Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases
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.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
- 2.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” (a) gives evidence (b) closes a speech (c) rebuts a point (d) opens a speech
- 3.💬 Which line can end an opposition speech? (a) “Over and out.” (b) “Whatever.” (c) “I beg to oppose.” (d) “That’s all, bye.”
- 4.💬 Which word should you never use about an opponent’s idea? (a) “stupid” (b) “interesting” (c) “fair” (d) “important”
- 5.💬 Which line can end a proposition speech? (a) “I beg to propose.” (b) “That’s all, bye.” (c) “Over and out.” (d) “Whatever.”
- 6.💬 Polite or impolite? “Only a fool would believe that.” (a) polite (b) impolite
- 7.True or false: “The other side says it is unsafe; in fact, it is safe with a teacher present.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
- 8.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is an interesting point, but…” (a) polite (b) impolite
- 9.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
- 10.True or false: “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
- 11.True or false: “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
- 12.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” (a) gives evidence (b) rebuts a point (c) closes a speech (d) opens a speech
- 13.💬 Polite or impolite? “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” (a) impolite (b) polite
- 14.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
- 15.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
- 16.True or false: “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
- 17.True or false: “My worthy opponent claimed it costs too much, but the facts say otherwise.” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
- 18.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “The library’s record shows that…” (a) rebuts a point (b) closes a speech (c) opens a speech (d) gives evidence
- 19.💬 Polite or impolite? “Your team is just jealous.” (a) polite (b) impolite
- 20.💬 How should you begin a debate speech? (a) insult the motion (b) tell a long joke (c) start shouting (d) greet judges, opponents
- 21.💬 Polite or impolite? “Stop talking, you are wrong!” (a) impolite (b) polite
- 22.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
- 23.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Figures from the city water board show…” (a) gives evidence (b) rebuts a point (c) opens a speech (d) closes a speech
- 24.True or false: “Your team is just jealous.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
- 25.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “those people” (b) “hey, you there” (c) “you lot” (d) “my worthy opponents”
- 26.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
- 27.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “For all these reasons, I urge you to support the motion.” (a) gives evidence (b) rebuts a point (c) closes a speech (d) opens a speech
- 28.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “My worthy opponent claimed it costs too much, but the facts say otherwise.” (a) closes a speech (b) gives evidence (c) opens a speech (d) rebuts a point
- 29.True or false: “My worthy opponent claimed it costs too much, but the facts say otherwise.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
- 30.💬 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
- 31.True or false: “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
- 32.💬 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) gives evidence (b) rebuts a point (c) closes a speech (d) opens a speech
- 33.True or false: “Figures from the city water board show…” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
- 34.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
- 35.True or false: “For all these reasons, I urge you to support the motion.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
- 36.💬 Polite or impolite? “Whatever. Next!” (a) polite (b) impolite
- 37.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” (a) rebuts a point (b) opens a speech (c) closes a speech (d) gives evidence
- 38.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
- 39.True or false: “Your team is just jealous.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
- 40.💬 Polite or impolite? “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” (a) polite (b) impolite
Answer key
- True
- opens a speech
- “I beg to oppose.”
- “stupid”
- “I beg to propose.”
- impolite
- False
- polite
- True
- True
- True
- closes a speech
- polite
- False
- False
- False
- False
- gives evidence
- impolite
- greet judges, opponents
- impolite
- False
- gives evidence
- False
- “my worthy opponents”
- True
- closes a speech
- rebuts a point
- False
- opens a speech
- False
- rebuts a point
- False
- True
- True
- impolite
- rebuts a point
- False
- True
- polite
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