C1_week_6_lesson_4-5

1.

WEEK 6
LESSON 4-5
The use of caution.
Evaluation and emphasis
Foreign Language 2
Astana IT University, 2024

2.

OUTLINE
Hedging: modals and semi-modals
Evaluation and emphasis

3.

Objectives
01
Use modals to express ability, possibility, certainty,
and uncertainty
02
Understand hedging language and identify hedging in
the text

4.

Review​
Let’s revise 3-2-1:
1. Similarly, likewise, however, unlike
2. used
Comparison
between, distinction between,
Name at least three expressions
for
compared to, analogies between
comparison and contrast.
3. Transitional
Name at least 2 prepositional expressions
for words, providing an
explanation, establishing cause and effect
comparison and contrast.
relationship,
Name at least 1 strategy to connect
data and using comparative language
evidence.

5.

Modal verbs and semi-modals
A modal is a type of auxiliary verb that is used to express:
ability, possibility, permission, or obligation.
Modal phrases (or semi-modals) are used to express the same
things as modals but are a combination of auxiliary verbs and
the preposition to.
Example: ought to, had better, dare, need, used to, have to.

6.

7.

Hedging
Hedging language (tentative/vague/cautious) refers to how a
writer expresses certainty or uncertainty.
Using language with suitable caution can protect your claims
from being easily dismissed.
It also helps to indicate the level of certainty we have in
relation to the evidence or support.

8.

Hedging
It is important to strike a balance between expressing
certainty and incorporating appropriate hedging. While
hedging adds nuance and accuracy to your academic
writing, excessive hedging may weaken your arguments.
Thus, it is crucial to evaluate the context and purpose of your
writing to determine the appropriate level of hedging
required.

9.

Example
NO HEDGING LANGUAGE
The research results clearly show
that in order to feel happier and
less
homesick,
international
students must spend more time
with friends from the host country
than their home countries.
HEDGING LANGUAGE
The research results indicate that
in order to feel happier and less
homesick, international students
may benefit from spending more
time with friends from the host
country than their home countries.

10.

HEDGING
Hedging verbs
Modal verbs of uncertainty
Appear/Seem + Verb
Appear/Seem that + clause
Other verbs like tend,
believe, doubt, indicate,
suggest, propose, argue,
contend, be sure, look
May/ might, can/could,
would, should
There appears to be a
correlations between socila
class and likelihood of getting
to university.
The researchers contend that
this theory provides a plausible
explanation,
although
alternative
interpretations
should be considered.
Organizational change tends to
create as many problems as
solutions.
The study suggests that there
may be a correlation between
two variables.
That - clause
Adverbs
It is clear that ...
It is apparent that ...
It may be perceived that ...
It has been suggested/ argued/ claimed
that ...
It seems evident that ...
It is widely accepted...
It is possible to argue...
Not necessarily
Potentially
Probably
Likely/unlikely
Seemingly
Perhaps
Presumably
Another possible area for
further research could be
….
It is clear that further research is needed to
fully understand the complex relationship
between these variables.
A policy image might be fit
into one venue better than
another.
It is apparent that the results of this study
may have implications for future policy
decisions, but more investigation is
necessary to validate these findings.
She argues that strategies
of expansion do not
necessarily have to involve
authoritative
institutions
only.
There are always a number
of issues which could
potentially get onto the
agenda.
It has been suggested that socioeconomic
factors play a role in educational
achievement; nevertheless, more research is
needed to explore the extent of their
influence.

11.

Activity 1. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate modal verb (may,
might, could, can, would, should, must) to complete the sentences.
1. According to the research, regular exercise __________ improve cognitive function in
older adults.
2. We __________consider the potential limitations of this study before drawing any
conclusions.
3. Students __________take advantage of the resources available at the library for their
research projects.
4. The government __________ implement stricter regulations to reduce carbon emissions
and combat climate change.
5. The findings of this study __________ have significant implications for future policy
decisions.
6. Researchers __________ conduct further experiments to validate the initial findings.
7. To excel in academics, students __________ manage their time effectively and prioritize
their studies.
8. A longitudinal study would provide valuable insights into the long-term effects of the
intervention on participants' health outcomes.

12.

Activity 2. Read the following sentences and highlight hedging in the
sentence.
1. The results of this study suggest that there may be a correlation between exercise and
mental well-being.
2. It is possible that further research is needed to fully understand the implications of
this phenomenon.
3. The data provides some evidence to support the hypothesis, although the results are
inconclusive.
4. This study offers a tentative explanation for the observed pattern, which could be
explored in future investigations.
5. The findings indicate a moderate association between variables, but it is important to
consider other potential factors that might influence the relationship.

