Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 330 · 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.💬 Which line can end an opposition speech? (a) “Whatever.” (b) “I beg to oppose.” (c) “Over and out.” (d) “That’s all, bye.”
2. 2.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” (a) rebuts a point (b) gives evidence (c) opens a speech (d) closes a speech
3. 3.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “hey, you there” (b) “my worthy opponents” (c) “those people” (d) “you lot”
4. 4.True or false: “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
5. 5.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “For all these reasons, I urge you to support the motion.” (a) gives evidence (b) opens a speech (c) rebuts a point (d) closes a speech
6. 6.True or false: “Your team is just jealous.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
7. 7.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
8. 8.True or false: “With respect, the last speaker missed an important point.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
9. 9.True or false: “The other side says it is unsafe; in fact, it is safe with a teacher present.” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
10. 10.True or false: “I rest my case. Thank you.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
11. 11.💬 Polite or impolite? “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” (a) impolite (b) polite
12. 12.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is an interesting point, but…” (a) impolite (b) polite
13. 13.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
14. 14.True or false: “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” 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: “Your team is just jealous.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
17. 17.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
18. 18.💬 Polite or impolite? “Stop talking, you are wrong!” (a) polite (b) impolite
19. 19.💬 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
20. 20.💬 Which line can end a proposition speech? (a) “Whatever.” (b) “I beg to propose.” (c) “That’s all, bye.” (d) “Over and out.”
21. 21.💬 Polite or impolite? “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” (a) polite (b) impolite
22. 22.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
23. 23.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Figures from the city water board show…” (a) rebuts a point (b) closes a speech (c) opens a speech (d) gives evidence
24. 24.💬 Polite or impolite? “Whatever. Next!” (a) impolite (b) polite
25. 25.True or false: “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
26. 26.💬 Polite or impolite? “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” (a) impolite (b) polite
27. 27.True or false: “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
28. 28.True or false: “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
29. 29.True or false: “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
30. 30.💬 How should you begin a debate speech? (a) insult the motion (b) tell a long joke (c) start shouting (d) greet judges, opponents
31. 31.True or false: “Our science textbook tells us that…” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
32. 32.💬 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
33. 33.True or false: “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
34. 34.💬 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) rebuts a point (c) closes a speech (d) gives evidence
35. 35.💬 Which word should you never use about an opponent’s idea? (a) “interesting” (b) “important” (c) “stupid” (d) “fair”
36. 36.True or false: “Today, my team will prove three things.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
37. 37.True or false: “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
38. 38.True or false: “Today, my team will prove three things.” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
39. 39.True or false: “For all these reasons, I urge you to support the motion.” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
40. 40.💬 Polite or impolite? “Only a fool would believe that.” (a) polite (b) impolite

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