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Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 454 · 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.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  2. 2.💬 Polite or impolite? “Stop talking, you are wrong!” (a) impolite (b) polite
  3. 3.True or false: “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  4. 4.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” (a) rebuts a point (b) opens a speech (c) gives evidence (d) closes a speech
  5. 5.💬 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) gives evidence (d) closes a speech
  6. 6.True or false: “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  7. 7.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Let me begin by defining the motion.” (a) gives evidence (b) opens a speech (c) closes a speech (d) rebuts a point
  8. 8.💬 Polite or impolite? “Only a fool would believe that.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  9. 9.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  10. 10.💬 Which line can end an opposition speech? (a) “I beg to oppose.” (b) “That’s all, bye.” (c) “Over and out.” (d) “Whatever.”
  11. 11.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  12. 12.True or false: “Your team is just jealous.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  13. 13.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  14. 14.💬 Polite or impolite? “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  15. 15.💬 How should you begin a debate speech? (a) greet judges, opponents (b) tell a long joke (c) start shouting (d) insult the motion
  16. 16.💬 Polite or impolite? “Whatever. Next!” (a) impolite (b) polite
  17. 17.True or false: “Today, my team will prove three things.” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
  18. 18.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” (a) rebuts a point (b) gives evidence (c) opens a speech (d) closes a speech
  19. 19.True or false: “For all these reasons, I urge you to support the motion.” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
  20. 20.💬 Polite or impolite? “Your team is just jealous.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  21. 21.True or false: “My worthy opponent claimed it costs too much, but the facts say otherwise.” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
  22. 22.💬 Which word should you never use about an opponent’s idea? (a) “fair” (b) “interesting” (c) “important” (d) “stupid”
  23. 23.True or false: “The other side says it is unsafe; in fact, it is safe with a teacher present.” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
  24. 24.💬 Polite or impolite? “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” (a) polite (b) impolite
  25. 25.True or false: “I rest my case. Thank you.” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
  26. 26.💬 Which line can end a proposition speech? (a) “That’s all, bye.” (b) “Over and out.” (c) “Whatever.” (d) “I beg to propose.”
  27. 27.True or false: “Today, my team will prove three things.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  28. 28.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  29. 29.True or false: “Figures from the city water board show…” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
  30. 30.💬 Polite or impolite? “May I offer a point of information?” (a) polite (b) impolite
  31. 31.True or false: “Stop talking, you are wrong!” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  32. 32.True or false: “Your team is just jealous.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  33. 33.True or false: “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  34. 34.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is an interesting point, but…” (a) impolite (b) polite
  35. 35.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  36. 36.💬 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) closes a speech (c) gives evidence (d) rebuts a point
  37. 37.💬 Polite or impolite? “You clearly know nothing.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  38. 38.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  39. 39.True or false: “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
  40. 40.True or false: “Figures from the city water board show…” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False

Answer key

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

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