Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 670 · 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.💬 Polite or impolite? “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” (a) polite (b) impolite
2. 2.True or false: “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
3. 3.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is the silliest idea ever.” (a) polite (b) impolite
4. 4.💬 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) rebuts a point (d) opens a speech
5. 5.💬 Which line can end a proposition speech? (a) “I beg to propose.” (b) “Whatever.” (c) “That’s all, bye.” (d) “Over and out.”
6. 6.True or false: “Today, my team will prove three things.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
7. 7.True or false: “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
8. 8.True or false: “Whatever. Next!” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
9. 9.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Our science textbook tells us that…” (a) rebuts a point (b) gives evidence (c) closes a speech (d) opens a speech
10. 10.💬 Which line can end an opposition speech? (a) “Whatever.” (b) “That’s all, bye.” (c) “I beg to oppose.” (d) “Over and out.”
11. 11.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is an interesting point, but…” (a) impolite (b) polite
12. 12.True or false: “Figures from the city water board show…” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
13. 13.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” (a) opens a speech (b) closes a speech (c) rebuts a point (d) gives evidence
14. 14.💬 Polite or impolite? “Your team is just jealous.” (a) impolite (b) polite
15. 15.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” (a) opens a speech (b) rebuts a point (c) closes a speech (d) gives evidence
16. 16.True or false: “You clearly know nothing.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
17. 17.True or false: “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
18. 18.True or false: “Whatever. Next!” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
19. 19.💬 Polite or impolite? “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” (a) impolite (b) polite
20. 20.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “The library’s record shows that…” (a) closes a speech (b) rebuts a point (c) gives evidence (d) opens a speech
21. 21.True or false: “For all these reasons, I urge you to support the motion.” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
22. 22.True or false: “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
23. 23.True or false: “Your team is just jealous.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
24. 24.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
25. 25.💬 How should you begin a debate speech? (a) insult the motion (b) start shouting (c) tell a long joke (d) greet judges, opponents
26. 26.True or false: “My worthy opponent claimed it costs too much, but the facts say otherwise.” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
27. 27.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Figures from the city water board show…” (a) opens a speech (b) rebuts a point (c) closes a speech (d) gives evidence
28. 28.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “With respect, the last speaker missed an important point.” (a) closes a speech (b) gives evidence (c) rebuts a point (d) opens a speech
29. 29.💬 Polite or impolite? “You clearly know nothing.” (a) polite (b) impolite
30. 30.True or false: “Our science textbook tells us that…” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
31. 31.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
32. 32.True or false: “For all these reasons, I urge you to support the motion.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
33. 33.💬 Polite or impolite? “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” (a) polite (b) impolite
34. 34.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
35. 35.True or false: “Only a fool would believe that.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
36. 36.💬 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
37. 37.True or false: “The library’s record shows that…” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
38. 38.💬 Which word should you never use about an opponent’s idea? (a) “important” (b) “interesting” (c) “fair” (d) “stupid”
39. 39.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” (a) closes a speech (b) gives evidence (c) opens a speech (d) rebuts a point
40. 40.True or false: “Your team is just jealous.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False

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