Entry #11 'Hedging and Boosting'

 

Hedging

Video 1: 'Hedging in Academic Writing'

It is used when we wat to soften what we are saying to avoid making too strong acclaim.

Some examples:

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

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

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

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

a) The study proves the link between smoking and lung disease.

b) The study indicates/suggests the link between smoking and lung disease.

a) The number of unemployed people will continue to raise as the poor economic situation exists.

b) The number of unemployed people will probably continue to raise as the poor economic situation exists.

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

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

 

Video 2: Hedging and Boosting

Boosting is basically the opposite of hedging: it strengthen  the statement so that the author presents a strong point of view.

Some examples:

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

Adverbs of frequency: always, never

ALWAYS: Employees will always respond positively in such circumstances.

Adverbs & adjectives of certainty: certain-certainly, obvious-obviously, definite-definitely, conclusive-conclusively, evident-evidently

Certainly, this has had and impact on learning outcomes.

This certainly has had an impact on learning outcomes.

Modal verbs: will, should

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

Other verbs (Strong verbs): show, prove, evidence

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

Boosting vs Hedging

Here there is an example showing the difference between boosting and 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.

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