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Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 639 · 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: “That is an interesting point, but…” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  2. 2.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  3. 3.💬 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) closes a speech (c) opens a speech (d) rebuts a point
  4. 4.True or false: “The library’s record shows that…” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
  5. 5.💬 Which line can end a proposition speech? (a) “That’s all, bye.” (b) “I beg to propose.” (c) “Whatever.” (d) “Over and out.”
  6. 6.💬 Polite or impolite? “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  7. 7.True or false: “Stop talking, you are wrong!” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  8. 8.💬 Polite or impolite? “Only a fool would believe that.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  9. 9.True or false: “Our science textbook tells us that…” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
  10. 10.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
  11. 11.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” (a) closes a speech (b) rebuts a point (c) gives evidence (d) opens a speech
  12. 12.True or false: “Whatever. Next!” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  13. 13.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “hey, you there” (b) “you lot” (c) “my worthy opponents” (d) “those people”
  14. 14.💬 Polite or impolite? “Stop talking, you are wrong!” (a) impolite (b) polite
  15. 15.True or false: “You clearly know nothing.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  16. 16.True or false: “The library’s record shows that…” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
  17. 17.True or false: “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
  18. 18.💬 Which line can end an opposition speech? (a) “I beg to oppose.” (b) “That’s all, bye.” (c) “Whatever.” (d) “Over and out.”
  19. 19.💬 Polite or impolite? “May I offer a point of information?” (a) polite (b) impolite
  20. 20.True or false: “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
  21. 21.True or false: “My worthy opponent claimed it costs too much, but the facts say otherwise.” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
  22. 22.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is an interesting point, but…” (a) polite (b) impolite
  23. 23.True or false: “Only a fool would believe that.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  24. 24.True or false: “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  25. 25.True or false: “Your team is just jealous.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  26. 26.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  27. 27.💬 Polite or impolite? “Your team is just jealous.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  28. 28.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
  29. 29.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  30. 30.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  31. 31.💬 Polite or impolite? “Whatever. Next!” (a) polite (b) impolite
  32. 32.💬 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) gives evidence (c) closes a speech (d) opens a speech
  33. 33.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “My worthy opponent claimed it costs too much, but the facts say otherwise.” (a) opens a speech (b) gives evidence (c) closes a speech (d) rebuts a point
  34. 34.True or false: “You clearly know nothing.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  35. 35.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is the silliest idea ever.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  36. 36.True or false: “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
  37. 37.True or false: “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  38. 38.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “I rest my case. Thank you.” (a) gives evidence (b) closes a speech (c) opens a speech (d) rebuts a point
  39. 39.💬 Polite or impolite? “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  40. 40.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” (a) rebuts a point (b) closes a speech (c) gives evidence (d) opens a speech

Answer key

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

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