Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 618 · 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: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
2. 2.True or false: “The other side says it is unsafe; in fact, it is safe with a teacher present.” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
3. 3.💬 How should you begin a debate speech? (a) greet judges, opponents (b) insult the motion (c) tell a long joke (d) start shouting
4. 4.True or false: “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
5. 5.💬 Polite or impolite? “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” (a) impolite (b) polite
6. 6.True or false: “You clearly know nothing.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
7. 7.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
8. 8.💬 Which line can end an opposition speech? (a) “Whatever.” (b) “I beg to oppose.” (c) “That’s all, bye.” (d) “Over and out.”
9. 9.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
10. 10.True or false: “Only a fool would believe that.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
11. 11.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
12. 12.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Our science textbook tells us that…” (a) rebuts a point (b) gives evidence (c) closes a speech (d) opens a speech
13. 13.💬 Polite or impolite? “May I offer a point of information?” (a) polite (b) impolite
14. 14.💬 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
15. 15.💬 Polite or impolite? “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” (a) polite (b) impolite
16. 16.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Let me begin by defining the motion.” (a) closes a speech (b) opens a speech (c) gives evidence (d) rebuts a point
17. 17.💬 Polite or impolite? “Only a fool would believe that.” (a) impolite (b) polite
18. 18.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “With respect, the last speaker missed an important point.” (a) rebuts a point (b) closes a speech (c) gives evidence (d) opens a speech
19. 19.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
20. 20.True or false: “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
21. 21.True or false: “Today, my team will prove three things.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
22. 22.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” (a) closes a speech (b) opens a speech (c) rebuts a point (d) gives evidence
23. 23.💬 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) opens a speech (c) rebuts a point (d) closes a speech
24. 24.💬 Polite or impolite? “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” (a) polite (b) impolite
25. 25.True or false: “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
26. 26.True or false: “I rest my case. Thank you.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
27. 27.💬 Polite or impolite? “Whatever. Next!” (a) polite (b) impolite
28. 28.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is the silliest idea ever.” (a) polite (b) impolite
29. 29.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “I rest my case. Thank you.” (a) gives evidence (b) rebuts a point (c) opens a speech (d) closes a speech
30. 30.💬 Polite or impolite? “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” (a) impolite (b) polite
31. 31.True or false: “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
32. 32.💬 Polite or impolite? “Your team is just jealous.” (a) polite (b) impolite
33. 33.True or false: “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
34. 34.💬 Which word should you never use about an opponent’s idea? (a) “interesting” (b) “important” (c) “fair” (d) “stupid”
35. 35.True or false: “Only a fool would believe that.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
36. 36.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “those people” (b) “hey, you there” (c) “my worthy opponents” (d) “you lot”
37. 37.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
38. 38.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
39. 39.💬 Which line can end a proposition speech? (a) “Over and out.” (b) “Whatever.” (c) “That’s all, bye.” (d) “I beg to propose.”
40. 40.💬 Polite or impolite? “You clearly know nothing.” (a) impolite (b) polite

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