Podcast
Questions and Answers
What forms of language should be avoided to ensure objectivity?
What forms of language should be avoided to ensure objectivity?
Which aspect is crucial for academic and professional writing?
Which aspect is crucial for academic and professional writing?
What can cause readers to doubt the validity of a writer's statement?
What can cause readers to doubt the validity of a writer's statement?
What does writing with judgmental language often indicate?
What does writing with judgmental language often indicate?
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What type of language can lead to a loss of credibility in academic writing?
What type of language can lead to a loss of credibility in academic writing?
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How can writers ensure their language remains objective?
How can writers ensure their language remains objective?
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What is a potential consequence of primarily using personal judgments in writing?
What is a potential consequence of primarily using personal judgments in writing?
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Which phrase exemplifies judgmental language?
Which phrase exemplifies judgmental language?
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Which verb indicates a degree of uncertainty in academic writing?
Which verb indicates a degree of uncertainty in academic writing?
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What type of verbs can be used to express likelihood in academic writing?
What type of verbs can be used to express likelihood in academic writing?
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Which of the following adjectives best conveys a definitive claim?
Which of the following adjectives best conveys a definitive claim?
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Which phrase effectively demonstrates hedging in academic writing?
Which phrase effectively demonstrates hedging in academic writing?
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Which of the following nouns implies a level of uncertainty?
Which of the following nouns implies a level of uncertainty?
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Which adverb suggests a possibility rather than certainty?
Which adverb suggests a possibility rather than certainty?
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What is the primary purpose of using hedging in academic writing?
What is the primary purpose of using hedging in academic writing?
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Which of the following modal verbs indicates a suggestion rather than a command?
Which of the following modal verbs indicates a suggestion rather than a command?
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What is a primary reason for using hedged language in reporting?
What is a primary reason for using hedged language in reporting?
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How does hedged language aid in politeness strategy?
How does hedged language aid in politeness strategy?
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What is a potential downside of using hedged language excessively?
What is a potential downside of using hedged language excessively?
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What determines the level of formality in writing?
What determines the level of formality in writing?
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In which type of writing is hedged language most commonly utilized?
In which type of writing is hedged language most commonly utilized?
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What is an important balance to maintain when using hedged language?
What is an important balance to maintain when using hedged language?
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Which tone is recommended when addressing an unknown audience?
Which tone is recommended when addressing an unknown audience?
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One key feature of hedged language is to minimize the possibility of what?
One key feature of hedged language is to minimize the possibility of what?
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What are the two main purposes of writing in academic or specific fields?
What are the two main purposes of writing in academic or specific fields?
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Using hedged language can improve communication by acknowledging what?
Using hedged language can improve communication by acknowledging what?
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What type of tone has no place in academic or professional writing?
What type of tone has no place in academic or professional writing?
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What does hedging in language indicate about the author's confidence?
What does hedging in language indicate about the author's confidence?
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When is it acceptable to use a semi-formal tone?
When is it acceptable to use a semi-formal tone?
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What is the main difference between formal and informal writing?
What is the main difference between formal and informal writing?
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What is the primary purpose of using personal language in writing?
What is the primary purpose of using personal language in writing?
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Why is it important to adjust writing style based on the audience?
Why is it important to adjust writing style based on the audience?
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In what type of writing is personal experience considered less important?
In what type of writing is personal experience considered less important?
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What does the purpose of writing to reinforce or change attitudes involve?
What does the purpose of writing to reinforce or change attitudes involve?
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Which of the following phrases exemplifies clear and direct language?
Which of the following phrases exemplifies clear and direct language?
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What kind of language should be avoided in academic writing?
What kind of language should be avoided in academic writing?
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Why is explicitness important in writing?
Why is explicitness important in writing?
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What is an example of a vague statement?
What is an example of a vague statement?
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How should figures be used in a statement?
How should figures be used in a statement?
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What is the effect of using figurative language in academic writing?
What is the effect of using figurative language in academic writing?
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Study Notes
Formality in Academic Writing
- The level of formality should be determined by the audience's expectations and the writer's purpose.
- Three levels of formality exist: formal, semi-formal, and informal.
- Formal tone should be used when speaking to an unknown audience.
- Semi-formal tone can be used when speaking to someone well-known.
- Informal tone has no place in academic or professional writing.
Purpose of Material
- Writing in academia or a specific field of expertise has two main purposes:
- To help other learn about a subject, carry out a task, or make a decision.
- To reinforce or change the attitude and motivate readers to take action.
Objectivity in Academic Writing
- Academic and professional language should be objective and unbiased.
- Avoid the following to ensure objectivity:
- Personal language
- Judgemental language
Explicitness in Academic Writing
- Use clear and direct language.
- Avoid figurative language like metaphor, simile, and irony as they can obscure meaning.
- Instead of saying, "This night is colder compared to last night," state, "This night is colder as the thermostat reads 25°C. Whereas, last night, we had 30°C for the whole night."
- The second statement offers a clear explanation with figures.
Hedging
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Hedging is when a writer or speaker minimizes the strength of their claims to avoid being absolutely certain or definitive.
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Hedging is commonly used in academic writing, legal documents, and news reports.
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Examples of hedged language include:
- Use of modal verbs (e.g., could, might, may)
- Modal adverbs (e.g., possibly, perhaps)
- Modal adjectives (e.g., possible, probable)
- Use of "It is thought that..." or "It may be suggested that..."
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One should use hedging sparingly as readers/listeners might be confused as to where the writer or speaker stands on a specific issue.
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The goal is to balance explicitness and caution in your writing so it does not appear you lack confidence in your thoughts and ideas.
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Description
This quiz explores the different levels of formality in academic writing, including formal, semi-formal, and informal tones. It also emphasizes the importance of objectivity and explicitness in academic communication. Test your understanding of how to communicate effectively in academic contexts.
