← Polite debating phrases lesson New set →

Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 462 · 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) closes a speech (b) rebuts a point (c) gives evidence (d) opens a speech
  2. 2.💬 Which line can end an opposition speech? (a) “Over and out.” (b) “Whatever.” (c) “That’s all, bye.” (d) “I beg to oppose.”
  3. 3.True or false: “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
  4. 4.💬 How should you begin a debate speech? (a) insult the motion (b) start shouting (c) tell a long joke (d) greet judges, opponents
  5. 5.True or false: “You clearly know nothing.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  6. 6.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  7. 7.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is an interesting point, but…” (a) impolite (b) polite
  8. 8.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  9. 9.💬 Polite or impolite? “Only a fool would believe that.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  10. 10.True or false: “With respect, the last speaker missed an important point.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
  11. 11.True or false: “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
  12. 12.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “my worthy opponents” (b) “hey, you there” (c) “those people” (d) “you lot”
  13. 13.💬 Polite or impolite? “You clearly know nothing.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  14. 14.💬 Which line can end a proposition speech? (a) “That’s all, bye.” (b) “Whatever.” (c) “Over and out.” (d) “I beg to propose.”
  15. 15.💬 Polite or impolite? “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  16. 16.True or false: “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
  17. 17.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
  18. 18.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Today, my team will prove three things.” (a) gives evidence (b) closes a speech (c) rebuts a point (d) opens a speech
  19. 19.True or false: “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
  20. 20.💬 Polite or impolite? “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  21. 21.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
  22. 22.💬 Polite or impolite? “May I offer a point of information?” (a) impolite (b) polite
  23. 23.True or false: “I rest my case. Thank you.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
  24. 24.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” (a) rebuts a point (b) opens a speech (c) closes a speech (d) gives evidence
  25. 25.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  26. 26.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is the silliest idea ever.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  27. 27.True or false: “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
  28. 28.True or false: “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  29. 29.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” (a) closes a speech (b) gives evidence (c) opens a speech (d) rebuts a point
  30. 30.💬 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
  31. 31.💬 Polite or impolite? “Your team is just jealous.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  32. 32.True or false: “I rest my case. Thank you.” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
  33. 33.True or false: “Stop talking, you are wrong!” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  34. 34.True or false: “My worthy opponent claimed it costs too much, but the facts say otherwise.” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
  35. 35.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  36. 36.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” (a) opens a speech (b) rebuts a point (c) gives evidence (d) closes a speech
  37. 37.True or false: “With respect, the last speaker missed an important point.” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
  38. 38.True or false: “The other side says it is unsafe; in fact, it is safe with a teacher present.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
  39. 39.💬 Polite or impolite? “Whatever. Next!” (a) impolite (b) polite
  40. 40.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Let me begin by defining the motion.” (a) opens a speech (b) rebuts a point (c) closes a speech (d) gives evidence

Answer key

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

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