Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 287 · 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.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” (a) closes a speech (b) opens a speech (c) rebuts a point (d) gives evidence
2. 2.💬 Which word should you never use about an opponent’s idea? (a) “fair” (b) “interesting” (c) “important” (d) “stupid”
3. 3.True or false: “Whatever. Next!” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
4. 4.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
5. 5.True or false: “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
6. 6.True or false: “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
7. 7.💬 Polite or impolite? “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” (a) polite (b) impolite
8. 8.True or false: “The other side says it is unsafe; in fact, it is safe with a teacher present.” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
9. 9.💬 Polite or impolite? “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” (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.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “those people” (b) “my worthy opponents” (c) “hey, you there” (d) “you lot”
12. 12.💬 Polite or impolite? “Stop talking, you are wrong!” (a) polite (b) impolite
13. 13.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “With respect, the last speaker missed an important point.” (a) closes a speech (b) gives evidence (c) opens a speech (d) rebuts a point
14. 14.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
15. 15.True or false: “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
16. 16.💬 Polite or impolite? “Your team is just jealous.” (a) polite (b) impolite
17. 17.True or false: “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
18. 18.💬 Polite or impolite? “Only a fool would believe that.” (a) polite (b) impolite
19. 19.True or false: “Whatever. Next!” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
20. 20.True or false: “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
21. 21.💬 Polite or impolite? “Whatever. Next!” (a) impolite (b) polite
22. 22.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” (a) opens a speech (b) closes a speech (c) gives evidence (d) rebuts a point
23. 23.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Let me begin by defining the motion.” (a) closes a speech (b) opens a speech (c) rebuts a point (d) gives evidence
24. 24.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
25. 25.True or false: “Today, my team will prove three things.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
26. 26.💬 Which line can end an opposition speech? (a) “Whatever.” (b) “Over and out.” (c) “That’s all, bye.” (d) “I beg to oppose.”
27. 27.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
28. 28.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is the silliest idea ever.” (a) polite (b) impolite
29. 29.True or false: “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
30. 30.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “My worthy opponent claimed it costs too much, but the facts say otherwise.” (a) gives evidence (b) opens a speech (c) closes a speech (d) rebuts a point
31. 31.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” (a) rebuts a point (b) gives evidence (c) opens a speech (d) closes a speech
32. 32.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Our science textbook tells us that…” (a) rebuts a point (b) closes a speech (c) opens a speech (d) gives evidence
33. 33.True or false: “Figures from the city water board show…” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
34. 34.💬 Which line can end a proposition speech? (a) “That’s all, bye.” (b) “Over and out.” (c) “Whatever.” (d) “I beg to propose.”
35. 35.True or false: “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
36. 36.True or false: “You clearly know nothing.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
37. 37.💬 Polite or impolite? “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” (a) impolite (b) polite
38. 38.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Today, my team will prove three things.” (a) rebuts a point (b) opens a speech (c) closes a speech (d) gives evidence
39. 39.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Figures from the city water board show…” (a) opens a speech (b) gives evidence (c) closes a speech (d) rebuts a point
40. 40.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is an interesting point, but…” (a) impolite (b) polite

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