ENTRY #14

VIDEO 1: THE IMPORTANCE OF HEDGING


EXAMPLE 1:

• Categorical claim

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

• "Hedged" claim

The issues highlighted in this study may be applicable to many participating institutions.

EXAMPLE 2:

• Categorical claim  

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

• "Hedged" claim

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

EXAMPLE 3:

• Categorical claim   

The study proves the link between smoking and lung desease.

• "Hedged" claim

The study indicates/suggests the link between smoking and lung desease.

EXAMPLE 4:

• Categorical claim 

The number of unmeployed people will continue to raise as the poor economic situation persists.

• "Hedged" claim

The number of unmeployed people will probably continue to raise as the poor economic situation persists.

EXAMPLE 5:

• Categorical claim 

 This (and subsequent) studies led to the conclussion that the GTP itself must be the elusive base, and therefore to the proposal of the GTP-as-based mechanism.

• "Hedged" claim 

 This (and subsequent) studies led to the conclussion that the GTP itself may be the elusive base, and therefore to the proposal of the GTP-as-based mechanism.

VIDEO 2: HEDGING AND BOOSTING

EXAMPLE 1:
Students often arrive late for Monday morning classes.
EXAMPLE 2:
Generally speaking, students arrive late for Monday morning classes.
EXAMPLE 3:
Students are likely to arrive late for Monday morning classes.


In our writing, we often indicate how confident we are about the claims we make. If we are doubtful that something is true, we may use words like perhaps or possibly. If we’re confident, we may say that something is clearly or obviously true. These words are called hedges and boosters. They affect the tone of our writing, and good writers use them effectively.

HEDGING
To hedge means to waffle on an issue, to avoid committing oneself. Originally, the term referred to literally hiding in a bush or hedge. These days, hedging simply means expressing some feeling of doubt or hesitancy.

BOOSTING
If hedges express doubt, boosters demonstrate confidence. The danger with boosters is that they can make you seem cocky and pompous. However, if you use them sparingly they can convey the right amount of self-assurance. The selective use of boosters will convince your reader that you know your stuff and are an expert in your field.

1. DEFINITION OF HEDGING
2. DEFINITION OF BOOSTING
3. WHY ARE THEY IMPORTANT IN ACADEMIC WRITING?