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Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 674 · 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? “May I offer a point of information?” (a) polite (b) impolite
  2. 2.True or false: “Stop talking, you are wrong!” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  3. 3.True or false: “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
  4. 4.💬 Polite or impolite? “Your team is just jealous.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  5. 5.💬 Which word should you never use about an opponent’s idea? (a) “important” (b) “stupid” (c) “interesting” (d) “fair”
  6. 6.True or false: “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  7. 7.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” (a) gives evidence (b) rebuts a point (c) closes a speech (d) opens a speech
  8. 8.True or false: “My worthy opponent claimed it costs too much, but the facts say otherwise.” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
  9. 9.💬 Polite or impolite? “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  10. 10.True or false: “Your team is just jealous.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  11. 11.True or false: “Figures from the city water board show…” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
  12. 12.True or false: “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  13. 13.True or false: “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
  14. 14.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “For all these reasons, I urge you to support the motion.” (a) opens a speech (b) gives evidence (c) rebuts a point (d) closes a speech
  15. 15.💬 Polite or impolite? “Whatever. Next!” (a) impolite (b) polite
  16. 16.True or false: “Whatever. Next!” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  17. 17.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  18. 18.True or false: “Whatever. Next!” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  19. 19.True or false: “With respect, the last speaker missed an important point.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
  20. 20.True or false: “With respect, the last speaker missed an important point.” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
  21. 21.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  22. 22.True or false: “Your team is just jealous.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  23. 23.💬 Polite or impolite? “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  24. 24.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
  25. 25.💬 Polite or impolite? “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  26. 26.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is the silliest idea ever.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  27. 27.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  28. 28.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  29. 29.True or false: “For all these reasons, I urge you to support the motion.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
  30. 30.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is an interesting point, but…” (a) polite (b) impolite
  31. 31.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “I rest my case. Thank you.” (a) rebuts a point (b) opens a speech (c) closes a speech (d) gives evidence
  32. 32.True or false: “Only a fool would believe that.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  33. 33.💬 Polite or impolite? “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” (a) impolite (b) polite
  34. 34.💬 How should you begin a debate speech? (a) tell a long joke (b) start shouting (c) insult the motion (d) greet judges, opponents
  35. 35.True or false: “You clearly know nothing.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  36. 36.True or false: “You clearly know nothing.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  37. 37.💬 Polite or impolite? “Only a fool would believe that.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  38. 38.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “you lot” (b) “hey, you there” (c) “those people” (d) “my worthy opponents”
  39. 39.💬 Which line can end a proposition speech? (a) “I beg to propose.” (b) “Over and out.” (c) “Whatever.” (d) “That’s all, bye.”
  40. 40.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “With respect, the last speaker missed an important point.” (a) opens a speech (b) closes a speech (c) gives evidence (d) rebuts a point

Answer key

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

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