When you ____ an opponent's point in a debate, you must do so politely

Step 1: Analyze the question The sentence is about a debate. We need a verb that fits "an opponent's point" and describes what you do to it while staying polite.

Step 2: Look at the meaning of each option

• Refute means to prove that a statement or argument is wrong, usually with evidence or reasoning. This is exactly what debaters do to an opponent's point.
• Rebuke means to scold or sharply criticise a person. You rebuke a person for their behaviour, not a point.
• Reject means to refuse to accept something. It could fit loosely, but it only states non-acceptance and does not involve arguing against the point with proof, which is what debate is about.
• Refuse means to say you will not do or accept something. It is used with requests, offers or invitations (e.g. "refuse an offer"), not with arguments.

Step 3: Choose the best fit In a debate you don't just wave away a point. You answer it with counter-evidence and logic. That process is refuting. "Refute an opponent's point" is also a standard collocation in debating.

)

Answer: A. refute

Tip: Link refute with proof. If the context involves arguing, debating or disproving a claim, think "refute". Remember too that "rebuke" goes with people (you rebuke someone), while "refute" goes with claims, arguments or points.