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Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 675 · 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? “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  2. 2.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  3. 3.True or false: “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
  4. 4.💬 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) gives evidence (d) rebuts a point
  5. 5.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “hey, you there” (b) “those people” (c) “you lot” (d) “my worthy opponents”
  6. 6.True or false: “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
  7. 7.💬 Which line can end an opposition speech? (a) “Over and out.” (b) “I beg to oppose.” (c) “Whatever.” (d) “That’s all, bye.”
  8. 8.True or false: “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
  9. 9.True or false: “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
  10. 10.True or false: “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
  11. 11.True or false: “My worthy opponent claimed it costs too much, but the facts say otherwise.” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
  12. 12.💬 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) closes a speech (d) rebuts a point
  13. 13.💬 Which word should you never use about an opponent’s idea? (a) “interesting” (b) “fair” (c) “important” (d) “stupid”
  14. 14.True or false: “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  15. 15.True or false: “I rest my case. Thank you.” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
  16. 16.💬 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) rebuts a point (d) gives evidence
  17. 17.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  18. 18.True or false: “Whatever. Next!” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  19. 19.True or false: “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  20. 20.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” (a) gives evidence (b) closes a speech (c) rebuts a point (d) opens a speech
  21. 21.💬 Polite or impolite? “Your team is just jealous.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  22. 22.True or false: “Only a fool would believe that.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  23. 23.💬 Polite or impolite? “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” (a) polite (b) impolite
  24. 24.True or false: “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
  25. 25.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “The library’s record shows that…” (a) opens a speech (b) rebuts a point (c) closes a speech (d) gives evidence
  26. 26.💬 How should you begin a debate speech? (a) tell a long joke (b) insult the motion (c) greet judges, opponents (d) start shouting
  27. 27.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  28. 28.True or false: “For all these reasons, I urge you to support the motion.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  29. 29.💬 Polite or impolite? “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  30. 30.💬 Polite or impolite? “Whatever. Next!” (a) polite (b) impolite
  31. 31.True or false: “The library’s record shows that…” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
  32. 32.💬 Polite or impolite? “Only a fool would believe that.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  33. 33.True or false: “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
  34. 34.💬 Polite or impolite? “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  35. 35.True or false: “Your team is just jealous.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  36. 36.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  37. 37.💬 Polite or impolite? “You clearly know nothing.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  38. 38.True or false: “Stop talking, you are wrong!” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  39. 39.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
  40. 40.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Today, my team will prove three things.” (a) opens a speech (b) closes a speech (c) gives evidence (d) rebuts a point

Answer key

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

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