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Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 346 · 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.True or false: “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
  2. 2.💬 Which line can end a proposition speech? (a) “Over and out.” (b) “I beg to propose.” (c) “Whatever.” (d) “That’s all, bye.”
  3. 3.💬 Polite or impolite? “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  4. 4.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” (a) closes a speech (b) gives evidence (c) opens a speech (d) rebuts a point
  5. 5.True or false: “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  6. 6.💬 Polite or impolite? “You clearly know nothing.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  7. 7.💬 Which word should you never use about an opponent’s idea? (a) “interesting” (b) “fair” (c) “stupid” (d) “important”
  8. 8.True or false: “Only a fool would believe that.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  9. 9.True or false: “You clearly know nothing.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  10. 10.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “hey, you there” (b) “you lot” (c) “my worthy opponents” (d) “those people”
  11. 11.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  12. 12.💬 Polite or impolite? “Your team is just jealous.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  13. 13.💬 Polite or impolite? “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  14. 14.💬 Polite or impolite? “Whatever. Next!” (a) impolite (b) polite
  15. 15.True or false: “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  16. 16.True or false: “Your team is just jealous.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  17. 17.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  18. 18.💬 How should you begin a debate speech? (a) insult the motion (b) start shouting (c) tell a long joke (d) greet judges, opponents
  19. 19.True or false: “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
  20. 20.True or false: “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  21. 21.True or false: “You clearly know nothing.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  22. 22.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Let me begin by defining the motion.” (a) closes a speech (b) rebuts a point (c) gives evidence (d) opens a speech
  23. 23.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  24. 24.💬 Which line can end an opposition speech? (a) “Over and out.” (b) “I beg to oppose.” (c) “Whatever.” (d) “That’s all, bye.”
  25. 25.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
  26. 26.💬 Polite or impolite? “May I offer a point of information?” (a) impolite (b) polite
  27. 27.True or false: “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
  28. 28.💬 Polite or impolite? “Stop talking, you are wrong!” (a) impolite (b) polite
  29. 29.True or false: “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
  30. 30.True or false: “The other side says it is unsafe; in fact, it is safe with a teacher present.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  31. 31.True or false: “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  32. 32.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “The library’s record shows that…” (a) closes a speech (b) gives evidence (c) rebuts a point (d) opens a speech
  33. 33.True or false: “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
  34. 34.True or false: “With respect, the last speaker missed an important point.” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
  35. 35.💬 Polite or impolite? “Only a fool would believe that.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  36. 36.True or false: “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  37. 37.True or false: “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
  38. 38.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  39. 39.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “My worthy opponent claimed it costs too much, but the facts say otherwise.” (a) gives evidence (b) closes a speech (c) opens a speech (d) rebuts a point
  40. 40.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is an interesting point, but…” (a) polite (b) impolite

Answer key

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

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