Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 6 · 40 questions

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.

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

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