← Polite debating phrases lesson New set →

Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 557 · 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.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Our science textbook tells us that…” (a) gives evidence (b) closes a speech (c) opens a speech (d) rebuts a point
  2. 2.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Let me begin by defining the motion.” (a) opens a speech (b) closes a speech (c) gives evidence (d) rebuts a point
  3. 3.💬 Which line can end a proposition speech? (a) “Whatever.” (b) “I beg to propose.” (c) “Over and out.” (d) “That’s all, bye.”
  4. 4.💬 Polite or impolite? “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  5. 5.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “With respect, the last speaker missed an important point.” (a) opens a speech (b) gives evidence (c) closes a speech (d) rebuts a point
  6. 6.💬 Polite or impolite? “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  7. 7.True or false: “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  8. 8.True or false: “Our science textbook tells us that…” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
  9. 9.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” (a) rebuts a point (b) opens a speech (c) closes a speech (d) gives evidence
  10. 10.True or false: “Stop talking, you are wrong!” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  11. 11.💬 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
  12. 12.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  13. 13.💬 How should you begin a debate speech? (a) insult the motion (b) greet judges, opponents (c) tell a long joke (d) start shouting
  14. 14.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “The library’s record shows that…” (a) opens a speech (b) gives evidence (c) rebuts a point (d) closes a speech
  15. 15.💬 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
  16. 16.💬 Which word should you never use about an opponent’s idea? (a) “stupid” (b) “fair” (c) “interesting” (d) “important”
  17. 17.True or false: “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
  18. 18.💬 Which line can end an opposition speech? (a) “Whatever.” (b) “That’s all, bye.” (c) “Over and out.” (d) “I beg to oppose.”
  19. 19.True or false: “Our science textbook tells us that…” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  20. 20.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  21. 21.True or false: “Whatever. Next!” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  22. 22.True or false: “Your team is just jealous.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  23. 23.True or false: “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  24. 24.True or false: “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
  25. 25.True or false: “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  26. 26.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” (a) gives evidence (b) rebuts a point (c) opens a speech (d) closes a speech
  27. 27.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  28. 28.True or false: “Today, my team will prove three things.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
  29. 29.💬 Polite or impolite? “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  30. 30.💬 Polite or impolite? “Stop talking, you are wrong!” (a) polite (b) impolite
  31. 31.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  32. 32.True or false: “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
  33. 33.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  34. 34.💬 Polite or impolite? “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” (a) impolite (b) polite
  35. 35.💬 Polite or impolite? “You clearly know nothing.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  36. 36.💬 Polite or impolite? “May I offer a point of information?” (a) polite (b) impolite
  37. 37.💬 Polite or impolite? “Your team is just jealous.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  38. 38.True or false: “For all these reasons, I urge you to support the motion.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
  39. 39.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” (a) closes a speech (b) gives evidence (c) opens a speech (d) rebuts a point
  40. 40.True or false: “With respect, the last speaker missed an important point.” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True

Answer key

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

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