EAP Hedging Language in Academic Writing 3

Question 1

Which of the following is an example of an 'approximator' used as a hedging device?

Accepted Answer

The policy affected approximately 3,000 households.

Answer

It is clear that the policy failed.

Answer

Smith argues that the policy was counterproductive.

Answer

The policy might have contributed to the decline.

Question 2

What is a 'compound hedge,' and which example below illustrates one?

Accepted Answer

Combining two or more hedging devices, as in 'appears to suggest'

Answer

Using a single modal verb such as 'may' to qualify a claim

Answer

Citing two sources to support a hedged claim

Answer

Using both active and passive voice in the same sentence

Question 3

In a literature review, which sentence demonstrates appropriate hedging when contrasting two studies?

Accepted Answer

Jones (2020) found no significant effect; however, Park (2021) suggests that context may moderate this outcome.

Answer

Jones (2020) is wrong while Park (2021) is completely correct.

Answer

Jones (2020) and Park (2021) disagree, so the topic is too confusing to analyze.

Answer

It is obvious from the literature that Jones (2020) and Park (2021) both failed to study this properly.

Question 4

Which term describes the use of vague language such as 'some,' 'certain,' or 'a number of' to hedge claims about quantity or membership?

Accepted Answer

Nominal hedges

Answer

Epistemic adverbials

Answer

Modal auxiliaries

Answer

Passive constructions

Question 5

What is the pragmatic function of hedging in academic peer-reviewed writing, beyond expressing uncertainty?

Accepted Answer

To demonstrate the writer's politeness and respect for the discourse community's norms

Answer

To signal to readers that the research is incomplete and should not be cited

Answer

To allow the writer to avoid defending claims during peer review

Answer

To reduce the word count of conclusions sections

Question 6

A student writes: 'This study proves that meditation eliminates academic anxiety.' Which revision best corrects the hedging error?

Accepted Answer

This study indicates that meditation may significantly reduce academic anxiety.

Answer

This study possibly might perhaps suggest that meditation could eliminate academic anxiety.

Answer

This study is very clear that meditation always helps with academic anxiety.

Answer

This study does not prove anything about meditation and academic anxiety.

Question 7

Which discipline tends to use the HIGHEST frequency of hedging devices in its research articles?

Accepted Answer

Humanities and social sciences, because claims about human behavior are inherently uncertain

Answer

Mathematics, because proofs require absolute certainty

Answer

Engineering, because technical specifications must be precise

Answer

Chemistry, because chemical reactions are always predictable