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Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 482 · 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.💬 Polite or impolite? “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  2. 2.💬 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) gives evidence (b) closes a speech (c) opens a speech (d) rebuts a point
  3. 3.💬 Which word should you never use about an opponent’s idea? (a) “stupid” (b) “fair” (c) “important” (d) “interesting”
  4. 4.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is an interesting point, but…” (a) polite (b) impolite
  5. 5.💬 Polite or impolite? “You clearly know nothing.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  6. 6.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  7. 7.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  8. 8.💬 How should you begin a debate speech? (a) tell a long joke (b) insult the motion (c) start shouting (d) greet judges, opponents
  9. 9.💬 Which line can end an opposition speech? (a) “That’s all, bye.” (b) “Over and out.” (c) “Whatever.” (d) “I beg to oppose.”
  10. 10.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “My worthy opponent claimed it costs too much, but the facts say otherwise.” (a) closes a speech (b) rebuts a point (c) gives evidence (d) opens a speech
  11. 11.💬 Which line can end a proposition speech? (a) “Whatever.” (b) “That’s all, bye.” (c) “Over and out.” (d) “I beg to propose.”
  12. 12.💬 Polite or impolite? “Stop talking, you are wrong!” (a) polite (b) impolite
  13. 13.True or false: “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
  14. 14.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  15. 15.💬 Polite or impolite? “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” (a) impolite (b) polite
  16. 16.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is the silliest idea ever.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  17. 17.True or false: “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  18. 18.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  19. 19.True or false: “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  20. 20.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” (a) rebuts a point (b) gives evidence (c) closes a speech (d) opens a speech
  21. 21.True or false: “Today, my team will prove three things.” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
  22. 22.True or false: “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  23. 23.💬 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
  24. 24.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “I rest my case. Thank you.” (a) closes a speech (b) rebuts a point (c) opens a speech (d) gives evidence
  25. 25.💬 Polite or impolite? “Your team is just jealous.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  26. 26.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “you lot” (b) “hey, you there” (c) “my worthy opponents” (d) “those people”
  27. 27.💬 Polite or impolite? “May I offer a point of information?” (a) impolite (b) polite
  28. 28.💬 Polite or impolite? “Only a fool would believe that.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  29. 29.True or false: “Stop talking, you are wrong!” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  30. 30.True or false: “You clearly know nothing.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  31. 31.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  32. 32.True or false: “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
  33. 33.True or false: “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  34. 34.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  35. 35.True or false: “Figures from the city water board show…” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
  36. 36.True or false: “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
  37. 37.💬 Polite or impolite? “Whatever. Next!” (a) impolite (b) polite
  38. 38.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  39. 39.True or false: “Whatever. Next!” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  40. 40.True or false: “Your team is just jealous.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True

Answer key

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

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