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Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 663 · 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 an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  2. 2.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” (a) rebuts a point (b) gives evidence (c) opens a speech (d) closes a speech
  3. 3.💬 Polite or impolite? “Whatever. Next!” (a) polite (b) impolite
  4. 4.True or false: “Our science textbook tells us that…” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
  5. 5.💬 Which line can end an opposition speech? (a) “Over and out.” (b) “Whatever.” (c) “I beg to oppose.” (d) “That’s all, bye.”
  6. 6.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  7. 7.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “I rest my case. Thank you.” (a) opens a speech (b) closes a speech (c) gives evidence (d) rebuts a point
  8. 8.💬 How should you begin a debate speech? (a) greet judges, opponents (b) insult the motion (c) tell a long joke (d) start shouting
  9. 9.💬 Polite or impolite? “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  10. 10.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  11. 11.True or false: “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  12. 12.True or false: “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
  13. 13.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  14. 14.💬 Which line can end a proposition speech? (a) “That’s all, bye.” (b) “Over and out.” (c) “Whatever.” (d) “I beg to propose.”
  15. 15.True or false: “Our science textbook tells us that…” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
  16. 16.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  17. 17.True or false: “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  18. 18.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is an interesting point, but…” (a) polite (b) impolite
  19. 19.💬 Which word should you never use about an opponent’s idea? (a) “important” (b) “interesting” (c) “stupid” (d) “fair”
  20. 20.True or false: “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
  21. 21.💬 Polite or impolite? “You clearly know nothing.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  22. 22.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Our science textbook tells us that…” (a) rebuts a point (b) opens a speech (c) closes a speech (d) gives evidence
  23. 23.True or false: “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  24. 24.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” (a) rebuts a point (b) closes a speech (c) gives evidence (d) opens a speech
  25. 25.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  26. 26.💬 Polite or impolite? “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  27. 27.True or false: “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  28. 28.True or false: “Whatever. Next!” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  29. 29.💬 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) opens a speech (c) gives evidence (d) closes a speech
  30. 30.True or false: “Only a fool would believe that.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  31. 31.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “The library’s record shows that…” (a) rebuts a point (b) opens a speech (c) gives evidence (d) closes a speech
  32. 32.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Let me begin by defining the motion.” (a) closes a speech (b) gives evidence (c) opens a speech (d) rebuts a point
  33. 33.💬 Polite or impolite? “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” (a) impolite (b) polite
  34. 34.💬 Polite or impolite? “Your team is just jealous.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  35. 35.True or false: “Stop talking, you are wrong!” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  36. 36.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” (a) rebuts a point (b) closes a speech (c) gives evidence (d) opens a speech
  37. 37.💬 Polite or impolite? “Stop talking, you are wrong!” (a) polite (b) impolite
  38. 38.True or false: “For all these reasons, I urge you to support the motion.” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
  39. 39.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “you lot” (b) “those people” (c) “my worthy opponents” (d) “hey, you there”
  40. 40.True or false: “The other side says it is unsafe; in fact, it is safe with a teacher present.” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True

Answer key

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

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