Entry #11 Writing strategies: HEDGING and BOOSTING
Hedging is" the expression of tentativeness and
possibility"
It is important because:
1.
It
allows the writer to submit new arguments/claims while acknowledging there that
might be other, equally valid points of view.
2.
It allows the writer to make a new
contribution to their field in a productive and cooperative way.
3.
It
allows the writer to have the flexibility to avoid making absolute/categorical
statements which claim that the writer/researcher has found the perfect and
only answer, hedging allows the writer/researcher to offer something new and
establish him/herself as a possible authority on a topic, while leaving room
for other voices and perspectives.
4.
It
allows the writer to participate on ongoing conversations in fields where new evidence
is generated all the time and it is almost impossible to stay completely up-to-date
on the current state of affair.
Lexical
verbs used for hedging
Indicate –
propose – assume – estimate – suggest – appear – tend – argue.
Adverbial
constructions used for hedging
Often – almost –
occasionally – sometimes – quite – usually – probably – certainly.
Adverbial
constructions (modals) used for hedging
Must – will –
would – should – may – can – could – might.
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 the rural areas.
Hedge Claim
Government support
may help with the spread of new knowledge and the skills necessary to
use the internet to thousands of people in the rural areas.
Examples #3
Categorical Claim
The study proves the link between smoking and
lung disease.
Hedge Claim
The study indicates/suggests a (possible) link between smoking and
lung disease.
Example #4
Categorical Claim
The number of
unemployment people will continue to
raise as the poor economic situation persists.
Hedged Claim
The number of
unemployment people will probably continue
to raise as the poor economic situation persists.
Example #5
Categorical Claim
This (and
subsequent) studies led to the conclusion that the GTP itself must be the elusive base, and therefore
to the proposal of the GTP-as-base mechanism.
Hedge Claim
This (and
subsequent) studies led to the conclusion that the GTP itself may be the elusive base, and therefore
the proposal of GTP-as-based mechanism.
Boosting
It strengthens a statement.
Adverbs of frequency
Always – never
Adverbs or adjectives of certainty:
Certain – certainly – obvious – obviously – definite –
definitely – conclusive – conclusively – evident – evidently
Modal verbs
Will – should
Other verbs
Show – prove – evidence
Example #1
Clearly, these
sales figures show a definite increase in de consumer
confidence. Which will undoubtedly have
an impact on our share price.
Example #2
This obviously has
an impact on learning outcomes.
Example #3
These figures prove
that there has been strong growth as a result of a policy change.
Example #4
Employees will always respond positively in such circumstances.
A definition of hedging
To be honest, this is the very first time I have ever heard of hedging and boosting. However, after watching the videos (which, by the way, I enjoyed watching because of how clear all the explanation and examples were) I realized that, even though I did not know the specific terms, I have been using hedging and boosting all along in my writings at the profesorado. I am sure, that now that I know more about these two terms and their purposes, and I have seen excellent examples of how to correctly make use of hedging and boosting, I will be able to perfect my writings.
Another
thing I have never heard of was Vocaroo, and I must say I found it to be a very
interesting tool. I was a little reluctant at first since I do not like how my
voice sounds in recordings. Once I used it I could see it is an ingenious tool,
but yet it was quite easy to use.
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