13.

Activity 3. Rewrite
appropriate hedging.
the
following
sentences
by
incorporating
1. Coffee consumption increases the risk of heart disease.
2. The experiment proved that the hypothesis was correct.
3. The data clearly demonstrates a strong relationship between X and Y.
4. The findings unquestionably support the effectiveness of this treatment.
5. This theory explains all aspects of the phenomenon without any exceptions.

14.

Activity 4. Rewrite the following sentences using the words in
brackets.
1. It has been stated that 25% of homeless adults suffer from some form of
mental illness. (estimated)
2. The practice of short selling brought about the collapse of Lehman Brothers.
(contributed)
3. Drought is a major problem in some parts of Sub-Saharan Africa. (appears)
4. Wasps with a greater number of black spots on their heads are more
aggressive, according to research. (tend)
5. The report concludes that in some parts of the country bipolar disorder is
being overdiagnosed. (indicates)
6. Smaller electronics companies are doing better than their larger rivals. (looks)

15.

Activity 5.
Rewrite the following sentences using the words in brackets.
1. These new studies into brain function help us to understand cases of slow
development in some children. (can)
2. High-speed rail travel in Europe will take more market share from short-haul
flights. (possible)
3. Scientists have found a way of changing the immune system to prevent food
allergies. (may)
4. Medical research will not determine the cause of autism. (unlikely)
5. There is likely to be a worldwide shortage of rare earth metals in the near
future. (probably)
6. Sparks from electric power lines caused some of the forest fires in the region.
(likely)

16.

Lesson 2
Building vocabulary
Evaluation and Emphasis

17.

Objectives
define and understand key vocabulary terms related to
evaluation and emphasis in academic writing
identify and explain the significance of vocabulary words
associated with evaluation and emphasis

18.

Revision
Give 3 commonly used linking expressions
for comparison and contrast.
Give 3 prepositional expressions for comparing and
contrasting.

19.

Adjectives for evaluating: opening sentences from science articles
Adjective
Meaning
Example
comprehensive
complete, including everything that is
necessary
The first comprehensive survey of coral reefs
is being carried out in the Indian Ocean.
fundamental
basic, from which everything else originates
Fundamental problems exist in current
theories of the universe, a physicist claims.
ground- breaking
very new and big change
A ground- breaking discovery has been
made in research into ageing and death.
important
having great effect or influence
Important new information about the planets
has been gained from the Orbis space
probe.
intense
extreme and forceful or (of a feeling)
very strong
Working hours have increased and
pressures at work have become more
intense in the UK.
crucial
extremely important or necessary
A crucial stage in global warming could be
reached within ten years, scientists say.
misguided
based on bad judgement or on wrong
information or beliefs
The search for a unified theory of the human
mind is misguided, says a psychologist.
unique
being the only existing one of its type or,
more generally, unusual, or special in some
way
The discovery of a dinosaur- like bone fossil
in Africa is unique, according to scientists.
significant
important or noticeable
In 1997, Irkan published a significant piece of
research on open structures in bridges.
inadequate
not good enough or too low in quality
Current responses to the global energy crisis
are inadequate, a scientist has warned.

20.

Do you usually hear these words/ phrases from your instructor?
The only criticism I have
is that there is a notable
lack of key references to
work before 2000.
It is not surprising that you
had problems matching the
two results, which could be
viewed as almost
contradictory.
You should have
given credit to
earlier work by
Wilson and
Healey.
I am concerned
about the validity of
some of your
analysis, and as a
result, some of your
conclusions may be
invalid.
I don’t think the two
different analyses
you did are
compatible.
There are some solid
arguments in Section
A, but I think your
conclusion in B is
mistaken and lacks
hard evidence. Your
data are rather
limited.

21.

Other evaluative expressions
Expressions
It is noteworthy that.....
Meaning
worth paying attention to; interesting
or significant.
It is worth recalling that......
to bring the memory of a
past event into your mind, and often
to give a description of what
you remember
to accept, admit,
or recognize something, or
the truth or existence of something
confirmed, shown to be true
Acknowledge
Be borne out by.....
1.
2.
3.
seminal
challenge
flaw
1.
2.
3.
Containing important new
ideas, very influential
Questions whether they are
correct
Faults, mistakes or
weaknesses
Example
It is noteworthy
that Holikov (1996) also had difficulty
explaining the phenomenon.
It is worth recalling that
three previous studies failed to find a
link between the two events.
We should recognise/ acknowledge
how difficult it is to interpret these
data.
These results are borne out by two
other studies: Hermann(1998) and
Wilson ( 2001)
In his seminal work, Abaka
challenges current techniques,
revealing flaws in data interpretation.

