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Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 486 · 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: “Today, my team will prove three things.” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
  2. 2.True or false: “Figures from the city water board show…” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
  3. 3.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” (a) closes a speech (b) gives evidence (c) rebuts a point (d) opens a speech
  4. 4.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Let me begin by defining the motion.” (a) rebuts a point (b) opens a speech (c) gives evidence (d) closes a speech
  5. 5.💬 Polite or impolite? “May I offer a point of information?” (a) polite (b) impolite
  6. 6.True or false: “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  7. 7.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  8. 8.💬 Polite or impolite? “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  9. 9.True or false: “With respect, the last speaker missed an important point.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  10. 10.💬 Polite or impolite? “Only a fool would believe that.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  11. 11.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” (a) opens a speech (b) closes a speech (c) rebuts a point (d) gives evidence
  12. 12.💬 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) closes a speech (b) gives evidence (c) opens a speech (d) rebuts a point
  13. 13.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is an interesting point, but…” (a) impolite (b) polite
  14. 14.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  15. 15.True or false: “For all these reasons, I urge you to support the motion.” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
  16. 16.💬 Polite or impolite? “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  17. 17.💬 Polite or impolite? “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  18. 18.True or false: “With respect, the last speaker missed an important point.” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
  19. 19.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “hey, you there” (b) “those people” (c) “you lot” (d) “my worthy opponents”
  20. 20.True or false: “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
  21. 21.💬 Which line can end a proposition speech? (a) “Over and out.” (b) “Whatever.” (c) “I beg to propose.” (d) “That’s all, bye.”
  22. 22.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” (a) gives evidence (b) rebuts a point (c) closes a speech (d) opens a speech
  23. 23.💬 Which line can end an opposition speech? (a) “Over and out.” (b) “Whatever.” (c) “That’s all, bye.” (d) “I beg to oppose.”
  24. 24.True or false: “The library’s record shows that…” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
  25. 25.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Our science textbook tells us that…” (a) opens a speech (b) closes a speech (c) rebuts a point (d) gives evidence
  26. 26.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  27. 27.True or false: “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
  28. 28.True or false: “Stop talking, you are wrong!” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  29. 29.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  30. 30.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  31. 31.True or false: “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
  32. 32.💬 Polite or impolite? “Your team is just jealous.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  33. 33.True or false: “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
  34. 34.💬 How should you begin a debate speech? (a) tell a long joke (b) greet judges, opponents (c) start shouting (d) insult the motion
  35. 35.True or false: “Our science textbook tells us that…” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
  36. 36.True or false: “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  37. 37.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “For all these reasons, I urge you to support the motion.” (a) rebuts a point (b) closes a speech (c) gives evidence (d) opens a speech
  38. 38.💬 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) rebuts a point (d) gives evidence
  39. 39.True or false: “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
  40. 40.True or false: “Whatever. Next!” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False

Answer key

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

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