← Polite debating phrases lesson New set →

Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 576 · 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? “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” (a) rebuts a point (b) gives evidence (c) closes a speech (d) opens a speech
  2. 2.💬 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
  3. 3.💬 Polite or impolite? “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  4. 4.💬 Polite or impolite? “Stop talking, you are wrong!” (a) impolite (b) polite
  5. 5.True or false: “You clearly know nothing.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  6. 6.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  7. 7.💬 Polite or impolite? “Only a fool would believe that.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  8. 8.True or false: “Your team is just jealous.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  9. 9.True or false: “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
  10. 10.💬 Polite or impolite? “Whatever. Next!” (a) polite (b) impolite
  11. 11.💬 Which line can end an opposition speech? (a) “Over and out.” (b) “I beg to oppose.” (c) “That’s all, bye.” (d) “Whatever.”
  12. 12.True or false: “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  13. 13.True or false: “Your team is just jealous.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  14. 14.💬 Which word should you never use about an opponent’s idea? (a) “important” (b) “fair” (c) “stupid” (d) “interesting”
  15. 15.True or false: “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
  16. 16.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Figures from the city water board show…” (a) gives evidence (b) closes a speech (c) rebuts a point (d) opens a speech
  17. 17.💬 How should you begin a debate speech? (a) greet judges, opponents (b) tell a long joke (c) start shouting (d) insult the motion
  18. 18.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Let me begin by defining the motion.” (a) closes a speech (b) opens a speech (c) rebuts a point (d) gives evidence
  19. 19.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” (a) gives evidence (b) opens a speech (c) closes a speech (d) rebuts a point
  20. 20.True or false: “For all these reasons, I urge you to support the motion.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
  21. 21.💬 Polite or impolite? “You clearly know nothing.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  22. 22.True or false: “Figures from the city water board show…” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  23. 23.💬 Polite or impolite? “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  24. 24.True or false: “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
  25. 25.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  26. 26.True or false: “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
  27. 27.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  28. 28.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  29. 29.True or false: “Today, my team will prove three things.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
  30. 30.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  31. 31.True or false: “Whatever. Next!” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  32. 32.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is an interesting point, but…” (a) polite (b) impolite
  33. 33.True or false: “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
  34. 34.True or false: “For all these reasons, I urge you to support the motion.” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
  35. 35.True or false: “You clearly know nothing.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  36. 36.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” (a) closes a speech (b) gives evidence (c) rebuts a point (d) opens a speech
  37. 37.💬 Polite or impolite? “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” (a) impolite (b) polite
  38. 38.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  39. 39.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “you lot” (b) “hey, you there” (c) “those people” (d) “my worthy opponents”
  40. 40.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True

Answer key

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

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