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Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 81 · 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.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Our science textbook tells us that…” (a) closes a speech (b) rebuts a point (c) opens a speech (d) gives evidence
  2. 2.💬 Polite or impolite? “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  3. 3.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  4. 4.True or false: “Stop talking, you are wrong!” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  5. 5.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “With respect, the last speaker missed an important point.” (a) opens a speech (b) gives evidence (c) closes a speech (d) rebuts a point
  6. 6.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “those people” (b) “my worthy opponents” (c) “you lot” (d) “hey, you there”
  7. 7.💬 How should you begin a debate speech? (a) tell a long joke (b) greet judges, opponents (c) insult the motion (d) start shouting
  8. 8.True or false: “The library’s record shows that…” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
  9. 9.💬 Polite or impolite? “May I offer a point of information?” (a) impolite (b) polite
  10. 10.💬 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
  11. 11.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Today, my team will prove three things.” (a) rebuts a point (b) opens a speech (c) closes a speech (d) gives evidence
  12. 12.True or false: “Our science textbook tells us that…” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
  13. 13.True or false: “Today, my team will prove three things.” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
  14. 14.💬 Polite or impolite? “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  15. 15.True or false: “For all these reasons, I urge you to support the motion.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
  16. 16.💬 Polite or impolite? “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” (a) polite (b) impolite
  17. 17.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  18. 18.True or false: “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  19. 19.True or false: “Your team is just jealous.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  20. 20.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “I rest my case. Thank you.” (a) opens a speech (b) rebuts a point (c) gives evidence (d) closes a speech
  21. 21.True or false: “I rest my case. Thank you.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
  22. 22.💬 Which word should you never use about an opponent’s idea? (a) “interesting” (b) “important” (c) “fair” (d) “stupid”
  23. 23.True or false: “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
  24. 24.True or false: “According to our school survey, 30 of 40 students…” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
  25. 25.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is an interesting point, but…” (a) polite (b) impolite
  26. 26.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” (a) closes a speech (b) opens a speech (c) rebuts a point (d) gives evidence
  27. 27.💬 Which line can end an opposition speech? (a) “That’s all, bye.” (b) “Over and out.” (c) “I beg to oppose.” (d) “Whatever.”
  28. 28.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  29. 29.True or false: “Your team is just jealous.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  30. 30.True or false: “You clearly know nothing.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  31. 31.💬 Polite or impolite? “Whatever. Next!” (a) polite (b) impolite
  32. 32.True or false: “Today, my team will prove three things.” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
  33. 33.💬 Which line can end a proposition speech? (a) “That’s all, bye.” (b) “Whatever.” (c) “Over and out.” (d) “I beg to propose.”
  34. 34.True or false: “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  35. 35.True or false: “Only a fool would believe that.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  36. 36.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  37. 37.💬 Polite or impolite? “You clearly know nothing.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  38. 38.True or false: “For all these reasons, I urge you to support the motion.” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
  39. 39.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is the silliest idea ever.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  40. 40.True or false: “My worthy opponent claimed it costs too much, but the facts say otherwise.” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False

Answer key

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

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