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Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 648 · 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.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is the silliest idea ever.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  2. 2.💬 Polite or impolite? “You clearly know nothing.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  3. 3.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is an interesting point, but…” (a) polite (b) impolite
  4. 4.💬 Which line can end an opposition speech? (a) “I beg to oppose.” (b) “Over and out.” (c) “That’s all, bye.” (d) “Whatever.”
  5. 5.True or false: “With respect, the last speaker missed an important point.” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
  6. 6.💬 Polite or impolite? “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  7. 7.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “those people” (b) “hey, you there” (c) “you lot” (d) “my worthy opponents”
  8. 8.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  9. 9.💬 Polite or impolite? “Stop talking, you are wrong!” (a) polite (b) impolite
  10. 10.True or false: “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
  11. 11.True or false: “For all these reasons, I urge you to support the motion.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
  12. 12.True or false: “Today, my team will prove three things.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
  13. 13.💬 Polite or impolite? “Only a fool would believe that.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  14. 14.💬 Which word should you never use about an opponent’s idea? (a) “stupid” (b) “interesting” (c) “fair” (d) “important”
  15. 15.💬 Polite or impolite? “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  16. 16.True or false: “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
  17. 17.💬 Which line can end a proposition speech? (a) “Over and out.” (b) “Whatever.” (c) “I beg to propose.” (d) “That’s all, bye.”
  18. 18.💬 How should you begin a debate speech? (a) start shouting (b) greet judges, opponents (c) insult the motion (d) tell a long joke
  19. 19.💬 Polite or impolite? “Whatever. Next!” (a) polite (b) impolite
  20. 20.True or false: “Your team is just jealous.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  21. 21.True or false: “Our science textbook tells us that…” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
  22. 22.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  23. 23.True or false: “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  24. 24.True or false: “Whatever. Next!” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  25. 25.True or false: “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
  26. 26.True or false: “I rest my case. Thank you.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
  27. 27.True or false: “For all these reasons, I urge you to support the motion.” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
  28. 28.True or false: “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
  29. 29.True or false: “Stop talking, you are wrong!” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  30. 30.True or false: “The other side says it is unsafe; in fact, it is safe with a teacher present.” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
  31. 31.💬 Polite or impolite? “May I offer a point of information?” (a) polite (b) impolite
  32. 32.💬 Polite or impolite? “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” (a) impolite (b) polite
  33. 33.True or false: “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
  34. 34.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” (a) gives evidence (b) closes a speech (c) rebuts a point (d) opens a speech
  35. 35.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” (a) opens a speech (b) gives evidence (c) closes a speech (d) rebuts a point
  36. 36.True or false: “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  37. 37.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” (a) rebuts a point (b) opens a speech (c) closes a speech (d) gives evidence
  38. 38.True or false: “Only a fool would believe that.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  39. 39.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “With respect, the last speaker missed an important point.” (a) rebuts a point (b) closes a speech (c) gives evidence (d) opens a speech
  40. 40.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “My worthy opponent claimed it costs too much, but the facts say otherwise.” (a) rebuts a point (b) gives evidence (c) closes a speech (d) opens a speech

Answer key

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

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