Name:_______________________________________ Class:________ Date:__________
Debate Vocabulary
Write the number to match the word to the correct definition.
1. Proponents
2. Argument
3. Judges
4. Opponents
5. Rebuttals
6. Motion
_____This team agrees with the motion. This is the
“for” team.
_____ This team supports a side even if they don’t
believe in it.
_____This team disagrees with the motion. This is the
“against” team.
_____These are the reasons for why each team is
“for” or “against” the motion.
7. Devil’s Advocate
_____ This explains why one team disagrees with
another team’s argument.
_____ These are the ones who decide the winner.
_____ An opinion that two teams will argue about. It is
the topic or theme of the debate.
Sharing opinions
Expressing opinions
Giving reasons / support
Making rebuttals
I believe that…
For example…
As you said…
I think that…
Everyone knows…
You (just) mentioned…
In my opinion…
According to…
You said that…
Agreeing
Disagreeing
Closing statement
I agree.
I don’t agree.
Therefore…
I think you’re right.
I disagree.
To summarize
That’s true.
That may be true but..
In closing…
Name:_______________________________________ Class:________ Date:__________
Opening Arguments
I believe that
Are you For or Against the debate topic
(resolution)?
One reason is
Reason 1. Give a reason for your
opinion.
For example
Example in support of reason 1.
Support your opinion with a real life
example.
Second,
Reason 2.
For example
Example in support of reason 2.
Rebuttal:
the
other
The other team said that
1. Restate
opinion.
But I disagree/ agree
2. Give your opinion.
Because
3. Give your reason.
Therefore
4. Give a summary.
team’s
Name:_______________________________________ Class:________ Date:__________