Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

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

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