Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases
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.True or false: “Stop talking, you are wrong!” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
- 2.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
- 3.True or false: “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
- 4.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Today, my team will prove three things.” (a) rebuts a point (b) closes a speech (c) opens a speech (d) gives evidence
- 5.True or false: “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
- 6.True or false: “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
- 7.True or false: “You clearly know nothing.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
- 8.💬 Polite or impolite? “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” (a) polite (b) impolite
- 9.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
- 10.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “The library’s record shows that…” (a) rebuts a point (b) closes a speech (c) gives evidence (d) opens a speech
- 11.💬 How should you begin a debate speech? (a) start shouting (b) tell a long joke (c) insult the motion (d) greet judges, opponents
- 12.True or false: “I rest my case. Thank you.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
- 13.True or false: “Your team is just jealous.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
- 14.💬 Which line can end a proposition speech? (a) “I beg to propose.” (b) “That’s all, bye.” (c) “Whatever.” (d) “Over and out.”
- 15.💬 Polite or impolite? “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” (a) impolite (b) polite
- 16.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” (a) closes a speech (b) rebuts a point (c) gives evidence (d) opens a speech
- 17.True or false: “My worthy opponent claimed it costs too much, but the facts say otherwise.” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
- 18.True or false: “I rest my case. Thank you.” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
- 19.True or false: “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
- 20.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” (a) gives evidence (b) closes a speech (c) opens a speech (d) rebuts a point
- 21.True or false: “Stop talking, you are wrong!” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
- 22.True or false: “Our science textbook tells us that…” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
- 23.💬 Polite or impolite? “You clearly know nothing.” (a) polite (b) impolite
- 24.True or false: “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
- 25.True or false: “Whatever. Next!” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
- 26.True or false: “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
- 27.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
- 28.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” (a) opens a speech (b) gives evidence (c) closes a speech (d) rebuts a point
- 29.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Our science textbook tells us that…” (a) opens a speech (b) rebuts a point (c) closes a speech (d) gives evidence
- 30.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is an interesting point, but…” (a) impolite (b) polite
- 31.💬 Which word should you never use about an opponent’s idea? (a) “interesting” (b) “stupid” (c) “fair” (d) “important”
- 32.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
- 33.True or false: “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
- 34.💬 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) opens a speech (c) closes a speech (d) gives evidence
- 35.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
- 36.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is the silliest idea ever.” (a) impolite (b) polite
- 37.True or false: “Only a fool would believe that.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
- 38.True or false: “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
- 39.True or false: “I rest my case. Thank you.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
- 40.💬 Polite or impolite? “Whatever. Next!” (a) impolite (b) polite
Answer key
- False
- True
- False
- opens a speech
- False
- False
- True
- polite
- True
- gives evidence
- greet judges, opponents
- True
- False
- “I beg to propose.”
- polite
- closes a speech
- False
- False
- True
- opens a speech
- True
- False
- impolite
- True
- False
- True
- False
- rebuts a point
- gives evidence
- polite
- “stupid”
- False
- False
- closes a speech
- False
- impolite
- False
- True
- False
- impolite
Free debate lessons, practice and worksheets at talentjr.in/debate-for-students