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Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 571 · 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: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  2. 2.True or false: “Our science textbook tells us that…” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
  3. 3.💬 How should you begin a debate speech? (a) greet judges, opponents (b) tell a long joke (c) insult the motion (d) start shouting
  4. 4.True or false: “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
  5. 5.True or false: “The library’s record shows that…” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
  6. 6.True or false: “Today, my team will prove three things.” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
  7. 7.💬 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
  8. 8.True or false: “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  9. 9.💬 Polite or impolite? “May I offer a point of information?” (a) impolite (b) polite
  10. 10.True or false: “Only a fool would believe that.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  11. 11.💬 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
  12. 12.💬 Polite or impolite? “Stop talking, you are wrong!” (a) impolite (b) polite
  13. 13.💬 Which line can end a proposition speech? (a) “Over and out.” (b) “That’s all, bye.” (c) “Whatever.” (d) “I beg to propose.”
  14. 14.💬 Which line can end an opposition speech? (a) “That’s all, bye.” (b) “I beg to oppose.” (c) “Whatever.” (d) “Over and out.”
  15. 15.💬 Polite or impolite? “You clearly know nothing.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  16. 16.True or false: “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
  17. 17.True or false: “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  18. 18.True or false: “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
  19. 19.💬 Polite or impolite? “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  20. 20.True or false: “My worthy opponent claimed it costs too much, but the facts say otherwise.” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
  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: “With respect, the last speaker missed an important point.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  23. 23.True or false: “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
  24. 24.True or false: “For all these reasons, I urge you to support the motion.” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
  25. 25.True or false: “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  26. 26.💬 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) opens a speech (b) gives evidence (c) closes a speech (d) rebuts a point
  27. 27.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  28. 28.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is an interesting point, but…” (a) impolite (b) polite
  29. 29.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  30. 30.True or false: “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  31. 31.True or false: “Figures from the city water board show…” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
  32. 32.True or false: “For all these reasons, I urge you to support the motion.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
  33. 33.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” (a) opens a speech (b) rebuts a point (c) gives evidence (d) closes a speech
  34. 34.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “my worthy opponents” (b) “you lot” (c) “those people” (d) “hey, you there”
  35. 35.True or false: “Whatever. Next!” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  36. 36.True or false: “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” closes a speech. (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: “You clearly know nothing.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  39. 39.True or false: “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
  40. 40.💬 Polite or impolite? “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” (a) polite (b) impolite

Answer key

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

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