Practice: Hedging and Academic Style

Answer all the questions, then check your score and read the explanations.

1. Question 1 · Multiple choice

   Which sentence is best hedged?

   A.This proves that the method always works.B.The results suggest that the method may be effective.C.Everyone knows the method works.D.The method obviously works perfectly.
2. Question 2 · Gap fill

   Make it formal: The study looked into the causes. The study ___ the causes.
3. Question 3 · Multiple choice

   Which phrase is inappropriate in academic writing?

   A.It appears thatB.A number of studiesC.Loads of people thinkD.The majority of respondents
4. Question 4 · Gap fill

   Complete: The findings ___ (tend) to support the hypothesis.
5. Question 5 · True or false

   Contractions such as don't are normal in academic essays.

   TrueFalse
6. Question 6 · Multiple choice

   Choose the most cautious statement.

   A.The policy caused the decline.B.The policy may have contributed to the decline.C.The policy definitely caused the decline.D.The decline proves the policy failed.
7. Question 7 · Gap fill

   Nominalise: They implemented the policy quickly. The ___ of the policy was rapid.
8. Question 8 · Multiple choice

   Which linker best introduces a contrasting result?

   A.MoreoverB.NeverthelessC.ThereforeD.Similarly