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Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 599 · 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: “Our science textbook tells us that…” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
  2. 2.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is an interesting point, but…” (a) polite (b) impolite
  3. 3.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  4. 4.True or false: “Your team is just jealous.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  5. 5.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “With respect, the last speaker missed an important point.” (a) gives evidence (b) closes a speech (c) rebuts a point (d) opens a speech
  6. 6.True or false: “I rest my case. Thank you.” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
  7. 7.True or false: “Only a fool would believe that.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  8. 8.💬 Which word should you never use about an opponent’s idea? (a) “stupid” (b) “interesting” (c) “important” (d) “fair”
  9. 9.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  10. 10.💬 Polite or impolite? “Stop talking, you are wrong!” (a) polite (b) impolite
  11. 11.True or false: “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
  12. 12.💬 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
  13. 13.💬 Polite or impolite? “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  14. 14.True or false: “You clearly know nothing.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  15. 15.💬 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) closes a speech (b) rebuts a point (c) gives evidence (d) opens a speech
  16. 16.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” (a) gives evidence (b) closes a speech (c) rebuts a point (d) opens a speech
  17. 17.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Our science textbook tells us that…” (a) opens a speech (b) closes a speech (c) rebuts a point (d) gives evidence
  18. 18.💬 Polite or impolite? “Your team is just jealous.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  19. 19.True or false: “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
  20. 20.💬 Polite or impolite? “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  21. 21.💬 How should you begin a debate speech? (a) start shouting (b) greet judges, opponents (c) tell a long joke (d) insult the motion
  22. 22.💬 Polite or impolite? “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” (a) polite (b) impolite
  23. 23.True or false: “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  24. 24.💬 Which line can end a proposition speech? (a) “Whatever.” (b) “Over and out.” (c) “That’s all, bye.” (d) “I beg to propose.”
  25. 25.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Today, my team will prove three things.” (a) rebuts a point (b) opens a speech (c) closes a speech (d) gives evidence
  26. 26.💬 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
  27. 27.True or false: “Stop talking, you are wrong!” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  28. 28.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” (a) gives evidence (b) closes a speech (c) rebuts a point (d) opens a speech
  29. 29.True or false: “With respect, the last speaker missed an important point.” opens a speech. (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: “For all these reasons, I urge you to support the motion.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
  32. 32.True or false: “Only a fool would believe that.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  33. 33.💬 Which line can end an opposition speech? (a) “I beg to oppose.” (b) “That’s all, bye.” (c) “Whatever.” (d) “Over and out.”
  34. 34.True or false: “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  35. 35.💬 Polite or impolite? “Only a fool would believe that.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  36. 36.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
  37. 37.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Let me begin by defining the motion.” (a) gives evidence (b) rebuts a point (c) closes a speech (d) opens a speech
  38. 38.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “I rest my case. Thank you.” (a) closes a speech (b) gives evidence (c) rebuts a point (d) opens a speech
  39. 39.True or false: “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
  40. 40.True or false: “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False

Answer key

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

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