22.

Emphasising
Emphasis in academic writing refers to the intentional
highlighting or prioritization of certain ideas, arguments, or
information to convey their importance and make them stand
out to the reader.
It involves using various techniques and strategies to draw
attention to key points and ensure they are effectively
communicated.
Emphasis helps guide the reader's understanding and focus,
enabling them to grasp the main ideas and arguments more
easily.
Through the careful use of language, sentence structure,
paragraph organization, and visual aids, emphasis enhances
the clarity, coherence, and persuasive power of academic
writing.

23.

Techniques for Emphasizing Ideas:
a) Word choice: Using strong and precise language to convey meaning.
E.g., The research underlined/ highlighted the need for a new social policy for
childcare.
b) Sentence structure: Placing important information in subject and
object positions, using active voice, and employing sentence variety.
E.g.:
1. Under/ In no circumstances/ On no account is it right to video people without
consent.
2. Seldom/ Never (before)/ Rarely in the history of Europe has there been such a
crisis.
3. In no way/ By no means does this new study invalidate existing studies.
4. Only in 1985 did the government accept that something needed to be done
urgently.

24.

Activity 1. Choose the best words to complete each of these sentences:
acknowledged
enged flaws
evidence
seminal credit
limited
borne
flawed
mistaken chall
ground- breaking
validity
crucial
viewed
Nerinck gave …..(1) to the input of her research associates and …...... (2)
that they had played a …... (3) role in the project.
B. Unfortunately, these results are not …......(4) out by other work in the field and
you are …....(5) to claim that there is hard …... (6)to support your theory. There
are …...(7) in some of your calculations, and they need redoing.
C. Herbert ….......(8) Evensson on the …....(9) of his conclusions claiming that his
data were …......(10) and were too …....(11)to be reliable.
D. This superb article can be ….....(12) as a …........(13) piece of work which
has made …......(14) discoveries about the nature of cancerous cells.
A.

25.

Activity 2. Choose the best word to complete each sentence.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
The study highlights/ gives credit the need for more research.
I don't find your arguments either hard/ solid or convincing.
Unfortunately, the two studies came up with results which were
not compatible/ limited.
She wrote the first contradictory/ comprehensive study of
this key/ misguided period of Vietnamese hist
It is borne out/ worth recalling that his work was initially criticized for
being too limited/ flawed in scope.
The article underlines/ is viewed as the importance of literacy
and numeracy skills in early education.

26.

Activity 3. Match the sentences on the left with an appropriate
sentence on the right
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
The minister's emphasis on the word
'peace' was noticeable.
Our guide accentuated the importance
of remaining calm if there was trouble.
Our
teacher
explained
that
it
was crucially important to pace
ourselves while revising for the exam.
At the People's Party conference, the
accent was on youth unemployment.
Prominent trade unionists have called
for boycott of imported goods.
It is of crucial importance that we make
more use of technology if we are to
make progress.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
The government will have to sit up and
take note of what these important
people have to say.
She emphasised the fact that
panicking would only make matters
worse.
The leader gave prominence to the
need
to
create
better
job
opportunities.
We consider progress in the field to
be extremely important.
He put great stress on the maxim that
'All work and no play makes Jack a
dull boy'.
He stressed again and again the
importance of an established détente.

27.

Activity 4. Complete the sentences with an expressions from Activity
3. In some cases, more than one answer may be possible.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Some medical treatments do very little to help the patient. In fact, in
some cases, they only ___________________________ the pain.
The revolution began when a _______________________ member of
the ruling party was assassinated.
At
the
meeting
of
the
Students'
Council,
the
__________________________ was on better standards of
accommodation.
She _________________________ the need to be fully prepared for
all eventualities while travelling.
The Minister of Transport __________________________ on the need
for an integrated transport policy.
It is ________________________ that we try to improve relations
between our countries.
She banged the table for ________________________ as she spoke.

28.

Activity 5. Rewrite these sentences beginning in the way
indicated
It is by no means certain that all the students will pass their final exams.By no means.........................................................................................
2. Never before had he taught such an outstanding student.He …....................................................................................................
3. The country has rarely witnessed such a display of public feeling.Rarely....................................................................................................
4. In no way will we be able to halt the progress of global warming.We........................................................................................................
5. Students will not be allowed to defer the completion of their thesis longer
than one month under any circumstances.Under no circumstances …........................................................................
6. We will only know the answer when we gather a lot more data.Only when we …......................................................................................
1.

