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Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 429 · 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? “My worthy opponent claimed it costs too much, but the facts say otherwise.” (a) opens a speech (b) closes a speech (c) rebuts a point (d) gives evidence
  2. 2.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” (a) closes a speech (b) gives evidence (c) opens a speech (d) rebuts a point
  3. 3.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “you lot” (b) “those people” (c) “hey, you there” (d) “my worthy opponents”
  4. 4.💬 Polite or impolite? “Only a fool would believe that.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  5. 5.True or false: “Only a fool would believe that.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  6. 6.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is an interesting point, but…” (a) polite (b) impolite
  7. 7.💬 Which word should you never use about an opponent’s idea? (a) “important” (b) “stupid” (c) “fair” (d) “interesting”
  8. 8.True or false: “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  9. 9.True or false: “My worthy opponent claimed it costs too much, but the facts say otherwise.” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
  10. 10.True or false: “Whatever. Next!” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  11. 11.True or false: “For all these reasons, I urge you to support the motion.” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
  12. 12.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  13. 13.💬 Which line can end a proposition speech? (a) “Whatever.” (b) “I beg to propose.” (c) “That’s all, bye.” (d) “Over and out.”
  14. 14.💬 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) gives evidence (c) rebuts a point (d) closes a speech
  15. 15.True or false: “Figures from the city water board show…” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
  16. 16.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  17. 17.💬 Polite or impolite? “You clearly know nothing.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  18. 18.True or false: “You clearly know nothing.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  19. 19.💬 Polite or impolite? “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  20. 20.💬 Polite or impolite? “Stop talking, you are wrong!” (a) polite (b) impolite
  21. 21.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” (a) opens a speech (b) closes a speech (c) gives evidence (d) rebuts a point
  22. 22.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  23. 23.💬 How should you begin a debate speech? (a) insult the motion (b) start shouting (c) tell a long joke (d) greet judges, opponents
  24. 24.💬 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
  25. 25.💬 Polite or impolite? “Your team is just jealous.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  26. 26.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” (a) closes a speech (b) rebuts a point (c) opens a speech (d) gives evidence
  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) rebuts a point (c) gives evidence (d) closes a speech
  28. 28.True or false: “You clearly know nothing.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  29. 29.True or false: “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  30. 30.💬 Polite or impolite? “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” (a) polite (b) impolite
  31. 31.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Figures from the city water board show…” (a) rebuts a point (b) closes a speech (c) opens a speech (d) gives evidence
  32. 32.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  33. 33.True or false: “I rest my case. Thank you.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  34. 34.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” (a) gives evidence (b) rebuts a point (c) closes a speech (d) opens a speech
  35. 35.True or false: “My worthy opponent claimed it costs too much, but the facts say otherwise.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
  36. 36.True or false: “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
  37. 37.💬 Which line can end an opposition speech? (a) “Whatever.” (b) “I beg to oppose.” (c) “That’s all, bye.” (d) “Over and out.”
  38. 38.💬 Polite or impolite? “Whatever. Next!” (a) polite (b) impolite
  39. 39.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  40. 40.💬 Polite or impolite? “May I offer a point of information?” (a) impolite (b) polite

Answer key

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

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