Portfolio Entry #11: Hedging and Boosting

    Portfolio Entry #11

~ Hedging and Boosting ~

Video #1: Hedging in Academic Writing


~ Examples~
HEDGING EXAMPLE #1

Categorical claim
The issues highlighted in this study are applicable to all participating institutions.

"Hedged" claim
The issue highlighted in this study may be applicable to many participating institutions.

HEDGING EXAMPLE #2

Categorical claim
Government support will assure the spread of new knowledge and the skills necessary to use the internet to thousands in rural areas.

"Hedged" claim
Government support may help with the spread of new knowledge and the skills necessary to use the internet to thousands of people in rural areas.

HEDGING EXAMPLE #3

Categorical claim
The study proves the link between smoking and lung disease.

"Hedged" claim
The study indicates/suggests a (possible) link between smoking and lung disease.

HEDGING EXAMPLE #4

Categorical claim
The number of unemployed people will continue to raise as the poor economic situation persists.

"Hedged" claim
The number or unemployed people will probably continue to raise as the poor economic situation persists.

HEDGING EXAMPLE #5

Categorical claim
This (and subsequent) studies led to the conclusion that the GTP itself must be elusive base, and therefore to the proposal of the GTP-as-base mechanism.
(Schweins et al. 1994, 1995)

"Hedged" claim
This (and subsequent) studies led to the conclusion that the GTP itself may be the elusive base, and therefore to the proposal of the GTP-as-base mechanism.
(Schweins et al. 1994, 1995)

 Video #2: Learn English - Hedging and Boosting



~ Examples~

HEDGING (to soften a statement)

General statement: Students arrive late for Monday morning classes. 

Qualified Claim: Students tend to arrive late for Monday morning classes. --> Hedged.

BOOSTING (to strengthen a statement) 
  • Clearly, these sales figures show a definite increase in consumer confidence, which will undoubtedly have an impact on our share price. 
  • Employees will always respond positively in such circumstances.
  • This obviously has an impact on learning outcomes.
  • These figures prove that there has been strong growth as a result of policy change.

♦ Podcast: Hedging and Boosting Language ♦


#1: Hedging


#2: Boosting


#3: Advice



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