Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 406 · 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.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
2. 2.💬 Which word should you never use about an opponent’s idea? (a) “fair” (b) “important” (c) “stupid” (d) “interesting”
3. 3.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Today, my team will prove three things.” (a) rebuts a point (b) closes a speech (c) opens a speech (d) gives evidence
4. 4.True or false: “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
5. 5.💬 Polite or impolite? “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” (a) impolite (b) polite
6. 6.💬 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) gives evidence (d) opens a speech
7. 7.True or false: “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
8. 8.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Figures from the city water board show…” (a) opens a speech (b) rebuts a point (c) gives evidence (d) closes a speech
9. 9.True or false: “With respect, the last speaker missed an important point.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
10. 10.True or false: “The library’s record shows that…” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
11. 11.True or false: “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
12. 12.💬 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
13. 13.True or false: “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
14. 14.True or false: “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
15. 15.True or false: “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
16. 16.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is the silliest idea ever.” (a) impolite (b) polite
17. 17.💬 Polite or impolite? “Only a fool would believe that.” (a) impolite (b) polite
18. 18.💬 How should you begin a debate speech? (a) tell a long joke (b) insult the motion (c) greet judges, opponents (d) start shouting
19. 19.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” (a) closes a speech (b) opens a speech (c) gives evidence (d) rebuts a point
20. 20.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
21. 21.💬 Which line can end a proposition speech? (a) “I beg to propose.” (b) “That’s all, bye.” (c) “Over and out.” (d) “Whatever.”
22. 22.True or false: “Figures from the city water board show…” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
23. 23.💬 Which line can end an opposition speech? (a) “Over and out.” (b) “That’s all, bye.” (c) “I beg to oppose.” (d) “Whatever.”
24. 24.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” (a) closes a speech (b) opens a speech (c) rebuts a point (d) gives evidence
25. 25.True or false: “Our science textbook tells us that…” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
26. 26.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
27. 27.True or false: “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
28. 28.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is an interesting point, but…” (a) impolite (b) polite
29. 29.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Let me begin by defining the motion.” (a) opens a speech (b) closes a speech (c) gives evidence (d) rebuts a point
30. 30.True or false: “You clearly know nothing.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
31. 31.True or false: “Stop talking, you are wrong!” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
32. 32.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “With respect, the last speaker missed an important point.” (a) gives evidence (b) opens a speech (c) rebuts a point (d) closes a speech
33. 33.💬 Polite or impolite? “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” (a) impolite (b) polite
34. 34.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
35. 35.True or false: “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
36. 36.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” (a) closes a speech (b) opens a speech (c) gives evidence (d) rebuts a point
37. 37.True or false: “Stop talking, you are wrong!” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
38. 38.💬 Polite or impolite? “Whatever. Next!” (a) polite (b) impolite
39. 39.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
40. 40.True or false: “Whatever. Next!” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True

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