Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 351 · 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 a proposition speech? (a) “Over and out.” (b) “Whatever.” (c) “That’s all, bye.” (d) “I beg to propose.”
2. 2.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
3. 3.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
4. 4.True or false: “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
5. 5.💬 Polite or impolite? “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” (a) impolite (b) polite
6. 6.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Our science textbook tells us that…” (a) rebuts a point (b) opens a speech (c) gives evidence (d) closes a speech
7. 7.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is the silliest idea ever.” (a) impolite (b) polite
8. 8.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
9. 9.True or false: “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
10. 10.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
11. 11.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
12. 12.True or false: “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
13. 13.💬 Polite or impolite? “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” (a) impolite (b) polite
14. 14.True or false: “Whatever. Next!” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
15. 15.True or false: “You clearly know nothing.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
16. 16.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Figures from the city water board show…” (a) closes a speech (b) rebuts a point (c) opens a speech (d) gives evidence
17. 17.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “With respect, the last speaker missed an important point.” (a) gives evidence (b) closes a speech (c) opens a speech (d) rebuts a point
18. 18.True or false: “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
19. 19.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” (a) opens a speech (b) closes a speech (c) gives evidence (d) rebuts a point
20. 20.True or false: “I rest my case. Thank you.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
21. 21.💬 Polite or impolite? “Whatever. Next!” (a) impolite (b) polite
22. 22.True or false: “Only a fool would believe that.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
23. 23.True or false: “I rest my case. Thank you.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
24. 24.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” (a) opens a speech (b) rebuts a point (c) closes a speech (d) gives evidence
25. 25.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
26. 26.💬 Which line can end an opposition speech? (a) “Whatever.” (b) “That’s all, bye.” (c) “I beg to oppose.” (d) “Over and out.”
27. 27.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “those people” (b) “you lot” (c) “hey, you there” (d) “my worthy opponents”
28. 28.True or false: “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
29. 29.True or false: “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
30. 30.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
31. 31.💬 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
32. 32.True or false: “My worthy opponent claimed it costs too much, but the facts say otherwise.” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
33. 33.💬 Polite or impolite? “You clearly know nothing.” (a) impolite (b) polite
34. 34.💬 Polite or impolite? “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” (a) impolite (b) polite
35. 35.💬 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
36. 36.💬 How should you begin a debate speech? (a) insult the motion (b) greet judges, opponents (c) tell a long joke (d) start shouting
37. 37.💬 Polite or impolite? “Your team is just jealous.” (a) impolite (b) polite
38. 38.True or false: “For all these reasons, I urge you to support the motion.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
39. 39.💬 Which word should you never use about an opponent’s idea? (a) “important” (b) “fair” (c) “stupid” (d) “interesting”
40. 40.💬 Polite or impolite? “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” (a) impolite (b) polite

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