Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 451 · 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: “The other side says it is unsafe; in fact, it is safe with a teacher present.” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
2. 2.💬 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
3. 3.True or false: “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
4. 4.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “With respect, the last speaker missed an important point.” (a) closes a speech (b) opens a speech (c) rebuts a point (d) gives evidence
5. 5.💬 Polite or impolite? “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” (a) polite (b) impolite
6. 6.True or false: “You clearly know nothing.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
7. 7.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Our science textbook tells us that…” (a) rebuts a point (b) gives evidence (c) closes a speech (d) opens a speech
8. 8.True or false: “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
9. 9.True or false: “Stop talking, you are wrong!” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
10. 10.True or false: “Only a fool would believe that.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
11. 11.💬 Polite or impolite? “Stop talking, you are wrong!” (a) impolite (b) polite
12. 12.💬 Which line can end an opposition speech? (a) “Over and out.” (b) “I beg to oppose.” (c) “That’s all, bye.” (d) “Whatever.”
13. 13.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
14. 14.True or false: “Figures from the city water board show…” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
15. 15.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “hey, you there” (b) “those people” (c) “my worthy opponents” (d) “you lot”
16. 16.True or false: “Our science textbook tells us that…” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
17. 17.True or false: “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
18. 18.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” (a) closes a speech (b) gives evidence (c) rebuts a point (d) opens a speech
19. 19.💬 Polite or impolite? “Your team is just jealous.” (a) polite (b) impolite
20. 20.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “I rest my case. Thank you.” (a) opens a speech (b) closes a speech (c) gives evidence (d) rebuts a point
21. 21.True or false: “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
22. 22.💬 Polite or impolite? “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” (a) polite (b) impolite
23. 23.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “The library’s record shows that…” (a) rebuts a point (b) closes a speech (c) opens a speech (d) gives evidence
24. 24.💬 Polite or impolite? “May I offer a point of information?” (a) polite (b) impolite
25. 25.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Let me begin by defining the motion.” (a) rebuts a point (b) closes a speech (c) opens a speech (d) gives evidence
26. 26.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is an interesting point, but…” (a) polite (b) impolite
27. 27.True or false: “Figures from the city water board show…” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
28. 28.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
29. 29.True or false: “You clearly know nothing.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
30. 30.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” (a) gives evidence (b) rebuts a point (c) opens a speech (d) closes a speech
31. 31.True or false: “Only a fool would believe that.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
32. 32.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
33. 33.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
34. 34.True or false: “The library’s record shows that…” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
35. 35.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
36. 36.💬 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
37. 37.True or false: “I rest my case. Thank you.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
38. 38.💬 Polite or impolite? “You clearly know nothing.” (a) polite (b) impolite
39. 39.💬 How should you begin a debate speech? (a) start shouting (b) insult the motion (c) greet judges, opponents (d) tell a long joke
40. 40.True or false: “With respect, the last speaker missed an important point.” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False

Free debate lessons, practice and worksheets at talentjr.in/debate-for-students