Entry #11 Writing Strategies: HEDGING and BOOSTING

 

HEDGING IN ACADEMIC WRITING.

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)

HEDGING AND BOOSTING

Boosting examples:

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 positevely in such circumstances.

Certainly, this has had an impact on learning outcomes.

This will have an impact on future research in the field.

These figures prove that there has been strong growth as a result of policy change.

BOOSTING & HEDGING.

BOOSTING: 

Clearly, these sales figures show a definite increase in consumer confidence, which will undoubtedly have an impact on our share prices.

HEDGING: 

These sales figures suggest a possible increase in consumer confidence, which may have an impact on our share prices.

Definition of hedging and boosting, and a short piece of advice.

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