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

Approximators such as 'approximately,' 'around,' and 'about' hedge numerical claims by signaling that the figure is not exact.

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

A compound hedge stacks multiple hedging devices (e.g., a verb of appearance + a reporting verb) to increase tentativeness.

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

This sentence accurately reports both findings and hedges the potential reconciliation ('may moderate') without dismissing either study.

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

Nominal hedges are noun phrases or determiners (e.g., 'some researchers,' 'a number of studies') that avoid precise quantification.

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

Hedging also performs a social and rhetorical function: it shows the writer's awareness of academic norms, invites dialogue, and respects readers' rights to evaluate claims.

EAP - English For Academic Purposes Practice Test

EAP - English For Academic Purposes Practice Test

EAP Hedging Language in Academic Writing 3