Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases
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.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is an interesting point, but…” (a) polite (b) impolite
- 2.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” (a) gives evidence (b) rebuts a point (c) opens a speech (d) closes a speech
- 3.💬 Which line can end an opposition speech? (a) “Whatever.” (b) “Over and out.” (c) “That’s all, bye.” (d) “I beg to oppose.”
- 4.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Let me begin by defining the motion.” (a) closes a speech (b) gives evidence (c) opens a speech (d) rebuts a point
- 5.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Today, my team will prove three things.” (a) opens a speech (b) gives evidence (c) rebuts a point (d) closes a speech
- 6.💬 Polite or impolite? “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” (a) polite (b) impolite
- 7.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “hey, you there” (b) “my worthy opponents” (c) “you lot” (d) “those people”
- 8.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
- 9.💬 Which word should you never use about an opponent’s idea? (a) “important” (b) “stupid” (c) “interesting” (d) “fair”
- 10.True or false: “Only a fool would believe that.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
- 11.💬 How should you begin a debate speech? (a) insult the motion (b) start shouting (c) greet judges, opponents (d) tell a long joke
- 12.True or false: “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
- 13.True or false: “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
- 14.💬 Polite or impolite? “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” (a) polite (b) impolite
- 15.True or false: “My worthy opponent claimed it costs too much, but the facts say otherwise.” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
- 16.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
- 17.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
- 18.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
- 19.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “I rest my case. Thank you.” (a) opens a speech (b) gives evidence (c) closes a speech (d) rebuts a point
- 20.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
- 21.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
- 22.True or false: “Your team is just jealous.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
- 23.💬 Polite or impolite? “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” (a) impolite (b) polite
- 24.💬 Which line can end a proposition speech? (a) “I beg to propose.” (b) “Over and out.” (c) “That’s all, bye.” (d) “Whatever.”
- 25.True or false: “Whatever. Next!” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
- 26.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” (a) opens a speech (b) gives evidence (c) rebuts a point (d) closes a speech
- 27.True or false: “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
- 28.True or false: “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
- 29.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” (a) opens a speech (b) gives evidence (c) rebuts a point (d) closes a speech
- 30.💬 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) closes a speech (d) opens a speech
- 31.True or false: “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
- 32.True or false: “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
- 33.💬 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) gives evidence (c) closes a speech (d) opens a speech
- 34.True or false: “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
- 35.True or false: “Stop talking, you are wrong!” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
- 36.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” (a) closes a speech (b) gives evidence (c) opens a speech (d) rebuts a point
- 37.💬 Polite or impolite? “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” (a) impolite (b) polite
- 38.True or false: “The library’s record shows that…” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
- 39.True or false: “Whatever. Next!” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
- 40.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Our science textbook tells us that…” (a) gives evidence (b) rebuts a point (c) closes a speech (d) opens a speech
Answer key
- polite
- opens a speech
- “I beg to oppose.”
- opens a speech
- opens a speech
- polite
- “my worthy opponents”
- True
- “stupid”
- True
- greet judges, opponents
- False
- False
- polite
- True
- False
- False
- True
- closes a speech
- True
- True
- True
- polite
- “I beg to propose.”
- True
- closes a speech
- True
- True
- rebuts a point
- opens a speech
- True
- False
- rebuts a point
- False
- False
- closes a speech
- polite
- True
- False
- gives evidence
Free debate lessons, practice and worksheets at talentjr.in/debate-for-students