Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 617 · 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: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
2. 2.True or false: “Whatever. Next!” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
3. 3.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
4. 4.True or false: “Whatever. Next!” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
5. 5.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Figures from the city water board show…” (a) rebuts a point (b) closes a speech (c) gives evidence (d) opens a speech
6. 6.💬 Polite or impolite? “Only a fool would believe that.” (a) polite (b) impolite
7. 7.True or false: “Figures from the city water board show…” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
8. 8.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
9. 9.True or false: “My worthy opponent claimed it costs too much, but the facts say otherwise.” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
10. 10.True or false: “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
11. 11.💬 Polite or impolite? “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” (a) impolite (b) polite
12. 12.💬 Which line can end a proposition speech? (a) “Over and out.” (b) “That’s all, bye.” (c) “I beg to propose.” (d) “Whatever.”
13. 13.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “With respect, the last speaker missed an important point.” (a) closes a speech (b) rebuts a point (c) opens a speech (d) gives evidence
14. 14.True or false: “You clearly know nothing.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
15. 15.💬 Polite or impolite? “May I offer a point of information?” (a) polite (b) impolite
16. 16.True or false: “For all these reasons, I urge you to support the motion.” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
17. 17.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
18. 18.💬 Polite or impolite? “Your team is just jealous.” (a) impolite (b) polite
19. 19.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
20. 20.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Our science textbook tells us that…” (a) opens a speech (b) closes a speech (c) gives evidence (d) rebuts a point
21. 21.💬 Which word should you never use about an opponent’s idea? (a) “fair” (b) “important” (c) “interesting” (d) “stupid”
22. 22.True or false: “My worthy opponent claimed it costs too much, but the facts say otherwise.” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
23. 23.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “For all these reasons, I urge you to support the motion.” (a) opens a speech (b) rebuts a point (c) closes a speech (d) gives evidence
24. 24.True or false: “Today, my team will prove three things.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
25. 25.💬 Polite or impolite? “Whatever. Next!” (a) impolite (b) polite
26. 26.True or false: “You clearly know nothing.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
27. 27.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
28. 28.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
29. 29.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
30. 30.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “I rest my case. Thank you.” (a) closes a speech (b) rebuts a point (c) opens a speech (d) gives evidence
31. 31.True or false: “Our science textbook tells us that…” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
32. 32.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “hey, you there” (b) “those people” (c) “you lot” (d) “my worthy opponents”
33. 33.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” (a) rebuts a point (b) closes a speech (c) opens a speech (d) gives evidence
34. 34.True or false: “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
35. 35.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is the silliest idea ever.” (a) impolite (b) polite
36. 36.💬 Polite or impolite? “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” (a) polite (b) impolite
37. 37.💬 Which line can end an opposition speech? (a) “That’s all, bye.” (b) “I beg to oppose.” (c) “Whatever.” (d) “Over and out.”
38. 38.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “The library’s record shows that…” (a) opens a speech (b) gives evidence (c) rebuts a point (d) closes a speech
39. 39.💬 Polite or impolite? “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” (a) impolite (b) polite
40. 40.💬 How should you begin a debate speech? (a) greet judges, opponents (b) insult the motion (c) start shouting (d) tell a long joke

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