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Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 497 · 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.💬 Which line can end a proposition speech? (a) “I beg to propose.” (b) “Whatever.” (c) “Over and out.” (d) “That’s all, bye.”
  2. 2.💬 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) rebuts a point (c) gives evidence (d) closes a speech
  3. 3.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  4. 4.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” (a) opens a speech (b) closes a speech (c) rebuts a point (d) gives evidence
  5. 5.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “those people” (b) “you lot” (c) “hey, you there” (d) “my worthy opponents”
  6. 6.True or false: “You clearly know nothing.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  7. 7.True or false: “The other side says it is unsafe; in fact, it is safe with a teacher present.” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
  8. 8.True or false: “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
  9. 9.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” (a) opens a speech (b) rebuts a point (c) closes a speech (d) gives evidence
  10. 10.True or false: “With respect, the last speaker missed an important point.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  11. 11.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  12. 12.True or false: “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
  13. 13.True or false: “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  14. 14.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is the silliest idea ever.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  15. 15.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “The library’s record shows that…” (a) gives evidence (b) opens a speech (c) closes a speech (d) rebuts a point
  16. 16.💬 Polite or impolite? “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  17. 17.💬 Polite or impolite? “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  18. 18.💬 Which line can end an opposition speech? (a) “That’s all, bye.” (b) “Whatever.” (c) “I beg to oppose.” (d) “Over and out.”
  19. 19.True or false: “Only a fool would believe that.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  20. 20.True or false: “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  21. 21.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” (a) closes a speech (b) gives evidence (c) rebuts a point (d) opens a speech
  22. 22.💬 Polite or impolite? “You clearly know nothing.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  23. 23.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is an interesting point, but…” (a) impolite (b) polite
  24. 24.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  25. 25.💬 How should you begin a debate speech? (a) start shouting (b) insult the motion (c) tell a long joke (d) greet judges, opponents
  26. 26.True or false: “Your team is just jealous.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  27. 27.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Our science textbook tells us that…” (a) opens a speech (b) rebuts a point (c) gives evidence (d) closes a speech
  28. 28.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  29. 29.💬 Which word should you never use about an opponent’s idea? (a) “important” (b) “fair” (c) “interesting” (d) “stupid”
  30. 30.💬 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
  31. 31.True or false: “Stop talking, you are wrong!” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  32. 32.True or false: “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
  33. 33.True or false: “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
  34. 34.💬 Polite or impolite? “Only a fool would believe that.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  35. 35.💬 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
  36. 36.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  37. 37.💬 Polite or impolite? “Whatever. Next!” (a) impolite (b) polite
  38. 38.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
  39. 39.True or false: “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  40. 40.💬 Polite or impolite? “Your team is just jealous.” (a) impolite (b) polite

Answer key

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

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