Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 340 · 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.💬 Polite or impolite? “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” (a) impolite (b) polite
2. 2.💬 Polite or impolite? “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” (a) impolite (b) polite
3. 3.💬 Polite or impolite? “Your team is just jealous.” (a) impolite (b) polite
4. 4.True or false: “Your team is just jealous.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
5. 5.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is the silliest idea ever.” (a) impolite (b) polite
6. 6.True or false: “You clearly know nothing.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
7. 7.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” (a) gives evidence (b) opens a speech (c) closes a speech (d) rebuts a point
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: “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
10. 10.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Figures from the city water board show…” (a) gives evidence (b) closes a speech (c) opens a speech (d) rebuts a point
11. 11.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
12. 12.True or false: “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
13. 13.💬 How should you begin a debate speech? (a) start shouting (b) greet judges, opponents (c) tell a long joke (d) insult the motion
14. 14.💬 Polite or impolite? “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” (a) polite (b) impolite
15. 15.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “My worthy opponent claimed it costs too much, but the facts say otherwise.” (a) rebuts a point (b) opens a speech (c) gives evidence (d) closes a speech
16. 16.True or false: “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
17. 17.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Let me begin by defining the motion.” (a) closes a speech (b) gives evidence (c) rebuts a point (d) opens a speech
18. 18.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
19. 19.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
20. 20.True or false: “With respect, the last speaker missed an important point.” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
21. 21.True or false: “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
22. 22.True or false: “Only a fool would believe that.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
23. 23.💬 Polite or impolite? “You clearly know nothing.” (a) impolite (b) polite
24. 24.True or false: “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
25. 25.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “my worthy opponents” (b) “those people” (c) “hey, you there” (d) “you lot”
26. 26.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
27. 27.💬 Polite or impolite? “May I offer a point of information?” (a) polite (b) impolite
28. 28.💬 Polite or impolite? “Only a fool would believe that.” (a) polite (b) impolite
29. 29.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
30. 30.True or false: “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
31. 31.💬 Polite or impolite? “Stop talking, you are wrong!” (a) impolite (b) polite
32. 32.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
33. 33.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is an interesting point, but…” (a) polite (b) impolite
34. 34.True or false: “Your team is just jealous.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
35. 35.True or false: “Our science textbook tells us that…” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
36. 36.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” (a) gives evidence (b) rebuts a point (c) closes a speech (d) opens a speech
37. 37.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “I rest my case. Thank you.” (a) gives evidence (b) closes a speech (c) opens a speech (d) rebuts a point
38. 38.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
39. 39.True or false: “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
40. 40.True or false: “My worthy opponent claimed it costs too much, but the facts say otherwise.” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False

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