← Polite debating phrases lesson New set →

Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 641 · 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: “You clearly know nothing.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  2. 2.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Today, my team will prove three things.” (a) rebuts a point (b) opens a speech (c) closes a speech (d) gives evidence
  3. 3.True or false: “Our science textbook tells us that…” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
  4. 4.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” (a) rebuts a point (b) opens a speech (c) closes a speech (d) gives evidence
  5. 5.💬 Polite or impolite? “Whatever. Next!” (a) polite (b) impolite
  6. 6.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is an interesting point, but…” (a) impolite (b) polite
  7. 7.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is the silliest idea ever.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  8. 8.💬 Polite or impolite? “You clearly know nothing.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  9. 9.💬 Polite or impolite? “Only a fool would believe that.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  10. 10.True or false: “Figures from the city water board show…” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
  11. 11.💬 Which line can end a proposition speech? (a) “Over and out.” (b) “I beg to propose.” (c) “Whatever.” (d) “That’s all, bye.”
  12. 12.True or false: “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  13. 13.💬 Which line can end an opposition speech? (a) “That’s all, bye.” (b) “I beg to oppose.” (c) “Over and out.” (d) “Whatever.”
  14. 14.True or false: “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  15. 15.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “hey, you there” (b) “those people” (c) “you lot” (d) “my worthy opponents”
  16. 16.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  17. 17.True or false: “Stop talking, you are wrong!” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  18. 18.True or false: “I rest my case. Thank you.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
  19. 19.💬 How should you begin a debate speech? (a) greet judges, opponents (b) insult the motion (c) start shouting (d) tell a long joke
  20. 20.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  21. 21.💬 Polite or impolite? “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  22. 22.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  23. 23.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  24. 24.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” (a) gives evidence (b) opens a speech (c) rebuts a point (d) closes a speech
  25. 25.True or false: “Figures from the city water board show…” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
  26. 26.True or false: “With respect, the last speaker missed an important point.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
  27. 27.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  28. 28.💬 Polite or impolite? “May I offer a point of information?” (a) polite (b) impolite
  29. 29.True or false: “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  30. 30.True or false: “Whatever. Next!” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  31. 31.True or false: “Today, my team will prove three things.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  32. 32.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  33. 33.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  34. 34.True or false: “My worthy opponent claimed it costs too much, but the facts say otherwise.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
  35. 35.True or false: “Only a fool would believe that.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  36. 36.💬 Which word should you never use about an opponent’s idea? (a) “fair” (b) “important” (c) “stupid” (d) “interesting”
  37. 37.True or false: “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” 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) rebuts a point (b) opens a speech (c) closes a speech (d) gives evidence
  39. 39.True or false: “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
  40. 40.True or false: “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True

Answer key

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

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