Language Arts: Debate: Cross-Examination and Rebuttal Practice Worksheet

Question 1

A debater argues, "Schools should eliminate homework because students are already busy after school." Write two cross-examination questions that test the strength of this claim.

Accepted Answer

Strong questions could ask for evidence and clarify the scope of the claim. For example: "What evidence shows that eliminating homework improves student learning?" and "Should all homework be eliminated, or only homework above a certain amount?"

Question 2

Identify the weakness in this argument: "Everyone I know says school lunches are unhealthy, so the cafeteria should be replaced with food trucks." Explain why it is a weakness.

Accepted Answer

The argument relies on a small and possibly biased sample. The opinions of the speaker's friends do not prove that all school lunches are unhealthy or that food trucks are the best solution.

Question 3

Write a concise rebuttal to this claim: "Online learning is always less effective than in-person learning because students get distracted at home."

Accepted Answer

A strong rebuttal would challenge the word "always" and offer a more balanced claim. For example: "Online learning can be effective when courses include structure, teacher feedback, and accountability. While distractions can be a problem, they can be reduced with clear schedules and active participation."

Question 4

During cross-examination, your opponent gives a long answer that does not address your question. Write one polite follow-up question that brings the discussion back to the original point.

Accepted Answer

A strong follow-up question should redirect the opponent clearly. For example: "Thank you, but my question was whether your evidence directly supports the claim. Can you answer yes or no and then explain briefly?"

Question 5

Read the claim: "Public transportation should be free in all cities." Write one clarification question and one evidence question for cross-examination.

Accepted Answer

A clarification question could be: "Do you mean free for all riders at all times, or only for certain groups?" An evidence question could be: "What data shows that making public transportation free would increase ridership enough to justify the cost?"

Question 6

A speaker says, "My opponent has no good ideas because their proposal is unrealistic." Explain why this is a weak rebuttal and revise it into a stronger one.

Accepted Answer

This is a weak rebuttal because it attacks the opponent generally instead of explaining what is unrealistic. A stronger rebuttal would say: "The proposal is difficult to implement because it requires funding that the plan does not identify. Without a clear budget, the proposal cannot be evaluated as practical."

Question 7

Create a short cross-examination sequence of three questions about this claim: "Teenagers should have a later school start time." Your questions should move from general to specific.

Accepted Answer

A strong sequence might be: "What start time are you proposing?" "What evidence shows that this start time improves student health or academic performance?" "How would your plan address conflicts with bus schedules, after-school activities, and family work schedules?"

Question 8

Your opponent uses a statistic from a study but does not name the source. Write a cross-examination question that challenges the reliability of the evidence.

Accepted Answer

A strong question would ask for the source and method. For example: "What is the name of the study, who conducted it, and how was the data collected?"

Question 9

Write a rebuttal that uses the structure "They say, but, because" for this claim: "Cell phones should be banned in schools because they distract students."

Accepted Answer

A strong rebuttal could be: "They say cell phones should be banned because they distract students, but a complete ban removes useful learning tools, because phones can support research, translation, emergency communication, and teacher-approved activities when clear rules are enforced."

Question 10

Classify each question as open-ended or closed-ended: 1. "Do you agree that your plan would cost money?" 2. "How would your plan be funded?" 3. "Is your evidence from this year?" 4. "What problems might your plan create?" Then explain when each type is useful in cross-examination.

Accepted Answer

Questions 1 and 3 are closed-ended because they can be answered briefly, often with yes or no. Questions 2 and 4 are open-ended because they require explanation. Closed-ended questions are useful for confirming facts, while open-ended questions are useful for exposing reasoning and details.

Question 11

A debater claims, "School uniforms improve learning because students will stop judging each other by clothing." Write a rebuttal that challenges the cause-and-effect reasoning.

Accepted Answer

A strong rebuttal would explain that the claim assumes uniforms will change student behavior without proving it. For example: "Uniforms may reduce differences in clothing, but that does not prove students will stop judging one another or that learning will improve. The argument needs evidence connecting uniforms to academic outcomes."

Question 12

Look at the debate flow described here: Claim: "The city should build more bike lanes." Evidence: "A survey found that 62 percent of residents would bike more if streets were safer." Warrant: "Bike lanes make streets safer, so more residents would bike." Write one cross-examination question for each part: claim, evidence, and warrant.

Accepted Answer

For the claim, a question could be: "How many new bike lanes are you proposing and where would they be built?" For the evidence, a question could be: "Who conducted the survey and how many residents participated?" For the warrant, a question could be: "What evidence shows that bike lanes in this city would actually make streets safer?"

Question 13

Write a two-sentence answer you could give if an opponent asks, "Isn't your plan too expensive?" Your answer should acknowledge the concern and defend your position.

Accepted Answer

A strong answer could be: "Cost is an important concern, but our plan includes a phased rollout so the expense is spread over time. The long-term benefits, such as improved safety and reduced repair costs, justify the investment."

Question 14

Your opponent makes three points in a speech. Point 1 has weak evidence, Point 2 has a major logical flaw, and Point 3 is less important to the round. Which point should you prioritize in rebuttal, and why?

Accepted Answer

You should usually prioritize Point 2 because a major logical flaw can weaken the foundation of the opponent's argument. You may also briefly mention the weak evidence in Point 1, but the strongest rebuttal should focus on the argument that most affects the outcome of the debate.

Question 15

Write a final rebuttal paragraph for this position: "Students should complete community service before graduation." Include one concession, one response to an opposing argument, and one reason your side still wins.

Accepted Answer

A strong paragraph could be: "It is true that some students have busy schedules, and service requirements must be flexible. However, that concern does not outweigh the benefits, because schools can offer multiple service options during weekends, summers, and school-sponsored events. Our side still wins because community service builds civic responsibility, connects students with local needs, and gives students meaningful experience beyond the classroom."

Sign in to save

Sign in to save

Language Arts: Debate: Cross-Examination and Rebuttal Practice

Related Tools

Related Labs

Related Infographics

Related Cheat Sheets

More Language Arts Worksheets

More Grade 9-12 Worksheets