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Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 329 · 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.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “those people” (b) “hey, you there” (c) “you lot” (d) “my worthy opponents”
  2. 2.💬 Which word should you never use about an opponent’s idea? (a) “fair” (b) “interesting” (c) “stupid” (d) “important”
  3. 3.💬 Which line can end an opposition speech? (a) “Over and out.” (b) “I beg to oppose.” (c) “That’s all, bye.” (d) “Whatever.”
  4. 4.True or false: “With respect, the last speaker missed an important point.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
  5. 5.💬 Which line can end a proposition speech? (a) “Over and out.” (b) “That’s all, bye.” (c) “Whatever.” (d) “I beg to propose.”
  6. 6.True or false: “The library’s record shows that…” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  7. 7.True or false: “With respect, the last speaker missed an important point.” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
  8. 8.💬 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) rebuts a point (d) gives evidence
  9. 9.True or false: “Today, my team will prove three things.” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
  10. 10.💬 Polite or impolite? “May I offer a point of information?” (a) polite (b) impolite
  11. 11.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is an interesting point, but…” (a) impolite (b) polite
  12. 12.💬 Polite or impolite? “Whatever. Next!” (a) impolite (b) polite
  13. 13.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  14. 14.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  15. 15.💬 Polite or impolite? “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” (a) impolite (b) polite
  16. 16.True or false: “For all these reasons, I urge you to support the motion.” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
  17. 17.💬 Polite or impolite? “Only a fool would believe that.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  18. 18.💬 Polite or impolite? “Your team is just jealous.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  19. 19.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
  20. 20.True or false: “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
  21. 21.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” (a) closes a speech (b) gives evidence (c) rebuts a point (d) opens a speech
  22. 22.True or false: “My worthy opponent claimed it costs too much, but the facts say otherwise.” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
  23. 23.True or false: “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  24. 24.True or false: “With respect, the last speaker missed an important point.” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
  25. 25.True or false: “Your team is just jealous.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  26. 26.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  27. 27.True or false: “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  28. 28.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is the silliest idea ever.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  29. 29.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” (a) gives evidence (b) rebuts a point (c) closes a speech (d) opens a speech
  30. 30.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Let me begin by defining the motion.” (a) rebuts a point (b) gives evidence (c) opens a speech (d) closes a speech
  31. 31.True or false: “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
  32. 32.💬 How should you begin a debate speech? (a) insult the motion (b) greet judges, opponents (c) start shouting (d) tell a long joke
  33. 33.True or false: “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
  34. 34.💬 Polite or impolite? “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  35. 35.True or false: “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  36. 36.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
  37. 37.True or false: “Only a fool would believe that.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  38. 38.True or false: “Today, my team will prove three things.” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
  39. 39.💬 Polite or impolite? “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  40. 40.True or false: “You clearly know nothing.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True

Answer key

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

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