Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 610 · 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: “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
2. 2.True or false: “Figures from the city water board show…” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
3. 3.💬 Polite or impolite? “Stop talking, you are wrong!” (a) polite (b) impolite
4. 4.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Let me begin by defining the motion.” (a) opens a speech (b) rebuts a point (c) closes a speech (d) gives evidence
5. 5.True or false: “The library’s record shows that…” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
6. 6.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Today, my team will prove three things.” (a) closes a speech (b) gives evidence (c) opens a speech (d) rebuts a point
7. 7.💬 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
8. 8.💬 Polite or impolite? “Your team is just jealous.” (a) impolite (b) polite
9. 9.True or false: “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
10. 10.True or false: “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
11. 11.True or false: “Our science textbook tells us that…” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
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) opens a speech (c) closes a speech (d) rebuts a point
13. 13.True or false: “I rest my case. Thank you.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
14. 14.💬 Which word should you never use about an opponent’s idea? (a) “interesting” (b) “fair” (c) “stupid” (d) “important”
15. 15.💬 Which line can end an opposition speech? (a) “Whatever.” (b) “I beg to oppose.” (c) “Over and out.” (d) “That’s all, bye.”
16. 16.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is the silliest idea ever.” (a) impolite (b) polite
17. 17.True or false: “With respect, the last speaker missed an important point.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
18. 18.True or false: “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
19. 19.True or false: “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
20. 20.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “you lot” (b) “those people” (c) “my worthy opponents” (d) “hey, you there”
21. 21.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” (a) opens a speech (b) closes a speech (c) rebuts a point (d) gives evidence
22. 22.True or false: “I rest my case. Thank you.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
23. 23.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
24. 24.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” (a) opens a speech (b) closes a speech (c) gives evidence (d) rebuts a point
25. 25.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
26. 26.True or false: “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
27. 27.💬 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) rebuts a point (b) opens a speech (c) gives evidence (d) closes a speech
28. 28.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is an interesting point, but…” (a) impolite (b) polite
29. 29.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “With respect, the last speaker missed an important point.” (a) rebuts a point (b) gives evidence (c) opens a speech (d) closes a speech
30. 30.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
31. 31.💬 Polite or impolite? “Only a fool would believe that.” (a) impolite (b) polite
32. 32.💬 Which line can end a proposition speech? (a) “That’s all, bye.” (b) “Whatever.” (c) “Over and out.” (d) “I beg to propose.”
33. 33.💬 Polite or impolite? “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” (a) impolite (b) polite
34. 34.True or false: “Our science textbook tells us that…” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
35. 35.True or false: “Your team is just jealous.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
36. 36.True or false: “Only a fool would believe that.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
37. 37.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
38. 38.True or false: “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
39. 39.True or false: “Whatever. Next!” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
40. 40.True or false: “Whatever. Next!” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False

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