Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 620 · 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: “Only a fool would believe that.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
2. 2.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
3. 3.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “My worthy opponent claimed it costs too much, but the facts say otherwise.” (a) closes a speech (b) gives evidence (c) rebuts a point (d) opens a speech
4. 4.💬 Which word should you never use about an opponent’s idea? (a) “interesting” (b) “stupid” (c) “fair” (d) “important”
5. 5.💬 Which line can end a proposition speech? (a) “Whatever.” (b) “I beg to propose.” (c) “That’s all, bye.” (d) “Over and out.”
6. 6.💬 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) opens a speech (b) closes a speech (c) rebuts a point (d) gives evidence
7. 7.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “you lot” (b) “my worthy opponents” (c) “those people” (d) “hey, you there”
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.💬 Polite or impolite? “Whatever. Next!” (a) polite (b) impolite
10. 10.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Let me begin by defining the motion.” (a) rebuts a point (b) opens a speech (c) gives evidence (d) closes a speech
11. 11.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is an interesting point, but…” (a) impolite (b) polite
12. 12.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Today, my team will prove three things.” (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: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
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.💬 Polite or impolite? “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” (a) impolite (b) polite
17. 17.True or false: “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
18. 18.💬 How should you begin a debate speech? (a) start shouting (b) insult the motion (c) tell a long joke (d) greet judges, opponents
19. 19.💬 Polite or impolite? “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” (a) polite (b) impolite
20. 20.True or false: “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
21. 21.True or false: “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
22. 22.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
23. 23.💬 Polite or impolite? “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” (a) impolite (b) polite
24. 24.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
25. 25.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
26. 26.💬 Polite or impolite? “Only a fool would believe that.” (a) polite (b) impolite
27. 27.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is the silliest idea ever.” (a) impolite (b) polite
28. 28.True or false: “You clearly know nothing.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
29. 29.True or false: “My worthy opponent claimed it costs too much, but the facts say otherwise.” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
30. 30.True or false: “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
31. 31.True or false: “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
32. 32.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
33. 33.💬 Polite or impolite? “You clearly know nothing.” (a) impolite (b) polite
34. 34.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
35. 35.💬 Polite or impolite? “May I offer a point of information?” (a) polite (b) impolite
36. 36.True or false: “Today, my team will prove three things.” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
37. 37.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
38. 38.💬 Which line can end an opposition speech? (a) “That’s all, bye.” (b) “Over and out.” (c) “I beg to oppose.” (d) “Whatever.”
39. 39.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” (a) rebuts a point (b) opens a speech (c) closes a speech (d) gives evidence
40. 40.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “With respect, the last speaker missed an important point.” (a) closes a speech (b) opens a speech (c) rebuts a point (d) gives evidence

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