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Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 396 · 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.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” (a) rebuts a point (b) gives evidence (c) closes a speech (d) opens a speech
  2. 2.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” (a) opens a speech (b) closes a speech (c) gives evidence (d) rebuts a point
  3. 3.True or false: “You clearly know nothing.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  4. 4.True or false: “Whatever. Next!” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  5. 5.True or false: “Stop talking, you are wrong!” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  6. 6.💬 Which line can end an opposition speech? (a) “Whatever.” (b) “That’s all, bye.” (c) “I beg to oppose.” (d) “Over and out.”
  7. 7.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  8. 8.💬 Polite or impolite? “Your team is just jealous.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  9. 9.💬 Polite or impolite? “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  10. 10.True or false: “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
  11. 11.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is the silliest idea ever.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  12. 12.💬 Which word should you never use about an opponent’s idea? (a) “stupid” (b) “important” (c) “interesting” (d) “fair”
  13. 13.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “those people” (b) “my worthy opponents” (c) “you lot” (d) “hey, you there”
  14. 14.True or false: “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
  15. 15.True or false: “The library’s record shows that…” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  16. 16.💬 Polite or impolite? “Only a fool would believe that.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  17. 17.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  18. 18.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  19. 19.💬 How should you begin a debate speech? (a) start shouting (b) insult the motion (c) tell a long joke (d) greet judges, opponents
  20. 20.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” (a) closes a speech (b) opens a speech (c) rebuts a point (d) gives evidence
  21. 21.💬 Which line can end a proposition speech? (a) “Whatever.” (b) “That’s all, bye.” (c) “I beg to propose.” (d) “Over and out.”
  22. 22.True or false: “Only a fool would believe that.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  23. 23.True or false: “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
  24. 24.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “For all these reasons, I urge you to support the motion.” (a) opens a speech (b) closes a speech (c) gives evidence (d) rebuts a point
  25. 25.💬 Polite or impolite? “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  26. 26.💬 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) gives evidence (d) opens a speech
  27. 27.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “With respect, the last speaker missed an important point.” (a) opens a speech (b) closes a speech (c) gives evidence (d) rebuts a point
  28. 28.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” (a) gives evidence (b) rebuts a point (c) opens a speech (d) closes a speech
  29. 29.True or false: “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
  30. 30.True or false: “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  31. 31.💬 Polite or impolite? “You clearly know nothing.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  32. 32.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  33. 33.💬 Polite or impolite? “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” (a) polite (b) impolite
  34. 34.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is an interesting point, but…” (a) impolite (b) polite
  35. 35.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Let me begin by defining the motion.” (a) gives evidence (b) closes a speech (c) opens a speech (d) rebuts a point
  36. 36.True or false: “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
  37. 37.💬 Polite or impolite? “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  38. 38.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “I rest my case. Thank you.” (a) closes a speech (b) gives evidence (c) opens a speech (d) rebuts a point
  39. 39.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  40. 40.True or false: “Today, my team will prove three things.” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False

Answer key

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

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