Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 80 · 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.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” 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) True (b) False
3. 3.💬 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
4. 4.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “With respect, the last speaker missed an important point.” (a) gives evidence (b) rebuts a point (c) closes a speech (d) opens a speech
5. 5.💬 Polite or impolite? “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” (a) polite (b) impolite
6. 6.True or false: “The other side says it is unsafe; in fact, it is safe with a teacher present.” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
7. 7.💬 Which line can end a proposition speech? (a) “I beg to propose.” (b) “Whatever.” (c) “That’s all, bye.” (d) “Over and out.”
8. 8.💬 Polite or impolite? “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” (a) impolite (b) polite
9. 9.True or false: “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
10. 10.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is the silliest idea ever.” (a) impolite (b) polite
11. 11.True or false: “Only a fool would believe that.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
12. 12.True or false: “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
13. 13.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “For all these reasons, I urge you to support the motion.” (a) rebuts a point (b) closes a speech (c) gives evidence (d) opens a speech
14. 14.💬 Polite or impolite? “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” (a) polite (b) impolite
15. 15.💬 Polite or impolite? “Stop talking, you are wrong!” (a) polite (b) impolite
16. 16.💬 Polite or impolite? “Whatever. Next!” (a) polite (b) impolite
17. 17.💬 Which word should you never use about an opponent’s idea? (a) “interesting” (b) “important” (c) “stupid” (d) “fair”
18. 18.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
19. 19.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
20. 20.True or false: “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
21. 21.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
22. 22.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
23. 23.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” (a) rebuts a point (b) gives evidence (c) closes a speech (d) opens a speech
24. 24.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “I must disagree with the previous speaker, because…” (a) closes a speech (b) opens a speech (c) gives evidence (d) rebuts a point
25. 25.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
26. 26.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Figures from the city water board show…” (a) closes a speech (b) opens a speech (c) gives evidence (d) rebuts a point
27. 27.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” (a) gives evidence (b) opens a speech (c) closes a speech (d) rebuts a point
28. 28.True or false: “I rest my case. Thank you.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
29. 29.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
30. 30.True or false: “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
31. 31.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Our science textbook tells us that…” (a) opens a speech (b) rebuts a point (c) closes a speech (d) gives evidence
32. 32.True or false: “The other side says it is unsafe; in fact, it is safe with a teacher present.” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
33. 33.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Let me begin by defining the motion.” (a) opens a speech (b) rebuts a point (c) gives evidence (d) closes a speech
34. 34.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
35. 35.💬 Polite or impolite? “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” (a) impolite (b) polite
36. 36.💬 Polite or impolite? “Your team is just jealous.” (a) impolite (b) polite
37. 37.True or false: “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
38. 38.True or false: “The library’s record shows that…” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
39. 39.True or false: “With respect, the last speaker missed an important point.” rebuts a point. (a) False (b) True
40. 40.True or false: “The other side says it is unsafe; in fact, it is safe with a teacher present.” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True

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