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Debate Worksheet: Debating Phrases

Debate lesson 14: Polite debating phrases · Set 82 · 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: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  2. 2.True or false: “Figures from the city water board show…” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
  3. 3.💬 Polite or impolite? “Stop talking, you are wrong!” (a) polite (b) impolite
  4. 4.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is the silliest idea ever.” (a) impolite (b) polite
  5. 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. 6.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  7. 7.True or false: “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  8. 8.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  9. 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. 10.True or false: “For all these reasons, I urge you to support the motion.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
  11. 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. 12.💬 Polite or impolite? “You clearly know nothing.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  13. 13.True or false: “Whatever. Next!” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  14. 14.💬 Which word should you never use about an opponent’s idea? (a) “important” (b) “stupid” (c) “interesting” (d) “fair”
  15. 15.True or false: “Your team is just jealous.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
  16. 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. 17.True or false: “Our science textbook tells us that…” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
  18. 18.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “those people” (b) “hey, you there” (c) “my worthy opponents” (d) “you lot”
  19. 19.True or false: “Today, my team will prove three things.” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
  20. 20.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  21. 21.True or false: “Today, my team will prove three things.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
  22. 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. 23.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  24. 24.💬 Polite or impolite? “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” (a) impolite (b) polite
  25. 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. 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. 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. 28.True or false: “You clearly know nothing.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
  29. 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. 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. 31.💬 Polite or impolite? “Whatever. Next!” (a) impolite (b) polite
  32. 32.True or false: “Figures from the city water board show…” rebuts a point. (a) True (b) False
  33. 33.💬 Polite or impolite? “Only a fool would believe that.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  34. 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. 35.True or false: “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
  36. 36.True or false: “For all these reasons, I urge you to support the motion.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
  37. 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. 38.💬 Polite or impolite? “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” (a) polite (b) impolite
  39. 39.💬 Polite or impolite? “May I offer a point of information?” (a) polite (b) impolite
  40. 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

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

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