← Polite debating phrases lesson New set →

Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 584 · 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? “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” (a) opens a speech (b) closes a speech (c) gives evidence (d) rebuts a point
  2. 2.💬 Polite or impolite? “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  3. 3.💬 Which line can end an opposition speech? (a) “Over and out.” (b) “Whatever.” (c) “I beg to oppose.” (d) “That’s all, bye.”
  4. 4.💬 Which line can end a proposition speech? (a) “Whatever.” (b) “That’s all, bye.” (c) “Over and out.” (d) “I beg to propose.”
  5. 5.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  6. 6.True or false: “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
  7. 7.True or false: “Your team is just jealous.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  8. 8.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  9. 9.💬 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) gives evidence (c) rebuts a point (d) opens a speech
  10. 10.True or false: “You clearly know nothing.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  11. 11.True or false: “Only a fool would believe that.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  12. 12.True or false: “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  13. 13.💬 Polite or impolite? “Your team is just jealous.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  14. 14.💬 Polite or impolite? “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  15. 15.True or false: “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  16. 16.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” (a) rebuts a point (b) closes a speech (c) opens a speech (d) gives evidence
  17. 17.💬 Polite or impolite? “Whatever. Next!” (a) impolite (b) polite
  18. 18.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  19. 19.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “I rest my case. Thank you.” (a) opens a speech (b) closes a speech (c) rebuts a point (d) gives evidence
  20. 20.True or false: “The other side says it is unsafe; in fact, it is safe with a teacher present.” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
  21. 21.💬 Polite or impolite? “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  22. 22.True or false: “For all these reasons, I urge you to support the motion.” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
  23. 23.💬 How should you begin a debate speech? (a) insult the motion (b) start shouting (c) tell a long joke (d) greet judges, opponents
  24. 24.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is an interesting point, but…” (a) impolite (b) polite
  25. 25.True or false: “Whatever. Next!” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  26. 26.True or false: “My worthy opponent claimed it costs too much, but the facts say otherwise.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
  27. 27.True or false: “You clearly know nothing.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  28. 28.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “The library’s record shows that…” (a) opens a speech (b) rebuts a point (c) closes a speech (d) gives evidence
  29. 29.💬 Polite or impolite? “May I offer a point of information?” (a) impolite (b) polite
  30. 30.💬 Polite or impolite? “Only a fool would believe that.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  31. 31.True or false: “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
  32. 32.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “my worthy opponents” (b) “hey, you there” (c) “you lot” (d) “those people”
  33. 33.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  34. 34.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Figures from the city water board show…” (a) opens a speech (b) closes a speech (c) rebuts a point (d) gives evidence
  35. 35.True or false: “Your team is just jealous.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  36. 36.💬 Polite or impolite? “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” (a) impolite (b) polite
  37. 37.💬 Polite or impolite? “Stop talking, you are wrong!” (a) polite (b) impolite
  38. 38.💬 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
  39. 39.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Let me begin by defining the motion.” (a) rebuts a point (b) closes a speech (c) gives evidence (d) opens a speech
  40. 40.True or false: “The library’s record shows that…” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False

Answer key

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

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