Unit 34 Hedging, exercise 1
Read the sentences from a student's writing and the tutor's feedback. Rewrite the sentences using hedging language from this unit. More than one option may be possible.
Words to learn Unit 34
- appear (v)
- indicate (v)
- likely (adj)
- more or less (phr)
- normally (adv) AWL
- on the whole (phr)
- overall (adv) AWL
- perhaps (adv)
- possible (adj)
- potentially (adv) AWL
- relatively (adv)
- seem (v)
- somewhat (adv) AWL
- tend to (v)
- typically (adv)
example: People aged under 25 use the internet more frequently than older people.
Is that true for all younger/older people?
Typically, people aged under 25 tend to use the internet more frequently than older people.
- Despite a number of minor problems, the scheme was very successful.
If there were problems, was it completely successful?
Answer: Despite a number of minor problems, overall/on the whole, the scheme was very successful.
- Coral reefs are seriously affected by rises in sea temperature.
I don't think the research has 100% proven this link yet.
Answer: Coral reefs seem/appear to be seriously affected by rises in sea temperature
- Solar power offers a solution to producing clean, cheap energy in developing countries.
Is it certain to work in all contexts? Isn't it quite expensive to set up?Answer: Solar power offers a potential/possible solution to producing clean, relatively cheap energy in developing countries.
- The study shows that bilingual children have better memory skills than children who only speak one language.
This is only one study – can we say that it clearly proves the link? Is it true for all children?
Answer: The study indicates/suggests that bilingual children may/typically have better memory skills than children who only speak one language.