or false: “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
36. 36.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is an interesting point, but…” (a) polite (b) impolite
37. 37.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
38. 38.💬 Polite or impolite? “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” (a) polite (b) impolite
39. 39.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “The library’s record shows that…” (a) opens a speech (b) rebuts a point (c) gives evidence (d) closes a speech
40. 40.True or false: “Figures from the city water board show…” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False

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