Is the underlined word a hedge or a booster?It is essential for schools to think carefully about the rules they make about cell phones in the classroom.Group of answer choicesHedgeBooster

W13 Quiz: Using Hedges & Boosters in Academic WritingDue Dec 7 at 9:59am Points 6 Questions 6 Available Nov 19 at 10am - Dec 17 at 9:59am Time Limit None Allowed Attempts UnlimitedInstructionsObjectiveTo learn how to create a balanced and clear tone in writing by using hedges and boosters appropriately.To notice how word choice can affect the overall quality of writing.BackgroundHedges and boosters are categories of words and phrases. They each have an important function in language, especially academic language. According to Dr. Laura Aull (2015) students who use hedges and boosters effectively tend to sound more confident and competent; they also tend to get better scores on their essays.So what is a hedge? And what is a booster?Hedges: "words or phrases like may, might, perhaps, possibly that express caution or qualification by implying the claims are not necessarily proven or true in every case" (Aull, 2015, p. 218).Boosters: "words or phrases like clearly, certainty, must that show certainty and commitment to a claim; they allow little room for doubt or alternative views" (Aull, 2015, p. 217).Both hedges and boosters can help writing become better.When hedges are used effectively, they help readers to see that issues are complicated and that there may be room for multiple interpretations. Hedges keep the discussion open. On the other hand, boosters are useful to show commitment and passion about a subject. They demonstrate that a writer has clear convictions on the subject, and if supported by good evidence, these boosted statements can help persuade audiences to notice key ideas and/or take action on an issue.But if they're not used effectively, hedges and boosters can also make writing worse.Too many hedges can make writing sound confusing, uncertain, and even make a writer sound less credible. Too many boosters can make a writer seem extreme, overly biased, and even make the writer sound more like a salesperson than a scholar.Here are some examples:Effective Example Ineffective ExampleHedges After interviewing about thirty students (both male and female) in the library, researchers found that many of the students believed it is unlikely that men and women will remain friends if at least one of them are attracted to the other. After interviewing a relatively small group who may or may not have been going to the library, it might be possible that men and women cannot be just friends. However, there could be possible situations in some circumstances where maybe relationships can happen.Boosters After interviewing a wide range of college students in the library, researchers made an interesting discovery. They found that most male students agreed that it is very difficult for men and women to remain friends if one is attracted to the other. Surprisingly, however, most female students did not believe it would be very hard to remain friends with someone if there was some attraction in the relationship. After interviewing everyone in the library, it is obvious that men and women cannot be just friends, and under no circumstances can it happen.TaskTake the quiz to show that you can identify effective and ineffective uses of hedges and boosters in writing.Take the QuizPreviousNext

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