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Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 336 · 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.💬 Polite or impolite? “You clearly know nothing.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  2. 2.True or false: “Only a fool would believe that.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  3. 3.💬 Polite or impolite? “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” (a) impolite (b) polite
  4. 4.True or false: “For all these reasons, I urge you to support the motion.” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
  5. 5.💬 Which line can end an opposition speech? (a) “I beg to oppose.” (b) “Over and out.” (c) “Whatever.” (d) “That’s all, bye.”
  6. 6.💬 Polite or impolite? “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  7. 7.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  8. 8.True or false: “With respect, the last speaker missed an important point.” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
  9. 9.💬 How should you begin a debate speech? (a) start shouting (b) greet judges, opponents (c) insult the motion (d) tell a long joke
  10. 10.True or false: “You clearly know nothing.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  11. 11.💬 Polite or impolite? “May I offer a point of information?” (a) polite (b) impolite
  12. 12.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is an interesting point, but…” (a) impolite (b) polite
  13. 13.💬 Polite or impolite? “Your team is just jealous.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  14. 14.💬 Polite or impolite? “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  15. 15.💬 Polite or impolite? “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  16. 16.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
  17. 17.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” (a) rebuts a point (b) opens a speech (c) closes a speech (d) gives evidence
  18. 18.True or false: “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  19. 19.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Let me begin by defining the motion.” (a) opens a speech (b) gives evidence (c) rebuts a point (d) closes a speech
  20. 20.True or false: “The library’s record shows that…” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
  21. 21.True or false: “My worthy opponent claimed it costs too much, but the facts say otherwise.” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
  22. 22.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” (a) gives evidence (b) rebuts a point (c) opens a speech (d) closes a speech
  23. 23.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  24. 24.💬 Polite or impolite? “Stop talking, you are wrong!” (a) polite (b) impolite
  25. 25.💬 Which line can end a proposition speech? (a) “Whatever.” (b) “That’s all, bye.” (c) “I beg to propose.” (d) “Over and out.”
  26. 26.💬 Polite or impolite? “Whatever. Next!” (a) impolite (b) polite
  27. 27.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “The library’s record shows that…” (a) opens a speech (b) rebuts a point (c) gives evidence (d) closes a speech
  28. 28.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  29. 29.True or false: “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
  30. 30.True or false: “Today, my team will prove three things.” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
  31. 31.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Figures from the city water board show…” (a) rebuts a point (b) opens a speech (c) closes a speech (d) gives evidence
  32. 32.True or false: “Only a fool would believe that.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  33. 33.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” (a) gives evidence (b) opens a speech (c) closes a speech (d) rebuts a point
  34. 34.True or false: “For all these reasons, I urge you to support the motion.” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
  35. 35.True or false: “Stop talking, you are wrong!” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  36. 36.True or false: “Today, my team will prove three things.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  37. 37.True or false: “Whatever. Next!” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  38. 38.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “For all these reasons, I urge you to support the motion.” (a) gives evidence (b) closes a speech (c) opens a speech (d) rebuts a point
  39. 39.💬 Which word should you never use about an opponent’s idea? (a) “fair” (b) “important” (c) “stupid” (d) “interesting”
  40. 40.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Today, my team will prove three things.” (a) opens a speech (b) rebuts a point (c) gives evidence (d) closes a speech

Answer key

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

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