Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 325 · 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: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
2. 2.True or false: “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
3. 3.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
4. 4.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is an interesting point, but…” (a) polite (b) impolite
5. 5.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” (a) rebuts a point (b) opens a speech (c) gives evidence (d) closes a speech
6. 6.💬 Polite or impolite? “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” (a) polite (b) impolite
7. 7.True or false: “I rest my case. Thank you.” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
8. 8.True or false: “Whatever. Next!” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
9. 9.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Today, my team will prove three things.” (a) rebuts a point (b) gives evidence (c) closes a speech (d) opens a speech
10. 10.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
11. 11.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
12. 12.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Figures from the city water board show…” (a) opens a speech (b) gives evidence (c) rebuts a point (d) closes a speech
13. 13.True or false: “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
14. 14.💬 Polite or impolite? “May I offer a point of information?” (a) impolite (b) polite
15. 15.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” (a) rebuts a point (b) closes a speech (c) gives evidence (d) opens a speech
16. 16.💬 Polite or impolite? “You clearly know nothing.” (a) impolite (b) polite
17. 17.True or false: “The library’s record shows that…” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
18. 18.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” (a) rebuts a point (b) closes a speech (c) opens a speech (d) gives evidence
19. 19.💬 How should you begin a debate speech? (a) insult the motion (b) tell a long joke (c) start shouting (d) greet judges, opponents
20. 20.True or false: “I rest my case. Thank you.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
21. 21.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “My worthy opponent claimed it costs too much, but the facts say otherwise.” (a) opens a speech (b) gives evidence (c) rebuts a point (d) closes a speech
22. 22.True or false: “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
23. 23.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Let me begin by defining the motion.” (a) closes a speech (b) gives evidence (c) opens a speech (d) rebuts a point
24. 24.True or false: “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
25. 25.True or false: “The other side says it is unsafe; in fact, it is safe with a teacher present.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
26. 26.💬 Polite or impolite? “Your team is just jealous.” (a) impolite (b) polite
27. 27.True or false: “Only a fool would believe that.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
28. 28.True or false: “Whatever. Next!” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
29. 29.True or false: “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
30. 30.True or false: “Our science textbook tells us that…” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
31. 31.True or false: “For all these reasons, I urge you to support the motion.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
32. 32.True or false: “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
33. 33.💬 Which line can end an opposition speech? (a) “Whatever.” (b) “Over and out.” (c) “That’s all, bye.” (d) “I beg to oppose.”
34. 34.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
35. 35.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “I rest my case. Thank you.” (a) closes a speech (b) rebuts a point (c) gives evidence (d) opens a speech
36. 36.💬 Polite or impolite? “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” (a) impolite (b) polite
37. 37.💬 Which word should you never use about an opponent’s idea? (a) “stupid” (b) “fair” (c) “interesting” (d) “important”
38. 38.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
39. 39.💬 Polite or impolite? “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” (a) impolite (b) polite
40. 40.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “hey, you there” (b) “my worthy opponents” (c) “you lot” (d) “those people”

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