Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 649 · 40 questions

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.

1. 1.True or false: “Whatever. Next!” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
2. 2.True or false: “Your team is just jealous.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
3. 3.True or false: “Today, my team will prove three things.” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
4. 4.💬 How should you begin a debate speech? (a) greet judges, opponents (b) insult the motion (c) tell a long joke (d) start shouting
5. 5.True or false: “I rest my case. Thank you.” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
6. 6.True or false: “With respect, the last speaker missed an important point.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
7. 7.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
8. 8.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
9. 9.True or false: “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
10. 10.True or false: “With respect, the last speaker missed an important point.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
11. 11.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Let me begin by defining the motion.” (a) opens a speech (b) rebuts a point (c) gives evidence (d) closes a speech
12. 12.True or false: “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
13. 13.True or false: “Stop talking, you are wrong!” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
14. 14.💬 Which line can end a proposition speech? (a) “I beg to propose.” (b) “Over and out.” (c) “Whatever.” (d) “That’s all, bye.”
15. 15.💬 Polite or impolite? “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” (a) polite (b) impolite
16. 16.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “My worthy opponent claimed it costs too much, but the facts say otherwise.” (a) gives evidence (b) closes a speech (c) opens a speech (d) rebuts a point
17. 17.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is the silliest idea ever.” (a) polite (b) impolite
18. 18.True or false: “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
19. 19.💬 Polite or impolite? “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” (a) impolite (b) polite
20. 20.💬 Polite or impolite? “You clearly know nothing.” (a) impolite (b) polite
21. 21.💬 Polite or impolite? “Only a fool would believe that.” (a) polite (b) impolite
22. 22.💬 Polite or impolite? “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” (a) polite (b) impolite
23. 23.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
24. 24.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” (a) opens a speech (b) closes a speech (c) rebuts a point (d) gives evidence
25. 25.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” (a) closes a speech (b) opens a speech (c) gives evidence (d) rebuts a point
26. 26.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
27. 27.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
28. 28.True or false: “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
29. 29.True or false: “Whatever. Next!” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
30. 30.True or false: “Your team is just jealous.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
31. 31.True or false: “With respect, the last speaker missed an important point.” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
32. 32.💬 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
33. 33.💬 Polite or impolite? “Stop talking, you are wrong!” (a) polite (b) impolite
34. 34.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
35. 35.True or false: “You clearly know nothing.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
36. 36.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
37. 37.True or false: “My worthy opponent claimed it costs too much, but the facts say otherwise.” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
38. 38.True or false: “The library’s record shows that…” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
39. 39.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Figures from the city water board show…” (a) rebuts a point (b) opens a speech (c) closes a speech (d) gives evidence
40. 40.True or false: “Our science textbook tells us that…” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True

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