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Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 447 · 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? “Our science textbook tells us that…” (a) gives evidence (b) closes a speech (c) rebuts a point (d) opens a speech
  2. 2.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  3. 3.True or false: “The library’s record shows that…” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
  4. 4.True or false: “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
  5. 5.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “you lot” (b) “those people” (c) “hey, you there” (d) “my worthy opponents”
  6. 6.💬 Polite or impolite? “Your team is just jealous.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  7. 7.💬 Which word should you never use about an opponent’s idea? (a) “important” (b) “fair” (c) “interesting” (d) “stupid”
  8. 8.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  9. 9.True or false: “The library’s record shows that…” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
  10. 10.True or false: “Your team is just jealous.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  11. 11.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “The library’s record shows that…” (a) closes a speech (b) rebuts a point (c) gives evidence (d) opens a speech
  12. 12.💬 Polite or impolite? “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” (a) impolite (b) polite
  13. 13.True or false: “For all these reasons, I urge you to support the motion.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
  14. 14.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is a polite 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: “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
  17. 17.True or false: “My worthy opponent claimed it costs too much, but the facts say otherwise.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
  18. 18.True or false: “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  19. 19.True or false: “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
  20. 20.True or false: “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  21. 21.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  22. 22.💬 Polite or impolite? “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  23. 23.💬 Which line can end an opposition speech? (a) “I beg to oppose.” (b) “Over and out.” (c) “Whatever.” (d) “That’s all, bye.”
  24. 24.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” (a) opens a speech (b) rebuts a point (c) closes a speech (d) gives evidence
  25. 25.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  26. 26.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  27. 27.💬 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
  28. 28.True or false: “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
  29. 29.True or false: “With respect, the last speaker missed an important point.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  30. 30.💬 Which line can end a proposition speech? (a) “That’s all, bye.” (b) “I beg to propose.” (c) “Whatever.” (d) “Over and out.”
  31. 31.💬 How should you begin a debate speech? (a) tell a long joke (b) greet judges, opponents (c) insult the motion (d) start shouting
  32. 32.💬 Polite or impolite? “Stop talking, you are wrong!” (a) polite (b) impolite
  33. 33.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  34. 34.True or false: “Today, my team will prove three things.” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
  35. 35.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Let me begin by defining the motion.” (a) gives evidence (b) rebuts a point (c) opens a speech (d) closes a speech
  36. 36.💬 Polite or impolite? “Only a fool would believe that.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  37. 37.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  38. 38.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  39. 39.True or false: “The library’s record shows that…” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
  40. 40.💬 Polite or impolite? “You clearly know nothing.” (a) impolite (b) polite

Answer key

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

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