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Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 644 · 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: “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
  2. 2.💬 Which word should you never use about an opponent’s idea? (a) “stupid” (b) “important” (c) “fair” (d) “interesting”
  3. 3.💬 Polite or impolite? “You clearly know nothing.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  4. 4.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is an interesting point, but…” (a) polite (b) impolite
  5. 5.💬 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) rebuts a point (c) gives evidence (d) closes a speech
  6. 6.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “hey, you there” (b) “you lot” (c) “those people” (d) “my worthy opponents”
  7. 7.True or false: “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  8. 8.True or false: “My worthy opponent claimed it costs too much, but the facts say otherwise.” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
  9. 9.True or false: “You clearly know nothing.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  10. 10.True or false: “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  11. 11.💬 Polite or impolite? “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  12. 12.💬 Which line can end an opposition speech? (a) “That’s all, bye.” (b) “Whatever.” (c) “I beg to oppose.” (d) “Over and out.”
  13. 13.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” (a) rebuts a point (b) gives evidence (c) opens a speech (d) closes a speech
  14. 14.True or false: “You clearly know nothing.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  15. 15.💬 Which line can end a proposition speech? (a) “That’s all, bye.” (b) “Whatever.” (c) “Over and out.” (d) “I beg to propose.”
  16. 16.True or false: “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  17. 17.True or false: “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  18. 18.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  19. 19.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” (a) gives evidence (b) opens a speech (c) closes a speech (d) rebuts a point
  20. 20.True or false: “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
  21. 21.💬 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
  22. 22.💬 Polite or impolite? “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  23. 23.💬 Polite or impolite? “Stop talking, you are wrong!” (a) impolite (b) polite
  24. 24.💬 Polite or impolite? “Your team is just jealous.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  25. 25.True or false: “Your team is just jealous.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  26. 26.True or false: “Your team is just jealous.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  27. 27.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  28. 28.💬 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) closes a speech (c) gives evidence (d) opens a speech
  29. 29.True or false: “Only a fool would believe that.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  30. 30.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  31. 31.💬 How should you begin a debate speech? (a) greet judges, opponents (b) start shouting (c) tell a long joke (d) insult the motion
  32. 32.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is the silliest idea ever.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  33. 33.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  34. 34.True or false: “The library’s record shows that…” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  35. 35.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Today, my team will prove three things.” (a) rebuts a point (b) gives evidence (c) closes a speech (d) opens a speech
  36. 36.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  37. 37.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  38. 38.True or false: “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
  39. 39.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  40. 40.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Our science textbook tells us that…” (a) opens a speech (b) closes a speech (c) gives evidence (d) rebuts a point

Answer key

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

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