← Polite debating phrases lesson New set →

Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 476 · 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? “Let me begin by defining the motion.” (a) rebuts a point (b) gives evidence (c) closes a speech (d) opens a speech
  2. 2.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “you lot” (b) “hey, you there” (c) “my worthy opponents” (d) “those people”
  3. 3.💬 Polite or impolite? “Only a fool would believe that.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  4. 4.💬 Which line can end an opposition speech? (a) “Over and out.” (b) “I beg to oppose.” (c) “Whatever.” (d) “That’s all, bye.”
  5. 5.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  6. 6.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Our science textbook tells us that…” (a) gives evidence (b) closes a speech (c) opens a speech (d) rebuts a point
  7. 7.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
  8. 8.💬 Polite or impolite? “May I offer a point of information?” (a) impolite (b) polite
  9. 9.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  10. 10.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is the silliest idea ever.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  11. 11.True or false: “Whatever. Next!” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  12. 12.💬 Polite or impolite? “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  13. 13.True or false: “You clearly know nothing.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  14. 14.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  15. 15.💬 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) gives evidence (d) rebuts a point
  16. 16.💬 Which word should you never use about an opponent’s idea? (a) “important” (b) “fair” (c) “interesting” (d) “stupid”
  17. 17.💬 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) closes a speech (d) opens a speech
  18. 18.True or false: “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
  19. 19.💬 How should you begin a debate speech? (a) tell a long joke (b) start shouting (c) greet judges, opponents (d) insult the motion
  20. 20.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is an interesting point, but…” (a) impolite (b) polite
  21. 21.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  22. 22.True or false: “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
  23. 23.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Today, my team will prove three things.” (a) opens a speech (b) rebuts a point (c) closes a speech (d) gives evidence
  24. 24.💬 Which line can end a proposition speech? (a) “Whatever.” (b) “I beg to propose.” (c) “That’s all, bye.” (d) “Over and out.”
  25. 25.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” (a) opens a speech (b) closes a speech (c) gives evidence (d) rebuts a point
  26. 26.True or false: “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
  27. 27.💬 Polite or impolite? “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” (a) polite (b) impolite
  28. 28.💬 Polite or impolite? “Whatever. Next!” (a) polite (b) impolite
  29. 29.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  30. 30.💬 Polite or impolite? “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  31. 31.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “I rest my case. Thank you.” (a) gives evidence (b) opens a speech (c) rebuts a point (d) closes a speech
  32. 32.True or false: “Today, my team will prove three things.” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
  33. 33.True or false: “Our science textbook tells us that…” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
  34. 34.True or false: “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  35. 35.True or false: “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  36. 36.True or false: “Whatever. Next!” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  37. 37.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Figures from the city water board show…” (a) rebuts a point (b) opens a speech (c) gives evidence (d) closes a speech
  38. 38.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” (a) opens a speech (b) gives evidence (c) rebuts a point (d) closes a speech
  39. 39.💬 Polite or impolite? “Your team is just jealous.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  40. 40.💬 Polite or impolite? “You clearly know nothing.” (a) impolite (b) polite

Answer key

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

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