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.💬 Polite or impolite? “With due respect, the facts show otherwise.” (a) polite (b) impolite
- 2.True or false: “Whatever. Next!” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
- 3.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “To sum up, we have shown three clear reasons.” (a) closes a speech (b) gives evidence (c) opens a speech (d) rebuts a point
- 4.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “My worthy opponent claimed it costs too much, but the facts say otherwise.” (a) gives evidence (b) opens a speech (c) rebuts a point (d) closes a speech
- 5.💬 Polite or impolite? “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” (a) polite (b) impolite
- 6.💬 Polite or impolite? “Stop talking, you are wrong!” (a) impolite (b) polite
- 7.💬 Which line can end an opposition speech? (a) “That’s all, bye.” (b) “Whatever.” (c) “Over and out.” (d) “I beg to oppose.”
- 8.💬 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) closes a speech (b) gives evidence (c) rebuts a point (d) opens a speech
- 9.True or false: “That is an interesting point, but…” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
- 10.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
- 11.True or false: “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
- 12.True or false: “Good morning. I stand here to speak for the motion.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
- 13.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “For all these reasons, I urge you to support the motion.” (a) opens a speech (b) gives evidence (c) rebuts a point (d) closes a speech
- 14.True or false: “The other side says it is unsafe; in fact, it is safe with a teacher present.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
- 15.💬 Which line can end a proposition speech? (a) “Over and out.” (b) “I beg to propose.” (c) “Whatever.” (d) “That’s all, bye.”
- 16.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
- 17.True or false: “Stop talking, you are wrong!” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
- 18.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
- 19.True or false: “I rest my case. Thank you.” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
- 20.True or false: “May I offer a point of information?” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
- 21.💬 Polite or impolite? “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” (a) impolite (b) polite
- 22.True or false: “My worthy opponent has raised a fair question.” is an impolite debating line. (a) True (b) False
- 23.True or false: “That is the silliest idea ever.” is an impolite debating line. (a) False (b) True
- 24.True or false: “Let me begin by defining the motion.” opens a speech. (a) False (b) True
- 25.💬 Polite or impolite? “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” (a) impolite (b) polite
- 26.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is an interesting point, but…” (a) impolite (b) polite
- 27.True or false: “I thank the previous speaker, and I would add…” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
- 28.True or false: “I respectfully disagree with my opponent.” is a polite debating line. (a) True (b) False
- 29.True or false: “For all these reasons, I urge you to support the motion.” closes a speech. (a) False (b) True
- 30.💬 How do you address the other team politely? (a) “those people” (b) “hey, you there” (c) “my worthy opponents” (d) “you lot”
- 31.True or false: “Figures from the city water board show…” gives evidence. (a) True (b) False
- 32.True or false: “Respected judges, worthy opponents and dear friends…” closes a speech. (a) True (b) False
- 33.True or false: “Only a fool would believe that.” is a polite debating line. (a) False (b) True
- 34.💬 How should you begin a debate speech? (a) insult the motion (b) start shouting (c) tell a long joke (d) greet judges, opponents
- 35.💬 Polite or impolite? “That is the silliest idea ever.” (a) impolite (b) polite
- 36.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Let me begin by defining the motion.” (a) closes a speech (b) gives evidence (c) rebuts a point (d) opens a speech
- 37.True or false: “Today, my team will prove three things.” opens a speech. (a) True (b) False
- 38.💬 What does this line do in a debate speech? “Our science textbook tells us that…” (a) closes a speech (b) opens a speech (c) rebuts a point (d) gives evidence
- 39.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
- 40.True or false: “Thank you, and I beg to propose.” gives evidence. (a) False (b) True
Answer key
- polite
- True
- closes a speech
- rebuts a point
- polite
- impolite
- “I beg to oppose.”
- rebuts a point
- True
- True
- False
- False
- closes a speech
- False
- “I beg to propose.”
- False
- True
- False
- False
- False
- polite
- False
- True
- True
- polite
- polite
- True
- True
- True
- “my worthy opponents”
- True
- False
- False
- greet judges, opponents
- impolite
- opens a speech
- True
- gives evidence
- True
- False
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