Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 431 · 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.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” (a) opens a speech (b) gives evidence (c) rebuts a point (d) closes a speech
2. 2.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is an interesting point, but…” (a) impolite (b) polite
3. 3.True or false: “Stop talking, you are wrong!” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
4. 4.True or false: “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
5. 5.True or false: “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
6. 6.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Figures from the city water board show…” (a) gives evidence (b) rebuts a point (c) opens a speech (d) closes a speech
7. 7.True or false: “Figures from the city water board show…” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
8. 8.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
9. 9.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “The other side says it is unsafe; in fact, it is safe with a teacher present.” (a) opens a speech (b) gives evidence (c) closes a speech (d) rebuts a point
10. 10.True or false: “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
11. 11.💬 How should you begin a debate speech? (a) tell a long joke (b) insult the motion (c) start shouting (d) greet judges, opponents
12. 12.True or false: “Your team is just jealous.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
13. 13.💬 Which line can end a proposition speech? (a) “Over and out.” (b) “Whatever.” (c) “I beg to propose.” (d) “That’s all, bye.”
14. 14.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
15. 15.💬 Polite or impolite? “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” (a) impolite (b) polite
16. 16.True or false: “Today, my team will prove three things.” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
17. 17.💬 Polite or impolite? “You clearly know nothing.” (a) polite (b) impolite
18. 18.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
19. 19.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
20. 20.True or false: “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
21. 21.True or false: “Whatever. Next!” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
22. 22.💬 Polite or impolite? “May I offer a point of information?” (a) polite (b) impolite
23. 23.True or false: “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
24. 24.💬 Which line can end an opposition speech? (a) “I beg to oppose.” (b) “Over and out.” (c) “Whatever.” (d) “That’s all, bye.”
25. 25.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Our science textbook tells us that…” (a) closes a speech (b) opens a speech (c) gives evidence (d) rebuts a point
26. 26.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
27. 27.True or false: “My worthy opponent claimed it costs too much, but the facts say otherwise.” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
28. 28.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “you lot” (b) “my worthy opponents” (c) “those people” (d) “hey, you there”
29. 29.💬 Polite or impolite? “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” (a) impolite (b) polite
30. 30.💬 Polite or impolite? “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” (a) impolite (b) polite
31. 31.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “I rest my case. Thank you.” (a) closes a speech (b) opens a speech (c) rebuts a point (d) gives evidence
32. 32.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is the silliest idea ever.” (a) polite (b) impolite
33. 33.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
34. 34.💬 Which word should you never use about an opponent’s idea? (a) “interesting” (b) “important” (c) “stupid” (d) “fair”
35. 35.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
36. 36.True or false: “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
37. 37.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Today, my team will prove three things.” (a) gives evidence (b) rebuts a point (c) opens a speech (d) closes a speech
38. 38.True or false: “The other side says it is unsafe; in fact, it is safe with a teacher present.” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
39. 39.💬 Polite or impolite? “Only a fool would believe that.” (a) impolite (b) polite
40. 40.True or false: “The library’s record shows that…” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True

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