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Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 564 · 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: “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
  2. 2.💬 Polite or impolite? “Whatever. Next!” (a) polite (b) impolite
  3. 3.True or false: “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
  4. 4.True or false: “You clearly know nothing.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  5. 5.💬 Polite or impolite? “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  6. 6.💬 Polite or impolite? “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” (a) impolite (b) polite
  7. 7.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Our science textbook tells us that…” (a) gives evidence (b) opens a speech (c) closes a speech (d) rebuts a point
  8. 8.True or false: “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
  9. 9.True or false: “Your team is just jealous.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  10. 10.💬 How should you begin a debate speech? (a) insult the motion (b) start shouting (c) tell a long joke (d) greet judges, opponents
  11. 11.💬 Polite or impolite? “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  12. 12.💬 Polite or impolite? “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  13. 13.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” (a) closes a speech (b) rebuts a point (c) gives evidence (d) opens a speech
  14. 14.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
  15. 15.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is the silliest idea ever.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  16. 16.True or false: “The library’s record shows that…” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
  17. 17.💬 Polite or impolite? “You clearly know nothing.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  18. 18.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “you lot” (b) “hey, you there” (c) “my worthy opponents” (d) “those people”
  19. 19.💬 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) gives evidence (d) rebuts a point
  20. 20.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is an interesting point, but…” (a) impolite (b) polite
  21. 21.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  22. 22.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  23. 23.💬 Polite or impolite? “Your team is just jealous.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  24. 24.True or false: “Whatever. Next!” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  25. 25.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “For all these reasons, I urge you to support the motion.” (a) opens a speech (b) gives evidence (c) closes a speech (d) rebuts a point
  26. 26.True or false: “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  27. 27.💬 Polite or impolite? “Stop talking, you are wrong!” (a) impolite (b) polite
  28. 28.True or false: “The library’s record shows that…” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
  29. 29.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  30. 30.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “I rest my case. Thank you.” (a) gives evidence (b) opens a speech (c) rebuts a point (d) closes a speech
  31. 31.💬 Which word should you never use about an opponent’s idea? (a) “important” (b) “interesting” (c) “fair” (d) “stupid”
  32. 32.💬 Which line can end a proposition speech? (a) “Whatever.” (b) “That’s all, bye.” (c) “I beg to propose.” (d) “Over and out.”
  33. 33.True or false: “Today, my team will prove three things.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  34. 34.💬 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
  35. 35.True or false: “For all these reasons, I urge you to support the motion.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
  36. 36.True or false: “Figures from the city water board show…” 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: “My worthy opponent claimed it costs too much, but the facts say otherwise.” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
  39. 39.💬 Polite or impolite? “Only a fool would believe that.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  40. 40.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” (a) closes a speech (b) opens a speech (c) rebuts a point (d) gives evidence

Answer key

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

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