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