← Polite debating phrases lesson New set →

Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 541 · 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? “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  2. 2.💬 Polite or impolite? “Whatever. Next!” (a) impolite (b) polite
  3. 3.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” (a) rebuts a point (b) closes a speech (c) opens a speech (d) gives evidence
  4. 4.💬 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) rebuts a point (c) closes a speech (d) opens a speech
  5. 5.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “For all these reasons, I urge you to support the motion.” (a) closes a speech (b) gives evidence (c) opens a speech (d) rebuts a point
  6. 6.True or false: “Today, my team will prove three things.” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
  7. 7.💬 Which line can end a proposition speech? (a) “Over and out.” (b) “Whatever.” (c) “I beg to propose.” (d) “That’s all, bye.”
  8. 8.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  9. 9.True or false: “Your team is just jealous.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  10. 10.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” (a) gives evidence (b) rebuts a point (c) opens a speech (d) closes a speech
  11. 11.True or false: “Stop talking, you are wrong!” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  12. 12.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “I rest my case. Thank you.” (a) closes a speech (b) rebuts a point (c) gives evidence (d) opens a speech
  13. 13.True or false: “With respect, the last speaker missed an important point.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  14. 14.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
  15. 15.True or false: “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  16. 16.True or false: “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
  17. 17.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  18. 18.💬 Polite or impolite? “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” (a) impolite (b) polite
  19. 19.True or false: “Your team is just jealous.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  20. 20.💬 Polite or impolite? “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  21. 21.True or false: “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
  22. 22.💬 Polite or impolite? “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  23. 23.True or false: “Our science textbook tells us that…” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
  24. 24.💬 Polite or impolite? “Only a fool would believe that.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  25. 25.True or false: “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
  26. 26.💬 How should you begin a debate speech? (a) start shouting (b) tell a long joke (c) insult the motion (d) greet judges, opponents
  27. 27.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “those people” (b) “you lot” (c) “hey, you there” (d) “my worthy opponents”
  28. 28.💬 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) closes a speech (d) gives evidence
  29. 29.True or false: “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  30. 30.True or false: “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  31. 31.💬 Which line can end an opposition speech? (a) “Whatever.” (b) “I beg to oppose.” (c) “Over and out.” (d) “That’s all, bye.”
  32. 32.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” (a) rebuts a point (b) opens a speech (c) closes a speech (d) gives evidence
  33. 33.True or false: “Only a fool would believe that.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  34. 34.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  35. 35.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is an interesting point, but…” (a) impolite (b) polite
  36. 36.True or false: “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  37. 37.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is the silliest idea ever.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  38. 38.True or false: “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
  39. 39.True or false: “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
  40. 40.True or false: “Whatever. Next!” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True

Answer key

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

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