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Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 680 · 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: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  2. 2.True or false: “Stop talking, you are wrong!” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  3. 3.💬 Polite or impolite? “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  4. 4.💬 Which line can end an opposition speech? (a) “I beg to oppose.” (b) “Over and out.” (c) “Whatever.” (d) “That’s all, bye.”
  5. 5.True or false: “Your team is just jealous.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  6. 6.True or false: “Stop talking, you are wrong!” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  7. 7.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  8. 8.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is the silliest idea ever.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  9. 9.True or false: “I rest my case. Thank you.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
  10. 10.💬 Which line can end a proposition speech? (a) “I beg to propose.” (b) “Over and out.” (c) “That’s all, bye.” (d) “Whatever.”
  11. 11.True or false: “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
  12. 12.True or false: “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
  13. 13.True or false: “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  14. 14.True or false: “With respect, the last speaker missed an important point.” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
  15. 15.True or false: “Our science textbook tells us that…” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
  16. 16.True or false: “For all these reasons, I urge you to support the motion.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
  17. 17.True or false: “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
  18. 18.💬 Polite or impolite? “Your team is just jealous.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  19. 19.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  20. 20.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Our science textbook tells us that…” (a) gives evidence (b) closes a speech (c) rebuts a point (d) opens a speech
  21. 21.True or false: “Whatever. Next!” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  22. 22.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” (a) gives evidence (b) closes a speech (c) opens a speech (d) rebuts a point
  23. 23.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
  24. 24.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” (a) gives evidence (b) opens a speech (c) closes a speech (d) rebuts a point
  25. 25.💬 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
  26. 26.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  27. 27.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “hey, you there” (b) “my worthy opponents” (c) “you lot” (d) “those people”
  28. 28.💬 How should you begin a debate speech? (a) tell a long joke (b) greet judges, opponents (c) insult the motion (d) start shouting
  29. 29.💬 Polite or impolite? “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  30. 30.True or false: “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  31. 31.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Figures from the city water board show…” (a) opens a speech (b) closes a speech (c) rebuts a point (d) gives evidence
  32. 32.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “My worthy opponent claimed it costs too much, but the facts say otherwise.” (a) opens a speech (b) gives evidence (c) rebuts a point (d) closes a speech
  33. 33.True or false: “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  34. 34.True or false: “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
  35. 35.💬 Which word should you never use about an opponent’s idea? (a) “important” (b) “fair” (c) “interesting” (d) “stupid”
  36. 36.💬 Polite or impolite? “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  37. 37.True or false: “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  38. 38.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  39. 39.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  40. 40.💬 Polite or impolite? “You clearly know nothing.” (a) polite (b) impolite

Answer key

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

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