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Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 299 · 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.True or false: “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
  2. 2.True or false: “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
  3. 3.True or false: “The other side says it is unsafe; in fact, it is safe with a teacher present.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
  4. 4.💬 Polite or impolite? “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  5. 5.True or false: “For all these reasons, I urge you to support the motion.” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
  6. 6.True or false: “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
  7. 7.💬 Which line can end an opposition speech? (a) “Whatever.” (b) “I beg to oppose.” (c) “Over and out.” (d) “That’s all, bye.”
  8. 8.💬 How should you begin a debate speech? (a) start shouting (b) insult the motion (c) greet judges, opponents (d) tell a long joke
  9. 9.True or false: “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
  10. 10.💬 Polite or impolite? “Stop talking, you are wrong!” (a) polite (b) impolite
  11. 11.💬 Polite or impolite? “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  12. 12.True or false: “Figures from the city water board show…” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
  13. 13.True or false: “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
  14. 14.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  15. 15.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  16. 16.True or false: “You clearly know nothing.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  17. 17.💬 Polite or impolite? “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  18. 18.True or false: “Stop talking, you are wrong!” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  19. 19.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “The library’s record shows that…” (a) closes a speech (b) opens a speech (c) gives evidence (d) rebuts a point
  20. 20.True or false: “I rest my case. Thank you.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
  21. 21.True or false: “For all these reasons, I urge you to support the motion.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  22. 22.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is the silliest idea ever.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  23. 23.True or false: “The library’s record shows that…” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
  24. 24.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  25. 25.💬 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) rebuts a point (d) gives evidence
  26. 26.True or false: “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
  27. 27.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “those people” (b) “my worthy opponents” (c) “hey, you there” (d) “you lot”
  28. 28.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  29. 29.True or false: “For all these reasons, I urge you to support the motion.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
  30. 30.True or false: “You clearly know nothing.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  31. 31.💬 Polite or impolite? “Only a fool would believe that.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  32. 32.💬 Polite or impolite? “You clearly know nothing.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  33. 33.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
  34. 34.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  35. 35.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “My worthy opponent claimed it costs too much, but the facts say otherwise.” (a) rebuts a point (b) gives evidence (c) opens a speech (d) closes a speech
  36. 36.True or false: “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  37. 37.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is an interesting point, but…” (a) impolite (b) polite
  38. 38.True or false: “Today, my team will prove three things.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  39. 39.💬 Which line can end a proposition speech? (a) “I beg to propose.” (b) “Over and out.” (c) “That’s all, bye.” (d) “Whatever.”
  40. 40.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” (a) closes a speech (b) rebuts a point (c) opens a speech (d) gives evidence

Answer key

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

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