Writing: Advanced Argumentation C1
Lesson 5: Mastering Hedging Language
Listen to key concepts and examples.
Before You Start: C1 Core Concepts 🧠
Key Vocabulary (Click 🔊)
This lesson is about moving beyond simple, strong statements.
"always", "never", "this is"). It can sound arrogant or too simple."it seems", "may") to make claims less absolute.The B2 "Direct" vs. The C1 "Hedged" Argument
A B2 writer often states opinions as facts. A C1 writer presents them as reasoned arguments, open to discussion, which is more professional and persuasive.
B2 (Absolute & Direct) ⛔
"This policy is a complete failure. It will destroy the economy. Everyone knows this is a bad idea."
C1 (Hedged & Nuanced) ✅
"It could be argued that this policy is problematic. It appears to have several significant shortcomings that might negatively impact the economy. In general, its reception has been poor."
Your Hedging Toolkit 🛠️ (Click 🔊)
Use these tools to soften your claims and sound more academic.
To show possibility, not certainty.
- This may suggest...
- This might lead to...
- This could be a factor.
To report findings cautiously.
- The data suggests that...
- The report indicates...
- It seems / appears that...
To limit the scope of your claim.
- This is often the case.
- Generally, this is true.
- ...is true to some extent.
- This is arguably the best...
Example: Hedging in Practice
See how absolute statements are "softened" for academic writing.
Absolute: "AI will replace all creative jobs."
Hedged C1 Version: "It is possible that AI may replace certain aspects of creative jobs. The data tends to suggest that roles involving routine tasks are at a higher risk."
Practice Hedging 🎯
Quiz: "Soften" the Absolute Statement
Read the absolute (B2) statement, then choose the *best* hedged (C1) alternative.
1. Absolute: "This new law will solve the traffic problem."
2. Absolute: "Everyone in Cambodia loves durian."
3. Absolute: "The new policy is a complete failure."
Key Vocabulary Reference (Click 🔊)
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Hedging
Using cautious or vague language to make a statement less direct or absolute.
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Absolute
Total, complete, and 100% certain (e.g., "always", "never", "everyone").
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To Qualify (a claim)
To add limits to a statement to make it more specific or less absolute (e.g., "It is true *in some cases*...").
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Oversimplification
Describing a complex problem in a way that is too simple and ignores important details.
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Generalization
A general statement that is based on only a few examples (e.g., "All technology is good.").
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Shortcoming
A fault or weakness in a plan, system, or person.
Your Writing Mission ⭐
The "Academic Editor" Challenge
Find a strong, angry, or absolute opinion online (like a YouTube or Facebook comment). Copy the original comment, then rewrite it as a polite, professional, C1-level paragraph.
Example:
Original (B1): "AI is terrible! It is going to destroy all jobs for artists. We must ban it right now!"
Your C1 Rewrite: "The rapid development of AI raises significant concerns for the creative industry. It could be argued that certain jobs, particularly those involving repetitive tasks, may be at risk. However, rather than an outright ban, a more nuanced approach would be to focus on regulation and retraining..."