C1 Writing: Hedging
The Shield
Protecting your Argument
Absolute statements (always, never, is) are easy to disprove. Academic writers use Hedging to make their claims precise and defensible.
1. Modal Verbs
Could, May, Might
"This could explain the sudden drop."
2. Distancing Verbs
Appear, Seem, Tend to
"Children tend to learn faster."
3. Adverbs of Probability
Arguably, Likely, Possibly
"This is arguably the best solution."
Certainty Scale
From Risky to Safe
Strategy: Writing "It causes..." is an attackable claim (you only need one example where it doesn't to prove it wrong). Writing "It suggests a link..." shields you from criticism.
Statement Shield
Topic: Remote Work
"Remote work makes employees lazy."
⚠️ Too Absolute
1. Introductory Hedge:
2. Soften the Verb:
3. Quantify (Don't generalize):
Mission
Rewrite Claims
Task: Rewrite these "Sledgehammer" sentences into "Scalpel" sentences using hedging.
- ❌ "Social media destroys mental health."
→ "Social media can contribute to..." - ❌ "Men are better at math than women."
→ "Some studies suggest a disparity..." - ❌ "Electric cars will save the planet."
→ "Electric cars play a crucial role in..."