← Polite debating phrases lesson New set →

Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 631 · 40 questions
TalentJR

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.

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

Answer key

  1. False
  2. polite
  3. False
  4. gives evidence
  5. impolite
  6. True
  7. greet judges, opponents
  8. False
  9. False
  10. False
  11. True
  12. opens a speech
  13. True
  14. “stupid”
  15. polite
  16. opens a speech
  17. “I beg to propose.”
  18. “I beg to oppose.”
  19. polite
  20. opens a speech
  21. polite
  22. False
  23. polite
  24. True
  25. opens a speech
  26. impolite
  27. closes a speech
  28. gives evidence
  29. False
  30. True
  31. closes a speech
  32. rebuts a point
  33. impolite
  34. True
  35. False
  36. True
  37. gives evidence
  38. True
  39. closes a speech
  40. False

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