Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 474 · 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? “Our science textbook tells us that…” (a) closes a speech (b) rebuts a point (c) opens a speech (d) gives evidence
2. 2.💬 Which line can end an opposition speech? (a) “That’s all, bye.” (b) “Whatever.” (c) “Over and out.” (d) “I beg to oppose.”
3. 3.💬 How should you begin a debate speech? (a) insult the motion (b) start shouting (c) greet judges, opponents (d) tell a long joke
4. 4.True or false: “Today, my team will prove three things.” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
5. 5.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” (a) closes a speech (b) gives evidence (c) opens a speech (d) rebuts a point
6. 6.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “With respect, the last speaker missed an important point.” (a) opens a speech (b) rebuts a point (c) gives evidence (d) closes a speech
7. 7.True or false: “Stop talking, you are wrong!” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
8. 8.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is the silliest idea ever.” (a) impolite (b) polite
9. 9.True or false: “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
10. 10.💬 Polite or impolite? “Stop talking, you are wrong!” (a) polite (b) impolite
11. 11.True or false: “Only a fool would believe that.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
12. 12.True or false: “The library’s record shows that…” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
13. 13.True or false: “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
14. 14.True or false: “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
15. 15.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is an interesting point, but…” (a) polite (b) impolite
16. 16.True or false: “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
17. 17.💬 Polite or impolite? “You clearly know nothing.” (a) impolite (b) polite
18. 18.💬 Which line can end a proposition speech? (a) “That’s all, bye.” (b) “Whatever.” (c) “I beg to propose.” (d) “Over and out.”
19. 19.💬 Polite or impolite? “Only a fool would believe that.” (a) polite (b) impolite
20. 20.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” (a) rebuts a point (b) closes a speech (c) opens a speech (d) gives evidence
21. 21.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
22. 22.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “my worthy opponents” (b) “those people” (c) “you lot” (d) “hey, you there”
23. 23.True or false: “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
24. 24.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Today, my team will prove three things.” (a) rebuts a point (b) gives evidence (c) opens a speech (d) closes a speech
25. 25.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “My worthy opponent claimed it costs too much, but the facts say otherwise.” (a) rebuts a point (b) gives evidence (c) closes a speech (d) opens a speech
26. 26.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Let me begin by defining the motion.” (a) closes a speech (b) opens a speech (c) gives evidence (d) rebuts a point
27. 27.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” (a) gives evidence (b) closes a speech (c) rebuts a point (d) opens a speech
28. 28.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
29. 29.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
30. 30.True or false: “Our science textbook tells us that…” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
31. 31.True or false: “Today, my team will prove three things.” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
32. 32.💬 Polite or impolite? “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” (a) polite (b) impolite
33. 33.💬 Polite or impolite? “Your team is just jealous.” (a) impolite (b) polite
34. 34.True or false: “With respect, the last speaker missed an important point.” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
35. 35.💬 Which word should you never use about an opponent’s idea? (a) “fair” (b) “important” (c) “stupid” (d) “interesting”
36. 36.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
37. 37.💬 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
38. 38.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
39. 39.True or false: “Our science textbook tells us that…” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
40. 40.True or false: “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False

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