29.

Reflection
Rate your knowledge from 1-5
I know which adjectives can be used for evaluating.
I can name at least 5 evaluative expressions.
I know the techniques and vocabulary for emphasizing ideas in
academic writing.

30.

Week 6. Vocabulary bank
1.comprehensive
2.fundamental
3.ground- breaking
4.important
5.intense
6.crucial
7.misguided
8.unique
9.significant
10.inadequate
11.criticism
12.notable
13.key reference
14.to give credit to
15.validity
16.invalid
17. significantly
18. compatible
19. It is not surprising
that
20. Could be viewed as
21. contradictory
22. solid argument
23. mistaken evidence
24. hard evidence
25. limited data
26. It is noteworthy that
27. It is worthy recalling
that
28. to acknowledge
29. to be borne out by
30. seminal work
31. challenge
32. flaws
33. to underline
34. to highlight
35. under/ In no circumstances
36. on no account
37. in no way
38. by no means
39. accentuate
40. prominent
41. emphasis/ accent/ stress
42. put great stress
43. of crucial importance/
extremely important
44. divergent​
45. convergent​
46. precedent​
47. antecedent

31.

RESOURCES
Hewings, M. (2013). Advanced Grammar in Use: A Self-study Reference and Practice
Book for Advanced Learners of English. Cambridge University Press.
O’Dell, F., McCarthy, M. (2013). Academic Vocabulary in Use: 50 Units of Academic
Vocabulary Reference and Practice: Self-study and Classroom Use. (n.p.): Cambridge
University Press. Units 24, 25, 26, 33, 38. pp. 56- 61, 74- 75, 84- 85.

32.

Thank you for
your attention!

33.

Keys (grammar)
A1. 1.can 2. should 3. should 4. must 5. may 6.should 7.
must 8. would
A2. 1. May be 2. possible 3. Some, inconclusive 4. Tentative,
could be 5. Moderate, might
A3. 1. Coffee consumption may increase the risk of heart
disease.
2. The experiment suggests that the hypothesis was correct.
3. The data indicates a strong relationship between X and Y.
4. The findings strongly support the effectiveness of this
treatment.
5. This theory generally explains aspects of the phenomenon,
but exceptions should be considered.
A4.1 It has been estimated that 25% of homeless adults suffer
from some form of mental illness.
2 The practice of short selling contributed to the collapse of
Lehman Brothers.
3 Drought appears to be the major problem in some parts of
Sub-Saharan Africa.
4 Wasps with a greater number of black spots on their heads
tend to be more aggressive, according to research.
5 The report indicates that in some parts of the country bipolar
disorder is being overdiagnosed.
6 It looks as if/though smaller electronics companies are doing
better than their larger rivals.
A5. 1 These new studies into brain function can help
us to understand cases of slow development in some
children.
2 It is possible that high-speed rail travel in Europe will
take more market share from short-haul flights.
3 Scientists may have found a way of changing the
immune system to prevent food allergies.
4 Medical research is unlikely to determine (or It is
unlikely that medical research will determine) the cause
of autism.
5 There will probably be a worldwide shortage of rare
earth metals in the near future.
6 Sparks from electric power lines are likely to
have caused (or It is likely that sparks ... caused) some
of the forest fires in the region.

34.

Keys (vocabulary)
Activity 1.
1.credit 2. acknowledged 3.crucial
4. borne 5. mistaken 6. evidence
7. flaws 8. challenged 9. validity
10. flawed 11. limited 12. viewed
13. seminal/ ground- breaking
14. ground- breaking
Activity 2.
1. highlights 2. solid 3. compatible
comprehensive, key
5. worth
recalling
6.underlines
Activity 3.
1F 2B 3E 4C 5A 6D
4.
Activity 4.
1. accentuate
2. prominent
3. emphasis/ accent/ stress
4. emphasised/ accentuated/ stressed
5. put great stress
6. of crucial importance/ extremely important
7. Emphasis
Activity 5.
1. By no means is it certain that all the students will
pass their final exams.
2. He had never before taught such an outstanding
student.
3. Rarely has the country witnessed such a display
of public feeling.
4. We will in no way be able to halt the process of
global warming.
5. Under no circumstances will students be allowed
to defer the completion of their thesis longer
than one month.
6. Only when we gather a lot more data will we
know the answer.