Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 545 · 40 questions

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.

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

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