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Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 591 · 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? “Let me begin by defining the motion.” (a) rebuts a point (b) gives evidence (c) opens a speech (d) closes a speech
  2. 2.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  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.💬 Polite or impolite? “You clearly know nothing.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  5. 5.💬 Polite or impolite? “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  6. 6.💬 Which line can end a proposition speech? (a) “Over and out.” (b) “That’s all, bye.” (c) “Whatever.” (d) “I beg to propose.”
  7. 7.True or false: “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  8. 8.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “The library’s record shows that…” (a) rebuts a point (b) opens a speech (c) closes a speech (d) gives evidence
  9. 9.True or false: “I rest my case. Thank you.” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
  10. 10.True or false: “I rest my case. Thank you.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  11. 11.True or false: “Your team is just jealous.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  12. 12.💬 Which word should you never use about an opponent’s idea? (a) “stupid” (b) “fair” (c) “interesting” (d) “important”
  13. 13.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” (a) rebuts a point (b) closes a speech (c) opens a speech (d) gives evidence
  14. 14.💬 Polite or impolite? “Your team is just jealous.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  15. 15.💬 Polite or impolite? “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  16. 16.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” (a) closes a speech (b) rebuts a point (c) opens a speech (d) gives evidence
  17. 17.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Today, my team will prove three things.” (a) rebuts a point (b) closes a speech (c) gives evidence (d) opens a speech
  18. 18.True or false: “Whatever. Next!” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  19. 19.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “those people” (b) “hey, you there” (c) “you lot” (d) “my worthy opponents”
  20. 20.True or false: “You clearly know nothing.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  21. 21.True or false: “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
  22. 22.True or false: “Figures from the city water board show…” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  23. 23.💬 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
  24. 24.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  25. 25.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  26. 26.💬 Polite or impolite? “Only a fool would believe that.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  27. 27.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “I rest my case. Thank you.” (a) rebuts a point (b) opens a speech (c) gives evidence (d) closes a speech
  28. 28.💬 Which line can end an opposition speech? (a) “Whatever.” (b) “I beg to oppose.” (c) “Over and out.” (d) “That’s all, bye.”
  29. 29.True or false: “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
  30. 30.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  31. 31.True or false: “You clearly know nothing.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  32. 32.True or false: “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  33. 33.True or false: “Only a fool would believe that.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  34. 34.True or false: “Your team is just jealous.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  35. 35.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
  36. 36.💬 Polite or impolite? “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  37. 37.True or false: “Stop talking, you are wrong!” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  38. 38.True or false: “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  39. 39.💬 Polite or impolite? “Whatever. Next!” (a) impolite (b) polite
  40. 40.True or false: “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False

Answer key

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

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